I say it as it is -
kindly.

I tell all my new clients the same thing: “I may not necessarily be your cup of tea.” You may share the deepest, most intimate things with me, and you have to be able to build the kind of trusting relationship that real change needs. My commitment to you is to tell you the honest truth, authentically, and respectfully. Real change can only start when we face into the uncomfortable reality of who we are, and how others have treated us.

I know that from both chairs. I’ve been a counselling client myself, and I’ve had to work out whether a counsellor I was seeing was the right fit for me. I have driven over an hour to see a counsellor.

Before counselling I was a nurse: years of sitting with people on their hardest days. I went on to work as a nursing manager and educator, in hospitals and training organisations in Australia and overseas. Over those years I came to realise that the relational side was where the real change happened. I know what it is to be the helper, and I know what it is to need help.

So I trained as a counsellor. I hold a Master of Counselling and a Master of Education and Training, both from Victoria University, and I’ve been in practice since 2018. I specialise in couples therapy. I have completed Level 3 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and I’ve also trained in Integrative Couple Therapy with Relationships Australia.

I say it as it is - kindly. Couples tell me the difference in my room is that we cut through the rubbish and get to what’s actually going on. I’m compassionate, and I’m challenging, and I’ve found that combination is what moves things. I communicate well with both men and women, which often matters most for the partner who didn’t want to come. If that’s you, you’re welcome here too.

I also work with individuals, including people going through separation and divorce, re-partnering and blended families, and I supervise other counsellors. You’ll find me in rooms in Richmond and Essendon, and by telehealth anywhere in Australia.

I try to practise what I teach. As a counsellor who is always helping clients find ways to be self-compassionate, I keep up my own regime: exercise and strength training, time for myself, catching up with friends, and a good book with a cup of tea when I have the time.