During high school, it became clear to me that I wanted to work with people. Following a gap year, I began a Bachelor of Social Science: Human Services with Queensland University of Technology (QUT). After graduation, I entered the Bachelor of Social Work (graduate entry program) with University of Queensland (UQ). I undertook this study on a part-time basis and completed this degree in 2008.
In 2009 I embarked upon my one year Yoga Teacher Training course with Radiant Light Yoga as a way to nourish myself and create another way of working with people. To hone my counselling skills further, I undertook a Graduate Certificate in Gestalt Therapy with Gestalt Therapy Brisbane in 2011. In 2017 I began an Honours thesis with James Cook University (JCU) which allowed me to further explore my interests in grief, trauma, and the body.
Since graduating as a Social Worker, I have undertaken a range of professional development courses. I have focused my professional development on the following theories and practice modalities: Interpersonal neuro-biological approach to working with trauma as presented by Dr Janina Fisher; Person-Centred theory as presented by Carl Rogers; Somatic approaches to psychotherapy as set out in Hakomi; Existential theory from Irvine Yalom, Narrative therapy from the Dulwich Centre, Feminist theory as espoused by a range of feminist writers and practitioners; and Cognitive-Behaviour theory as presented by the Australian Psychological Society.
In my own external supervision, I have worked with Dr Jenny Gilmore in Brisbane and draw upon her extensive knowledge and practice wisdom of working with people who have survived trauma. I currently focus my external supervision in the areas of grief and loss, and provision of external supervision.
I have also engaging in my own personal counselling with Dr Kaye Gersch in Cairns which facilitated my embodied experience with, and knowledge of Jungian analysis.
From 2008 – 2013 I worked in counselling roles with the following community organisations supporting women survivors of sexual violence: Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre; Immigrant Women’s Support Service, Brisbane Rape and Incest Survivors Support Service, and Cairns Sexual Assault Service. Alongside my paid employment, I also volunteered with Women’s Legal Service, and Karuna Hospice; both located in Brisbane. I entered private practice in 2013 and was fully self-employed from June 2014 to January 2018 – a rewarding experience!
In 2018, my interest in grief and loss led to me a two-day a week role as a Social Worker in the Palliative Care Ward, Gordonvale Memorial Hospital with Queensland Health.
In 2019, I returned to full time private practice; offering counselling, external supervision, and undertaking sessional work in the university sector.
Then in 2020, I withdrew from being a registered yoga teacher, after ten years of offering classes in yoga studios and community settings. I am very grateful for this part of my professional life; specifically in honing my skills in trauma-sensitive yoga, restorative yoga, and having my own small yoga studio. While I no longer offer yoga classes, the somatic learnings from yoga teaching continue to inform my approach to counselling. I personally continue to undertake a daily ‘mindful movement’ practice based on yoga asanas.
I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers. I engage in my own external supervision, peer supervision, ongoing professional development, and my own personal reflective practices to support my own well-being and ensure I continue to work effectively and ethically with people.
Though my professional life is very full, I find my it very meaningful and satisfying. I am grateful for my personal attributes and professional skills and experience that allow me to work with people in the ways that I have shared above.
Personally, I am from Brisbane originally and moved to Cairns in 2013. I am enriched by the abundant nature in this region and appreciate the smallness of Cairns. In my time off from work, I enjoy walking – along a beach or in the rainforest, reading, riding my bicycle, connecting with people, resting, practising yoga, meditating, and contemplating the miracle of being alive.