How trauma shapes us and how we can recover

Our childhood experiences shape how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. Growing up in environments with abuse, neglect, inconsistency, or stress can lead our nervous systems to prioritise survival over connection.

These responses like shutting down, staying hyper-alert, people-pleasing, or numbing are normal survival strategies. They often helped us get through what felt unmanageable at the time. But over time, these same patterns can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.

This is how trauma shapes us but it doesn’t have to define us. Research in neuroplasticity shows that our minds and bodies are capable of change throughout life. In a safe, supportive relationship like the one we build in therapy, your nervous system can begin to learn that it’s no longer in danger and no longer needs to rely on old survival responses.

In our work together, we begin with what’s present now, while gently exploring the patterns that developed over time. From there, we work toward rebuilding a stronger sense of self, grounded in resilience, clarity, and empowerment.

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How I can support you

  • Individual Therapy & Counselling

    Available for individuals aged 16 and over navigating mental health challenges and trauma. Whether you prefer face-to-face counselling, Telehealth (via video or phone), or outdoor ‘walk and talk’ sessions immersed in nature, support is offered in the setting that best suits your needs.

    $170 per 50min session
    inc. GST

  • EMDR Therapy

    EMDR therapy offers targeted support to reduce the emotional impact of trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. Discover how EMDR can help you process traumatic memories, challenge negative beliefs, and break free from stuck thought patterns. Available via face to face sessions or online video.

    $180 per 50min session
    inc. GST

  • Clinical Professional Supervision

    For new graduate social workers or counsellors seeking clinical supervision to strengthen both their client work and their own wellbeing. Here you'll have space to reflect on your practice, explore ethical dilemmas, and build on the quality of support you provide to clients while also caring for yourself as a practitioner.


    $175 per 50min session
    inc. GST

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My Counselling Approach: Relational, Collaborative & Empowering

Our relationship is at the heart of our work together. Being relational means I listen not only to what you say, but also to what shows up between us in the room. Often, the most meaningful shifts come from feeling genuinely connected and understood by another person.

I also work collaboratively - meaning we’ll shape the process together, bringing curiosity and openness to your experiences, and making space for both what feels difficult and what feels possible.

My approach is also empowering. Together, we look beyond challenges and draw on your strengths, resilience, and capacity for growth. Through this, my hope is that you begin to experience different ways of relating to your challenges, to yourself, and to those around you.

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Here’s how we ease into things

  • Step 1: Free 15 mins Consultation

    This is an opportunity for us to connect and get a sense of each other.We'll briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, and explore how I can support you. You can ask any questions, and I'll share how I work and together we can see if we're a good fit.

  • Step 2: Initial Session

    Our first session is where we begin building our therapeutic relationship. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing on you -your concerns, wishes, or goals for therapy- while identifying patterns and gaining clarity on your experiences. You’re encouraged to share at your own pace. We’ll also discuss how I work, what to expect from therapy, and lay the foundation for our work together.

  • Step 3: Collaborative Work

    Therapy is a co-created experience. It isn’t something done to you, but something we shape together in real time. This often includes two interconnected processes: Cognitive & Verbal work - making sense with words, reflecting, exploring, and learning new ideas.

    Somatic, Relational & Embodied work - slowing down and working with the body’s intelligence, noticing sensations, movement, and feelings. Together, these approaches bring mind and body into dialogue, creating space for deeper exploration, awareness, and integration.

  • Step 4: Ongoing Sessions

    Healing or change isn’t a one-time event: it’s a process that unfolds over time. In our ongoing sessions, old patterns or past feelings may resurface, sometimes bringing moments of discomfort, tension, or uncertainty. Together, we’ll approach these moments gently and at your pace, using them as opportunities to explore, experiment, and practice new ways of being. Through this process of repair, integration, and growth, we'll work to build resilience, develop new skills, and deepen your sense of self - creating changes that extend beyond the therapy room.

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Frequently asked Questions

What happens in the first session?

Our first session is a chance to get to know each other. We’ll discuss what’s brought you to therapy and what you hope to get out of our work together. Sessions run for 50 minutes. You don’t need to prepare anything special for our first meeting, but if you have, that’s okay too. Just come as you are. There’s no pressure to share everything right away; you can go at your own pace. This is just the beginning of our work together.

I’ve never been to therapy before… what should I expect?

That’s completely okay! Therapy is simply a space for you to explore and untangle your thoughts, feelings, and experiences together in a way that feels safe, supportive and with no judgement. It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous at first- many people do! But most find they start to relax as we talk. no pressure to share everything at once - we go at your pace.

Do you offer rebates or accept Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP)?

I don’t take Mental Health Care Plans or offer rebates. My practice is structured to provide ongoing therapy, without the restrictions or session limits that often come with rebate schemes. This means we can continue our work together, without the pressure to fit into a set number of sessions. If you need a progress letter for your GP, we can discuss and arrange that together.

What are your fees and how long is each session?

Sessions are 50 minutes long, except for EMDR which may run on additional time.

My fees are:

  • $170 inc GST per standard session
  • $180 inc GST for EMDR therapy
  • 193.99 for NDIS as per current NDIS arrangement

How often should I come to therapy?

Therapy is most effective when there’s consistency and commitment from the start. Regular sessions help build a strong working relationship and create space for meaningful progress to unfold.

Most people begin with weekly or fortnightly sessions to establish a solid foundation. Consistency in the early stages helps build trust and momentum, especially while we’re getting to know each other and starting to unpack what’s going on.

As things begin to shift and settle, some people continue at the same pace, while others choose to space sessions out depending on what’s happening in their life and what feels sustainable.

Some people come for a short time to focus on a specific challenge. Others stay longer to explore more complex patterns or to work through the impact of trauma. It’s also completely normal to return to therapy at different points in life - during transitions, when new challenges arise, or simply when you're ready to explore something more.

There’s no set number of sessions. We’ll find a rhythm that feels right for you and continue to check in along the way. You’re always in control- you can adjust the frequency, take a break, or wrap up when it feels right. We’ll approach therapy as a shared process - guided by your needs and pace, not a fixed plan or timeframe.

Is your approach right for me?

Finding the right therapist is important! My approach is warm, relational, and collaborative. I focus on helping you reconnect with yourself, make sense of past experiences, and move forward in a way that feels empowering.

What is your approach to therapy?

I believe therapy works best when it’s a collaborative effort. You’re the expert on your life—I’m here to help you make sense of things, offer guidance, and explore new perspectives. My work is trauma-informed, person-centered, and deeply relational, with a mix of practical strategies and deeper healing work tailored to your needs.

How long will I be in therapy?

There’s no set timeline—everyone’s journey is different. Some people come in for a few sessions to work through a specific challenge, while others engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and personal growth. You’re always in control—you can pause, stop, or change the frequency of sessions whenever you need.

Do you only provide counselling in Brisbane?

I offer in-person therapy in Brisbane and online therapy across Australia and internationally. No matter where you are, we can work together.

What issues do you not work with?

I do not work with clients who are in high-risk crisis situations or require intensive crisis intervention. If you are experiencing acute distress, suicidal thoughts, or require immediate support, I strongly encourage you to reach out to crisis services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), your GP, or a crisis mental health team in your area. Therapy with me is best suited for individuals looking for ongoing support, personal growth, and healing in a safe, structured space.

What to expect in counselling

Authenticity

Let’s strip away the formalities. With a blend of professional expertise and genuine human connection, I’m here to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are. You’ll get to know me as a real person—someone who’s easy-going, direct, and passionate about our work together. My invitation is simple: bring your whole self, just as you are.

Judgement Free Space

Together, we’ll create a safe space for you to be yourself. We’ll explore your experiences with curiosity, kindness, and, of course, humour.

Empowerment & Resilience

Our work together is about helping you take charge of your life and navigate challenges more easily. Whether it’s finding ways to bounce back or learning how to be with what’s present, we’ll focus on building your capacity to manage.

Mind -Body Focused

Our bodies hold incredible wisdom, carrying memories, emotions, and experiences that words alone may not fully express. Together, we’ll explore how your body communicates and processes emotions. I’ll guide you in recognising your nervous system's unique signals, deepening your understanding of your emotional and physical experiences, and developing practical tools for self-regulation.

Whole Person - Centred

We’ll consider every aspect of you - mental, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional—as well as your relationship with yourself, others, and your environment. Working at a pace that feels right for you, considering what works and what doesn’t, taking time to review and adjust as needed to ensure your needs are being met.

Book your free consult today.

Book in a 15min catch up with me. This is an opportunity for us to connect, discuss what brings you to therapy, and explore how I can support you.

Book Free 15min Consult