Mental Health Counselling
The initial session is an opportunity for you to get to know your therapist and talk about what brings you to therapy, any goals you may have, or how you think therapy could help you. As your counsellor, I use this time to inform you of the counselling processes and to conduct an initial assessment. Throughout this process, we explore your situation, identify your strengths and resources. At the end of the session I may offer some recommendations and together develop a plan for future sessions to facilitate mental health improvement. Some people come to counselling for a few sessions and for others longer term counselling is needed to fully address their concerns. Counselling is only one part of what might be needed to assist you and most often I recommend practices for you to consider in between sessions.
Sex Positive Sexual Health Counselling
People approach a sexual health counsellor for a variety of reason, from addressing sexual function and performance to exploring sexual identity and sexual behaviours or to address the impact of sexual trauma. My approach is positive towards sexuality, sexual expression and sexual experience and based on the fundamental belief that sexuality and sexual relations can be safe, free of coercion and pleasurable. My approach is holistic which means that I am able to work alongside other clinicians you may be working with such as your doctor, physiotherapist or pharmacist to make sure that any physiological causes are considered and addressed at the same time as the counselling intervention. This is called an integrated approach and the research supports this as the most effective intervention in addressing sexual health concerns.
Clinical Supervision and Professional Development
I have extensive experience and training in providing student and clinical supervision and I am a visiting supervisor at Australian Catholic University and Charles Stuart University in the School of Social Work. My supervision practice is reflective, with a focus on professional skills and practice development and self-care in the workplace. I am passionate about working with emerging social workers in establishing a professional identity in their work place that is in line with their values and the AASW Code of Practice.
Following is a list of presentations already developed and I am keen to discuss any specific training and talks for interest to you for your service or organisation.
- Sexuality and intimacy Following Cancer Treatment – Cancer Council ACT 2018
- Sexual Health Following Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Bossom Buddies ACT – 2017
- Sexual Health Follwing Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Porstate Cancer Support Group – 2017
- Coping with Fear of Cancer Re-occurrence – Eden Monaro Cancer Service – Survivorship Day 2019
- Sexual Health in Oncology Coversations – Canberra Region Cancer Service 2015-2019
