I didn’t go to university until I was 24. When I left high school at 17 I knew I wouldn’t go back to formal learning until I had figured out what I thought the point of life was. So I spent seven years travelling, volunteering, working dead end jobs, going to art school, partying and moving house every six months, until I finally realised that if I wanted to feel satisfied in life, I needed to use my brain. I settled in Brisbane, enrolled at the University of Queensland, and started on my own journey of closing the gap between where I was, and where I wanted to be.
This was when I first identified that something I valued in life was achievement (I wanted a job where constant learning and growth and change was desirable). This, coupled with a strong idea that my job had to involve helping others somehow, and a love of creative problem solving, all resulted in me choosing to study psychology. Psychology had it all: constant variety, altruism, plenty of using your brain, always more to learn, and lots of ideas about the best way to live as a human being. The counselling (as opposed to research) side really appealed to me too - using therapy as a way of helping people individually, with solutions that I tailor-made to fit my clients.
Since I first started studying psychology I’ve learnt a lot, but the desire to keep getting better, to help people, and to use my creativity to help solve people’s problems, remain strong within me today. Being a psychologist, therapist and counsellor taps into three of my core values - no wonder I love my job! All that initial life experience has helped me to relate to clients from many different backgrounds. And my work now as an entrepreneur has further broadened the situations in which I can say ‘I know what you’re talking about!’
But being a good therapist isn’t about personal experience (although being able to relate to my clients is really important). Psychological therapy and counselling strategies are based on scientific research into what works to make us feel better. Psychology has taught us what works with regards to how we think, how we manage our emotions, and how we behave in the world – our habits and actions. I have six years of formal training in psychology as well as over ten years experience in counselling and therapy roles. Together, my knowledge and experience has shaped my therapy sessions to focus on three key areas.
The principles that guide my therapy and coaching work I do with clients are: Meaning (knowing what matters to you in life), Motivation (acting on what matters to you in life) and Mindfulness (learning how to appreciate the life you have - mindfulness doesn't always equal meditation!).
No matter who you are, my aim is for you to live a life that is meaningful to you, to make the most of that life, and to enjoy and appreciate that life. My passion is showing people just like you how to use psychological techniques to change their life so it becomes full of meaning, action and appreciation. Psychological therapies have developed a lot of techniques to help you change your mindset, and psychological research has shown what actions work best to provide you with the motivation and energy to live a whole, balanced lifestyle that you truly enjoy. I take that knowledge and present it in a helpful, down to earth way. 'Easy to talk to' is how many clients have described me.
I have worked with many people to create positive change in their lives, working in therapeutic counselling roles in not-for-profits, in government and privately to help people including students, tradespeople, office workers, business owners, creatives, parents and retirees.
I hold full registration as a Psychologist and am a registered health practitioner with AHPRA, my registration number is: PSY0001654369.
I am eligible to provide services for Medicare, Department of Veteran's Affairs, Private Health Funds and WorkCover, and an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society.
I continue to learn, grow and develop my knowledge base. I read about psychology for fun! and keep up with my professional development through regular training courses and supervision with my peers.
Want to work with me? Choose from in-person sessions in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, or from your own home via Skype. Call 0421 720 635 or use the online booking system to book.
Still a little worried about coming to see a psychologist? Read my article 'The Top 5 Myths about Psychologists' here.
Looking for a psychologist for a friend or family member? Read my article 'How to Support a Loved One through Change' here.
This was when I first identified that something I valued in life was achievement (I wanted a job where constant learning and growth and change was desirable). This, coupled with a strong idea that my job had to involve helping others somehow, and a love of creative problem solving, all resulted in me choosing to study psychology. Psychology had it all: constant variety, altruism, plenty of using your brain, always more to learn, and lots of ideas about the best way to live as a human being. The counselling (as opposed to research) side really appealed to me too - using therapy as a way of helping people individually, with solutions that I tailor-made to fit my clients.
Since I first started studying psychology I’ve learnt a lot, but the desire to keep getting better, to help people, and to use my creativity to help solve people’s problems, remain strong within me today. Being a psychologist, therapist and counsellor taps into three of my core values - no wonder I love my job! All that initial life experience has helped me to relate to clients from many different backgrounds. And my work now as an entrepreneur has further broadened the situations in which I can say ‘I know what you’re talking about!’
But being a good therapist isn’t about personal experience (although being able to relate to my clients is really important). Psychological therapy and counselling strategies are based on scientific research into what works to make us feel better. Psychology has taught us what works with regards to how we think, how we manage our emotions, and how we behave in the world – our habits and actions. I have six years of formal training in psychology as well as over ten years experience in counselling and therapy roles. Together, my knowledge and experience has shaped my therapy sessions to focus on three key areas.
The principles that guide my therapy and coaching work I do with clients are: Meaning (knowing what matters to you in life), Motivation (acting on what matters to you in life) and Mindfulness (learning how to appreciate the life you have - mindfulness doesn't always equal meditation!).
No matter who you are, my aim is for you to live a life that is meaningful to you, to make the most of that life, and to enjoy and appreciate that life. My passion is showing people just like you how to use psychological techniques to change their life so it becomes full of meaning, action and appreciation. Psychological therapies have developed a lot of techniques to help you change your mindset, and psychological research has shown what actions work best to provide you with the motivation and energy to live a whole, balanced lifestyle that you truly enjoy. I take that knowledge and present it in a helpful, down to earth way. 'Easy to talk to' is how many clients have described me.
I have worked with many people to create positive change in their lives, working in therapeutic counselling roles in not-for-profits, in government and privately to help people including students, tradespeople, office workers, business owners, creatives, parents and retirees.
I hold full registration as a Psychologist and am a registered health practitioner with AHPRA, my registration number is: PSY0001654369.
I am eligible to provide services for Medicare, Department of Veteran's Affairs, Private Health Funds and WorkCover, and an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society.
I continue to learn, grow and develop my knowledge base. I read about psychology for fun! and keep up with my professional development through regular training courses and supervision with my peers.
Want to work with me? Choose from in-person sessions in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, or from your own home via Skype. Call 0421 720 635 or use the online booking system to book.
Still a little worried about coming to see a psychologist? Read my article 'The Top 5 Myths about Psychologists' here.
Looking for a psychologist for a friend or family member? Read my article 'How to Support a Loved One through Change' here.
