Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals, couples/partners and families:
Counselling
Coaching
Brainspotting – trauma healing and/or improve performance
Family Dispute Resolution
Restorative Practice
Therapy under NDIS

Workplace:
Corporate EAP – counselling, coaching
Mediation
Clinical Supervision
Workshops on request

More information on the services

Counselling services are designed to:

• Enhance mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing
• Manage current problems, crises or longer-term difficulties
• Develop a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life
• Enrich, renew or repair a relationship
• Change long standing patterns of behaviour that impact relationships and wellbeing

Mediation is a way to:

• Seek common grounds and solutions to challenges
• Agree to ways to move forward from conflict that benefit all parties

Restorative Practice helps with:

• Repair
• Healing and
• Moving forward from unresolved conflict

NDIS services, limited availability for plan or self managed participants only:

• Therapy services, usually counselling or trauma healing however also behaviour change and support
• Specialist support coordination

Feel free to give me a call if you want to explore your options

As a psychosocial worker and mediator my approach in therapeutic work is called humanistic and eclectic. This means that you can expect me to be real and authentic, with full respect for you and your free will. Instead of focusing on dysfunction we look for your potential and increase your well being trusting your inner knowledge, capacity and boundaries. A humanistic approach emphasises the great capacity that human beings have for growth as well as the positive adaptiveness of our emotional responses and needs, with less emphasis on deciding what’s ‘wrong’ with a client.

Eclectic or integrative means that I apply various therapeutic tools and techniques depending on your needs. My preferred therapy modality is Emotionally Focused Therapy*, however I may apply Gestalt therapy techniques, narrative therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, attachment theory, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, psychodrama, brainspotting, evidence based tapping (or emotional freedom technique), acceptance and commitment therapy, sandplay, restorative practice, non violent communication and more.

Do you have a niche or specialism?
I specialise in relationships however I also work with a range of issues such as grief, anger, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, offending behaviours, psychiatric disorders, relationship breakdown, conflict, marginalisation and much more.
More important to you is that I will focus on what you want to change or need support with to ensure you will feel better about yourself, your relationships and your life. I aim to offer insights and tools that may bring and sustain progress and improvements made throughout your life. If you apply tools and commit to your process you will have the most benefit of therapy.

How long does therapy take?
If needed and required we may have a long term therapeutic relationship however mostly my way of working with clients enables fairly quick shifts and changes. Most clients can sustain their new direction from there on.

Are you the right fit for me?
For all services applies: if I believe there may be a better fit for you in regards to the issues you bring forward, I will be clear about this and discuss this with you. For me it is important that you receive the best service possible. If need be I would be happy to actively refer you upon your request.

Although medical labels and diagnosis have their place in our society, I believe that people are unique and that our states are rarely static

For that reason I rarely speak of ‘disorders’ although some times the diagnoses may be apt. Labels can be affirming and validating, and they can keep people stuck.
In therapy I will likely offer new perspectives, place certain issues into context and invite you to discover your potential for change and/or adaptation – be that in your experience and/or your views of self.

As I view it most experiences, beliefs and behaviours make sense considering:

• the context in which they take place
• past events
• how we ‘work’ personally/physiologically and
• how we have learned to cope

We can heal from the hurt of past events and we can learn new and different coping strategies that may be more effective or fitting.

Most of us experience all possible feelings at times and in response we may all at times behave in ways that are not constructive. These are spectrums that we all move in. For some people patterns develop and persist that make life difficult for themselves and/or others.

Neurodivergency (for example autism) or personality development (fe borderline, narcism) are descriptions of patterns and combinations of certain feelings and behaviours that are experienced often and over a long period of time and that are challenging.
This can be due to how the brain has developed and works, or how the body experiences the world and/or what we have experienced when growing up or during traumatic events.
Mental health issues can be permanent or temporary. We may experience such sadness that we speak of depression, we may feel so unsafe that we call ourselves anxious. Most times we can address these feelings and shift to a more pleasant state of being, yet now always. For permanent MH support you would likely prefer to engage with a psychiatrist of MH-nurse.

Even if you fit a certain diagnosis now, that doesn’t mean it will last, although some may. If you learn what you need and can find a lifestyle and environment that mostly meets you needs, you can function well in life. I am happy to help you discover what works for and fits you.

Once you learn and accept what happens to you when the balance shifts for whatever reason, you will understand what you will need to or can do to recover. This will be a life skill that you may need to apply at various stages in your life and that is okay. It is how we learn to go with the flow.

In this respect I will always mention the power of words. Call yourself anxious, a failure, unable to …. whatever and that may well be what you will experience forever. Holding on to such labels. language or descriptions of self I find less than helpful. I will invite you to instead name your feeling or experience in such way that it is all but static and instead acknowledge a temporary state that can and likely will shift. Let us celebrate our variety and uniqueness and move with what we have got and how we feel best.

Through the science of love and adult attachment, Emotionally Focused Therapy helps guide us toward real and lasting love…

EFT is an evidence-based model for building strong and secure connections with those who matter most by going to the heart of the bond between you. We do this firstly by getting to know the repetitive ways you get stuck. We learn how your messages to each other do not seem to reach the right way and you end up feeling disconnected, misunderstood, unloved or otherwise.

We get to know this pattern of interaction and I help you to exit it, to send clearer and less scary signals to each other. When you can do this with my guidance you will feel more connected and this new way of sharing builds safety.

In EFT, we work ‘bottom-up’ by following the emotion and sensations in your body to uncover the things often not said that speak of your fears and longings. By going slowly and working deeply, not getting lost in content and details, I help to make it safe for you to feel into your own experience. And you will gain insights into what is really happening for your partner. You can then share in new ways with your special person/people; ways that build security and that allow you to be heard and met and that strengthen your bond.

Find out more…

EFT Intensives – an immersion into your relationship

Brainspotting is a highly effective therapeutic technique used to help people heal from emotional distress and the symptoms that result from disturbing life experiences (trauma). Brainspotting does not involve much talking which is often favoured by clients that find it hard to find words or prefer not to repeat their story.

Find out more…

Other than Parenting Plans I do not write reports for court or for any claims. On occasion I can assist with support letters and referral letters. In principle the hourly session fee applies for the time that it takes to write the report, however there may be exemptions so please ask.

If I am subpoenaed an initial fee of $4500 is required to be paid in advance for me to respond. Costs for travel, accommodation and time will be quoted at request if attendance to Court is required.

We work face to face from:

• Our practice in Waranyjarri Estate (also known as Broome North)
• A Stories location in Amsterdam
• Somewhere outside if agreed upon before booking or
• During home visits if agreed before booking
  Please note that there is a surcharge for the travel time of the practitioner

We can also meet online with Zoom or via phone. If we run into external technical difficulties during video sessions, we revert to phone use.

Sessions will automatically transfer to zoom if clients or the practitioner are unwell or in self isolation.

Click here to Book

Practice locations in detail
My practice is in Broome (mostly) & Amsterdam (at times) as well as online (depending one where you and I are).

The practice in Broome is located in Waranyjarri (Broome North) at 53 Nakamura Avenue (on the corner of Povah Road). The easiest way to get here is via the Magabala Road entrance, taking a left on Kassim, then right onto Povah Road and right again at the intersection to Nakamura Avenue.
Please park across the road of Nakamura 51 and 53 (blue dot) and make your way to the street corner footpath. You will find stepping stones on your left-hand side, if you see an old red wicker chair and timber bench you are in the right place.

If you’re early please wait in your car to ensure previous clients have privacy to leave.

There is a friendly dog on the premises, if this is of concern to you please let me know.

In Amsterdam I make use of various Stories locations. Please ensure to liaise with me before you schedule your appointment so I can organise a room for us at the same time.

Online sessions
When we’re not physically in the same place I run sessions via zoom. I’ll send you a link before our appointment and you can open zoom on your browser (there is no need to download a program).
Please note it’s not wise to skip sessions in my time away from Broome or Amsterdam; it’s important to keep momentum in counselling/therapy and zoom sessions can guarantee that whilst I move about.
I will ask you to try zoom once before you resist; our sessions are just as good online (so say other clients).

• If anyone (including myself) has symptoms of cold or flu, please communicate this and we will then revert automatically to video/phone sessions. Unless of course you are feeling too unwell and need to reschedule. I will send you a zoom link once notified.
• Please bring/wear a mask (when this is required through health advice)
• At all times please communicate with me any concerns so I can try and address them

What you share with me is private. The information gathered during our sessions enables me to provide a relevant and informed service. Notes are kept in a secured database. I will not share them with anyone else unless they are subpoenaed by law (Court fees apply, please see under reports). Your phone number is listed in my contacts with your initials only. If I charge for EAP services, your name or details will not be shared.
Please also refer to the privacy and confidentiality policy.

Confidentiality means that what is discussed is not repeated to others unless I get your permission to do so for a specific purpose, such as giving your doctor feedback as to your progress or referring you to other professionals as needed.

There are three main exceptions where it may be necessary to break your confidentiality. They are when:

• I believe you are at risk of harming yourself.
• You are at risk of harming someone else or committing a serious criminal offence.
• If you are being threatened or harmed (physical/ sexual abuse) by someone else.

In these cases, I would discuss my plan of action with you first but might need to alert other people such as family members or relevant authorities, to ensure safety.
Please also refer to the privacy and confidentiality policy.

Integrity
I request you to consent to full disclosure about your circumstance so my adequate response can be ensured. There is no room for secrets in couple or other forms of therapy and if you do disclose secrets that impact your relationship individually, you will be encouraged to share with your partner in the session or outside.

Conflict of interest
If you are aware that someone close to you is close to me, or already a client, please mention that up front so we can talk about appropriateness of service and/or how to manage that. This does not apply for colleagues etc, Broome is a small town after all.

A GP referral is not necessary to access my services.

Medicare does not cover relationship therapy. Rebates of fees with Medicare/MHCP or private health insurers are not available. When this changes it will be listed here and local GP’s will be informed.

For some organisations yes. If your organisation does not have me listed as a provider you can request your organisation to have me added. If you would prefer to keep your service request confidential, I can do this on your behalf.

My rates are between $229-289 per hour depending on the service. You may qualify for a lower fee.

Payments are made upon booking via Stripe.
Organisations and NDIS clients are invoiced.
I do not accept insurance nor Medicare.

My fees include time spent on administration, detailed note taking, reflection and clinical supervision about you. I may follow up if this may be needed and/or I may send you suitable resources. In short it means that my work does not end when you walk out of the session room. This is a part time solo practice to enable my full presence with you and my ongoing and intensive professional development. This is to ensure you get the best service I can give.

Rates will be reviewed and may change usually around 1 July.

In case of financial hardship I will consider applying fees using a sliding scale, please talk to me if you think this applies to you. Proof of income and assets may be requested to assess.

Rates in detail
FYI The recommended fees for Social Workers in Australia are between $270-320/hour.

Individual Counselling session (before 6pm) – $229/hour,
after 6pm/weekends, limited availability – $259/hour.

Relationship/Couples session (before 6pm) – $249/hour,
after 6pm/weekends, limited availability – $289/hour.

Initial counselling sessions are usually 1.5 hours, only 1 hour is charged – you get 30 minutes for free.

During the initial appointment your practitioner will assess your situation and needs and together you will decide the frequency and duration of your sessions.
Ongoing counselling sessions are usually 1 hour.
Session can be longer if you prefer, fees will be charged pro rata.

Relationship counselling sessions are generally weekly or fortnightly, depending on the clients needs. They should not be spaced out longer than fortnightly to ensure progress.

Intensive Relationship sessions are available when booked well in advance. Generally we work 4 hours a day 3 days in a row at set times. The rest of the day and evening both/all partners can enjoy leisure and bonding time. Follow up sessions can be booked as needed.

Family Dispute Resolution / Mediation
Initial session (1,5 hours) – $289/hour, only 1 hour is charged – you get 30 minutes for free.

Further sessions including child/ren sessions, child/ren feedback (often part of the joint FDR session) – $289/hour.

Non face to face time: preparation of FDR, reading of court documents, resourcing, writing of Parenting Plan, certificate issue – $259/hour.

After hours/weekend surcharge applies, please note there is limited availability.

Therapy services other and Specialist Support Coordination rates as per current NDIS price guide and service agreement.

EAP services are charged differently and include administration, please enquire.

Some clients like to receive Narrative Notes after the session. In these notes I will relay your progress, insights and other relevant information that you have experienced during our session. These notes enable you to reflect back on progress made and they may assist you breaking out of old patterns that may seep back into the dynamic over time without having to book in for further sessions. Fees apply and are set depending on how many sessions you would like notes on.

Please notify us at least 48 hours in advance if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Of course if we can fit someone else in, we will and there will be no charge. Sessions cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged.

• Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Department of Attorney General
• Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
• Member of the Australian Mediation Association, Accredited under the ANMS
• Member of ICEEFT – the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Member of the Kimberley Social Worker Network
• Coordinator of the Mental Health Professionals Network in Broome