About Counselling with Small Steps...
Making sense of trauma responses
Trauma doesn’t only relate to what happened in the past - it often also shows up in how our nervous system continues to respond in the present.
You might notice this as heightened anxiety, emotional reactivity, shutdown, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, up and down mood or a sense that your body is always on alert. These responses can be confusing and frustrating, particularly when you understand your trauma history and still feel affected by it.
When stress and trauma are held within the nervous system, insight alone is often not enough to create change. This is why many people find that “talking it through” helps them understand their experiences, but doesn’t always shift how they feel or respond, day to day.
Trauma-informed counselling recognises that our thoughts, emotions, behavioural reactions and physiological responses are all interconnected. Counselling from a trauma-informed lens offers space to explore not only what you’ve lived through, but how your whole system learned to adapt - and how those adaptations may no longer be serving you.
This work is not about erasing the past or pushing for quick change. It’s about developing awareness, regulation and choice, so your responses feel more manageable and less overwhelming over time.
A Little More About Me...
People generally describe me as quiet, thoughtful, patient, funny and pretty down-to-earth.
I bring an authentic, steady, calm presence to my work - one that allows space for things to unfold without feelings of pressure or expectation. While I do have a sense of humour, I tend to use it sparingly in sessions and only when it feels genuinely supportive in the moment.
The relationship I build with my clients matters deeply to me. My priority is that you feel heard, respected and understood; not analysed, rushed or pushed toward any outcomes you’re not yet ready for. I aim to create a space where it feels safe for you to be real, including with the parts of yourself that you often keep hidden or unspoken.
My interest in trauma recovery has been shaped by both lived experience and professional practice. I’ve seen - and personally experienced - how trauma and prolonged stress can influence the way we think, feel, relate and move through the world, often in subtle but enduring ways.
Because of this, I primarily work with adults who are living with the ongoing effects of trauma, such as anxiety, dysregulation, burnout, grief or emotional exhaustion - particularly when these patterns have been present for some time.
I often describe myself as a lived-experience counsellor, grounded in strong academic training. This combination allows me to hold space with both empathy and clarity - supporting understanding, regulation and change in ways that are thoughtful, ethical and paced to suit you.
About My Counselling Approach...
Just as every person is individual, I believe that therapy should be individually tailored to fit you – not the other way around.
That's why I use an Integrative, Eclectic counselling approach, combining different therapeutic methods to create a treatment style that works specifically for you.
What This Means for You
Integrative therapy is kind of like having access to a fully equipped toolbox, rather than having just a single tool on hand.
Depending on your needs, we might, for example:
-
Use Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to understand and reprocess patterns or habits in your thoughts, emotions and behavioural responses
-
Explore the stories that shape your self-beliefs through Narrative Therapy
-
Practice Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT) mindfulness strategies to help you manage challenging thoughts and regulate emotions
-
Apply Trauma-Informed Care to ensure we're addressing root causes, not just presenting symptoms
-
Incorporate Body-Based (Somatic) strategies to help you manage stress and tension physically
-
Utilise Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) self-compassion practices to build your resilience and help prevent burnout
I'm All About Flexible and Responsive Care
Your circumstances and therapeutic needs might change from session to session, and that's okay. Sometimes you might need practical strategies and exercises. Other times, you might just need a space to freely talk and "brain dump", while I listen attentively and help you make sense of your experiences.
We'll work together and adjust our approach based on what feels most helpful for you in the moment.
Starting Our Work Together
Not sure exactly what you need or want to work on?
That's completely okay and actually quite normal.
In our first session, we'll start from right where you are - focusing on what's happening for you right now.
From there, we'll collaborate and develop a therapy plan that:
-
Moves at a pace you're comfortable with
-
Addresses your immediate concerns
-
Identifies your longer-term goals
-
Adapts as your needs change
-
Builds on your existing strengths, resilience and resources
Our Partnership
We're in this together!
You'll bring your expertise about you, your life and your experiences.
I'll bring my expertise about counselling, therapeutic approaches and techniques.
And together, we'll create a path forward that feels manageable and meaningful for you.
Industry registrations...
Australian Counselling Association (ACA) - Level 2 [member no. 24081]
Certified Practicing Counsellors Australia (CPCA)
