Psychologists study the way people feel, think, act and interact. Using a range of strategies and therapies they aim to reduce distress and to enhance and promote emotional wellbeing. Counselling allows a person to openly explore his or her concerns, deal with personal feelings, consider alternatives and clarify goals in a supportive atmosphere.
 
You don’t necessarily have to have a problem or a mental disorder to see a counsellor or psychologist – very often people ask for help to improve and develop themselves. For example, you may want to increase your confidence, you may want to learn to communicate better with friends and family, or you may want some strategies for managing stress in a healthy way.

With over 13 years of counselling experience I am passionate about helping individuals build mental skills for elite performance, adapt to challenges, and support mental health & wellbeing at all stages of your life journey.

Areas of interest include:

• Performance skills and managing pressure

• Anxiety

• Stress & Burnout

• Depression

• Adjustment and transition

• Coping with pain and injury

• Resilience

• Self care & wellbeing

• Body image and disordered eating

• Sleep disturbance

• Personal development

• Grief and Loss

• Adolescent development and mental health

• Identity shifts through the lifespan

• Adapting to parenthood

As a therapist, I am constantly strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment within which individuals are free to explore and work through issues they are encountering in their lives. One of my strengths is in developing good relationships with clients, where trust and respect are of utmost importance. I am passionate about my work and have a strong interest in helping people develop to their fullest potential.  

I incorporate techniques from a number of different therapeutic domains, particularly Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Neuropsychotherapy. My approach is always tailored to a client's individual needs, and clients are free to develop their own specific and unique goals for therapy. I work in collaboration with clients, to achieve both their individual goals as well as develop a deeper understanding of themselves, a different relationship with their thoughts and feelings, and greater self-acceptance. 

I am also passionate about education, as a medium to enable individuals and groups to build skills to assist them in multiple areas of life. I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge in ways which are relatable, striving to keep sessions relevant, engaging and useful to the needs of the audience group.

It is not necessary to have a referral to see a psychologist. You are quite welcome to simply call and book an appointment.  However, if you think you may be eligible for a rebate then you will require a referral from your GP.

There are a number of schemes available to assist in funding counselling for eligible people

• Medicare  - Mental Health Care Plans

The most common rebate scheme is through the Medicare -  Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative.  This involves you having an assessment with your GP to determine if you have a diagnosed Mental Health condition requiring psychological support. These conditions include a range of clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly impact on a person's emotions, thoughts, social skills, and decision making, such as: depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, panic disorder, sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder. If you fit into this category then your GP can complete a Mental Health Care Plan for you which entitles you to a rebate on a maximum of 10 sessions with a psychologist per calendar year.

• Private Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance with extras cover you may be eligible for a refund of a portion of your session fee. Each health fund operates differently and it's best to check with yours directly.

• Other Third Party Insurers

People may also be referred for counselling via a number of other sources for funded sessions.  These include the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the Victorian Workcover Authority (VWA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). These referrals are also facilitated by a GP and pre-approval for funding is granted by the relevant organisation.

If your workplace/school has an existing agreement with me, whereby funded sessions are available, please discuss this at the time of making your appointment.

Psychologists must provide you with information on privacy and confidentiality relevant to the organisation in which they work.

At Performers in Mind information you share with me will be kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed without your expressed permission. By law there are some situations where it may be necessary for me to disclose personal information about you; namely, if I believe that you are a risk to yourself or to someone else, or in situations where children are put at risk (such as by abuse or neglect), or in response to a court subpoena.  

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, or wish to read our privacy policy please ask.