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My greatest reward as a psychologist is when I assist clients to discover ways to make changes in their lives, so that they can face the future with brightness and hope.

Everyone needs someone to talk to, who will accept them, listen with empathy, be nonjudgmental, and help them to identify and overcome the problems that stand between them and the life they want to lead.

I work with clients across the lifespan, from young children with developmental, behavioural and/or psychological disorders, through to elderly people who are in need of support, compassion, and a listening ear, as they face major transitions in their lives, or in the lives of their partners.

I have experience in collaboratively managing mood disorders, behavioural problems, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, hoarding, and parenting problems, and I use a variety of therapies, depending upon the clients' particular needs. Approaches and modalities include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Prior to studying psychology, I was a special education teacher for many years, so I am passionate about supporting children with learning disabilities, improving their level of self-esteem, developing their resilience, and improving their confidence and social skills. I hold postgraduate degrees in both psychology and education and am a trained ABA therapist. I also have a particular interest in conducting assessments to support government funding for school children with special needs.

If you believe that you are committed to making positive changes in your life, and you feel that I can help you to do so, it may be time for you to take the first step. I look forward to meeting with you and working with you at Western Plains Psychology.

I am also a registered nurse and once worked as a barrister. I am married with adult children but also am part of a larger blended family. I live in a small rural community about an hour's drive from Western Plains Psychology.

Why I personally trained as a counselling psychologist is a long story, summarised simply by saying I enjoy helping to empower people, whether it be an individual, a relationship or a family. Besides feeling effective and useful, I find the work endlessly enjoyable and rewarding, not just because of the ideals of helping, but I really like the work itself. I look forward to meeting each new client but also saying goodbye to those who have completed work with me. I do enjoy a challenge. I like to learn about the aspects of neuroscience, habit change and relationship complexities that we each share. I enjoy the countless ways that makes each person's mind, body, history, emotions, thought processes, network of relationships unique.

However, this work is not just about the ideals, but also about the day to day work. For psychology, this means: you have to like talking and helping people from various backgrounds. You have to accept paperwork (I'm still working on that; what I can say is that the client time makes the paperwork bearable).

Finally, to be a psychologist, you have to be mentally flexible, able to see things from another person’s perspective while helping them to build on their own culture, ideals and resources. This has enriched me for I get to see life through hundreds of different lens and watch life develop on a myriad of diverse pathways.

For light relief I listen to music, catch up with friends and family, chase kangaroos away from my farm and find a million excuses not to do housework.

I believe that it is of great importance to develop a strong therapeutic relationship through trust, empathy and respect. I work with a variety of clients, including children, with diverse presenting issues. Being the only male clinician at Western Plains Psychology (besides Max, the therapy dog) has led me to choose male mental health and wellbeing as an area of focus. Male mental health and wellbeing are areas that I am passionate about and I look forward to continuing my growth and development in this area.

Through my training and recent completion of a Masters of Clinical Counselling I have gained extensive knowledge in the use of differing therapeutic techniques. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) Client Centred Therapy (CCT). My approach is tailored to each client’s individual needs.

I have played sport most of my life and I enjoy the fitness, challenge and comradery that comes with being a member of a team. I have lived in rural Victoria, the outer suburbs and inner-city areas of Melbourne. I have enjoyed the different lifestyles each has to offer.

Having spent my late adolescence and early adulthood struggling with, and eventually overcoming chronic illness, I learnt about the importance of nurturing resilience in myself to cope with life’s difficulties. Having the support from both personal relationships and from the health professions was fundamental in my recovery both physically and mentally. Working through my own difficulties inspired me to support others to flourish in all areas of their lives.

Therefore, while rebuilding my health, I undertook to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Honours). I then went on to complete a Masters in Clinical Counselling and am now a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) working through my final two years of training.

At Western Plains Psychology I utilise the skills and knowledge I have gained thus far in my work with individuals across the lifespan, couples, and families, while working with a number of counselling modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. I am a trained Applied Behavioural Analysis Therapist, working with children with learning difficulties and those on the Autism Spectrum and their families. While passionate about helping all individuals, my particular area of interest includes utilising the practice of mindfulness to help individuals to build resilience both personally and in their relationships.

On a personal level, I have been happily married for eight years, after meeting my husband at Singapore airport and discovering not only that we were both born in the same English town, but that we both had a passion for motorcycling. I enjoy the challenge of motorcycling, it requires complete concentration and awareness and many years practice and experience to master and ride well. I love that it brings you into the present moment and is a great exercise in mindfulness!

At Western Plains Psychology I believe in connecting with each individual on a personal and emotional level to ensure that their journey is unique and personal. I hope that my clients feel secure through the process, and that despite the challenges, there is a sense of comfort and wellbeing.

I have an interest in sport, healthy eating and positive personal experiences, which help in the holistic approach I undertake myself. I endeavour to encourage the client to pursue their individual goals based on their own personal values, interests and strengths. I have gained a knowledge and understanding of anxiety, depression, stress and relationship issues. I work with evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, (ACT) and Mindfulness to assist each client to achieve the best possible outcome.

As an ABA therapist and psychologist I have had the opportunity to work with children of all ages and their families. I have a passion for working with children who need help with anger, behavioural issues, Autism, Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and social skills.