I have consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to working with individuals, commencing my career as a volunteer within community services. I completed my Diploma in Community Studies and Lifestyle and Leisure, which provided a comprehensive foundation for engaging with diverse community members.
Upon completing my Diploma in 2001, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science program, majoring in Disability Studies, and have since dedicated over 20 years to the field of community services. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across various sectors, including aged care, mental health, disability, and youth services.
In 2018, I obtained my Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Arts Practice, followed by a Master’s degree in Therapeutic Arts Practice, with a specialization in Group Work and Mental Health, in 2019. In 2024, I further advanced my psychotherapy training by completing a Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Therapy, with a focus on nature-based interventions. I firmly believe that art and nature are powerful tools that can significantly enhance the therapeutic space.
I continue to work within private practice and prioritize my personal development to ensure that I provide the most up-to-date and high-standard therapeutic practices to each of my clients.
I am a registered practitioner with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA), holding full professional membership. Additionally, I am a registered provider with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Professional Membership with PACFA.
My extensive work experience and training, coupled with my passion for collaborative engagement, enable me to deliver meaningful therapeutic interventions that support individuals in achieving their personal and therapeutic goals.
My diverse experiences across various community sectors has provided me with valuable insights and a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and applications of therapeutic interventions.
I am deeply passionate about mental health, recognizing its pervasive presence across all community sectors in which I have worked. Currently, I work as a therapist within the disability, mental health, and aged care sectors to help bridge gaps in services. I believe that providing therapeutic interventions and fostering a sense of connection, self-understanding, and relational awareness are paramount to recovery.
As a therapist, I have discerned that both art and nature function as universal mediums for fostering connection and communication. Art facilitates individuals in expressing themselves in profound and meaningful ways, there by offering validation to the
experiences. Creative art therapy serves as an inclusive platform where individuals can feel seen and heard without the fear of judgment.
This therapeutic modality leverages the inherent power of artistic expression to bridge gaps in communication, enabling clients to articulate emotions and experiences that may be difficult to convey through conventional means.
Similarly, nature provides a safe and nurturing environment for the exploration of connections with oneself and others. The natural world offers a unique setting that promotes a sense of safety and tranquility, allowing individuals to engage in self-reflection and interpersonal exploration. Nature-based interventions harness the therapeutic potential of natural surroundings to facilitate healing and personal growth. By immersing clients in natural environments, therapists can create opportunities for clients to reconnect with their inner selves and develop a deeper understanding of their relationships with others.
In essence, both art and nature serve as powerful tools within the therapeutic space, enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. These modalities not only validate and honour the client's experiences but also foster a sense of connection and belonging, which are essential components of the healing process.
