I SOMETIMES DESCRIBE MYSELF AS A PERENNIAL WOMAN WITH SEVERAL DECADES OF LIFE AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Perennial women aren’t defined by age limitations and are out there challenging stereotypes. An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I have over thirty years experience in counselling and my life has also brought adventures in hospitality, retail, fashion, marketing and office work. I once worked in the fishing industry as a scallop splitter (I wasn’t very good at that) and I cleaned cars in a car yard for a while as an eighteen year old which gave me skills I still put to use on my little Fiat500. I’ve been married more than once and made many decisions over my life that I have reflected at length on.
After I had my first child as a single parent, I knew I needed to change the direction my life was taking so I went to university, often taking my engaging two year old to class with me. I eventually graduated in my thirties embarked on a professional career, and worked in corporate, industrial, and government positions (with a bit of tourism and hospitality on the side because I still love it). I’ve been using what I’ve learned through life experience and study to help people nurture their potential.
People’s capacity to change and move forward never ceases to amaze me. Over the past ten years I have challenged my fear of travelling solo. Small steps at first and gradually further afield (more about this in my blog). One of the many beliefs reinforced to me whenever I’m travelling or talking with clients here in Tasmania is engaging with people who want to change some aspect of their lives is what I love most about my work. When I came home after one extended travel and life experience I made some big changes myself including starting my online practice so I could travel write and work - doing what I love - from anywhere.
Wherever we are in the world we want to be happy, we want the best life possible. Whether a small change or a huge change - that’s what inspires and excites me - people’s capacity to change when they really want to.
I would LOVE to support you on your journey to change.
QUALIFICATIONS
A little more about my professional background and how I will support and encourage you.
I am a Clinical Social Worker with thirty years experience in supporting people from all walks of life and occupations to overcome challenges and learn strategies to deal with all that life can throw our way.
Like most people I have my own stories and experiences that influence the way I work with you. In this page and through my blog posts and social media pages you can get a honest sense of who I am as a person.
It's also important that you have confidence in my professional skills - that "you know that I know what I'm doing" and trust that I will suggest other health practitioners if we think you need that to be happening alongside our sessions.
My academic qualifications are in Social Work to which I've added several other qualifications and skills over the years (ask me if you want to know more). I keep up with current research, ideas, and ways of thinking and viewing the world so we have lots to explore and discuss in our conversations.
My way of working is at it's core solution focused and strengths based.
What this means is I support you to identify problems and come up with strategies and solutions - to build on what is already working well and to develop new ways of achieving the changes you want. Mindfulness Based Practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy are some of the 'tools in my practice bag' and because each of us is unique there is no one size fits all approach to how we might work together.
Many people experience mental health issues at some time in their lives. I will assist you to develop strategies to lesson the impact that living with grief, anxiety, depression and trauma can have on your life. I may suggest additional assessment and support services if I think you need that to be happening alongside our sessions. I might suggest massage or yoga, sleep or exercise, music or walking in nature. I’ll help you to make a plan, take the first steps, and build your confidence. Together we will work out what you need to move forward - to think feel and act the way you want to.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, a member of The Australian Association of Social Workers and this membership requires me to maintain a high level of ongoing professional development.
My particular area of interest is women of my generation - Perennial Women - how we can make the most of our lives and achieve our dreams regardless of which decade we are in. Whatever your age, gender, race, or religion, if you think you would like to work with me send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
If you have any questions about how I will work with you please email me or ask for a free chat online.