Why Therapy?

We all have times in our lives where we don’t know where we are or what’s wrong.

We may feel lost, anxious, alone, helpless, sad, uncertain and, at times, hopeless. We might look for meaning and not find it, look for connection and it seems out of reach. It is natural to struggle – and to need support to regain our sense of self, meaning and our hope that we will be able to live the life we want.

It is completely natural to need support to find hope and meaning again for ourselves. Sometimes we just need a safe space to be heard, seen and understood. A space with no expectations that is just for us.

My practice is client centred, and is underpinned and informed by values of compassion, integrity and authenticity. My desire is that you experience me as warm, empathic, intuitive and safe.

What happens in therapy?

If you choose to begin therapy with me, my commitment is to create safe space where you can be yourself and comfortably and authentically talk about whatever is happening for you right now.

By being fully present and listening deeply, I will work with you towards where you want to be and what you want your life to look like, exploring those things that are getting in your way – and why.

Whilst I draw on a range of therapy modalities, my approach is to be centred on you, walking alongside you and tailoring therapy to your personality, needs, and unique life experiences.

My therapy room is a safe, relaxing and welcoming space for you to talk about the most personal and important aspects of your life. I also provide online counselling for clients who are overseas, interstate, regional, or who have mobility challenges.

Sessions are for an hour, with the option to book sessions for 90 minutes, depending on what you need, the content and the current situation. Couples sessions are usually conducted over two hours.

I work with clients who are 18 years and over. If required, I would be very happy to refer you to several experienced counsellors who work with children.

About Heather

I am passionate about supporting clients to understand themselves more deeply and to live their lives with hope, meaning and purpose. My hope is that my breadth of experience, empathy and warmth enables me to work with people from all walks of life and respond skilfully to a diversity of human experience, such as grief, loss, relationship stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, processing of major life decisions, and helping clients take their life from ‘OK’ to flourishing.

When I am not working, I love spending time with my partner, two adult children, other family and friends, cooking, delving into the soil of my veggie patch, reading, hiking, camping and travelling overseas and within Australia.

Qualifications & experience

I hold a Bachelor of Arts with an Honours degree in Psychology, a Post Graduate Bachelor of Social Work and a Masters degree in Counselling Practice.

I have had more than 25 years’ experience as a Counsellor, Social Worker and Psychotherapist in private practice, mental health and education settings. I worked as an associate with Joy Anasta & Associates for 7 years, and continue to consult with Joy as mentor and clinical supervisor.

Using a person-centred approach, I am trained in, and draw upon, a diverse range of recognised, evidence-based therapy modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR Therapy.

I am a Registered Counsellor (Clinical) with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and a Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).