Therapeutic Community Members

Balanced Minds

WITH SACHA SAKER

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Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Registered Counsellor

Sacha is an experienced Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Registered Counsellor with over a decade working with adolescents and adults in support of their mental health and wellbeing. Sacha offers individual counselling to adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, and PTSD.

As a former Mental Health Clinician in the community sector Sacha is acutely aware of the effects mental health can have on day-to-day life. As a previous Secondary College Team Leader supporting a multi-disciplinary group, Sacha also has a well-developed understanding of mental health presentations in adolescents and in particular an increased awareness of the stressors and influences that are associated with this time of life and development. Sacha specialises in supporting teens with high risk and/or complex needs. Sacha’s experience also extends to other members in the community which includes Veterans and their families. As a Military Veteran herself, she is well placed to support and guide Veterans and their families through their mental health recovery journey. Sacha works to provide a safe and non-judgemental space to support clients navigate through life challenges, regardless of what age and stage of life you are in. She aims to provide a proactive approach, ultimately delivering targeted support for individuals in times of need and recovery.

While Sacha has an extensive clinical toolbox her favoured modalities include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Person-Centred Therapy (PCT). Sacha has recently added additional times to her calendar as appointments continue to fill quickly. If you or a loved one is hoping to start on your/their mental health wellbeing path, please contact Sacha at sacha@balancedminds.au or via the Wonderkind&Co website link in our bio.

Service Provision

• 1:1 Therapeutic Support
• Family Support
• Parenting Support
• Social Work Clinical Supervision
• Field Education for Students
• Program Development
• Training / Professional Workshops

Send all self-referrals and inquiries directly through email to Sacha at sacha@balancedminds.au or visit www.balancedminds.au

Bri is a passionate Registered Mental Health Social Worker who has been privileged to support the Geelong community for over a decade in areas including mental health, immigration, home-based care, and family and parenting services.

As a proud member of the Australian Association of Social Workers, Bri works from a strength-based, person-centred, and holistic perspective and is committed to helping clients discover their resilience and achieve their goals in a supportive and compassionate way.

Along with her Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Bri brings an extensive range of postgraduate training in a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including:

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) (Level 2 Advanced Training for Children and Adolescents)
• Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Play Therapy
• Theraplay (Dyadic Attachment Therapy)
• Interplay
• Family Consultation and Mediation
• Circle of Security (Parenting Program)
• Bringing Up Great Kids (Parenting Program)
• Evidence-Based Parenting (Parenting Program)

This breadth of expertise enables Bri to provide tailored, trauma-informed support that fosters healing, growth, and stronger connections for both young people and their families.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please visit the website at www.cornerstone therapies.com.au, email admin@cornerstonetherapies.com.au or phone 0411 802 352

Tribe Therapeutic Support

WITH BELINDA TRIBE
Therapeutic Support

Belinda is a mental health social worker with over 20 years’ of experience in both the Out of Home Care sector and the Housing and Homelessness Sector.

Using both trauma informed and neuro divergent informed approaches, Belinda effectively engages and works relationally with children, their families, and caregivers, supporting them to develop their own strengths and create positive change. Belinda delivers practice responses that are therapeutic, and promote safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment.

Belinda has extensive experience in completing comprehensive risk assessments, psychosocial assessments of children and adults, and providing outreach support and advocacy to families. Belinda is passionate about Strengthening the Team around the Child, through the provision of therapeutic responses underpinned by Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Principles.

Service Provision

• 1:1 Therapeutic Support
• Parenting / Family Support (in office & outreach) (Trauma & Disability Focus)
• CALD Family Support (bilingual)
• Facilitator of Carer Support Groups
• Foster Care Training
• Foster Care Assessments

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Belinda directly at belinda@tribetherapeuticsupport.com.au or phone 0491 006 200

Curious me

WITH FELICTY DEWAR

Mental Health Social Worker

Felicity is a Mental Health Social Worker with over 5-years industry experience having worked within OoHC and currently within the Secondary Education sector advising students and teachers of current mental health tools, strategies & promoting the skill of emotional regulation to improve engagement and overall school attendance.

As an active community member of Wonderkindand co. Felicity brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion gained through both training and lived experiences, which inform therapeutic practice. Her practice is guided through the lens’ of trauma-informed care, child advocacy, LGBTIQA+ affirming care and a neurodivergent approach when working with children, adolescents & adults.

Felicity will be available for therapeutic support each Monday throughout the year.

Service Provision

• 1:1 Therapeutic support
• Parent/family support (in house/outreach)
• NDIS capacity building
• Gender exploration
• Neurodivergent
• High school transitions/university transition
• GLOW Hair/Beauty program

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer to the service, please email Felicity directly at felicity@curiousmesupport.com or call 0472 715 148

Tara Wood

Mental Health Social Worker / Family Therapy

Tara is a mental health social worker who is passionate about supporting young people and their families who have been exposed to adverse life events including trauma.

Tara has significant experience supporting individuals exposed to family conflict, sexual abuse, family violence, complex mental health, alcohol and drugs, and sexual exploitation.

Tara has a Bachelor of Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Counselling, Masters of Social Work, and has practised Family Therapy. Having worked for many years in various disability, education, mental health, family services, and out of home care settings, Tara has a special interest in adolescent mental health and parenting/carer support.

Tara uses a holistic, strength-based approach to best support each individual. Tara empowers individuals to be their own change agents. She works collaboratively to develop tailored therapeutic support strategies and practical tools that empower young people and their families to navigate through life challenges as a team and foster positive and sustainable behaviour change.

Service Provision

Tara is available for:

• Individual sessions
• Family work
• Parenting support

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Tara directly at tara@tarawood.com.au

See Tara’s good work here: www.tarawood.com.au

Art Room Therapy

WITH MICHELLE JOSEPH

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Art Therapist
Member of AASW, ANZACATA

Michelle is a dedicated Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Art Therapist, offering trauma informed and neurodiversity affirming creative therapeutic support to all ages. She supports individuals seeking to maintain wellbeing, particularly those experiencing a range of social, emotional, physical, and psychological challenges. With a Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Psychology, an Advanced Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy, and a Certificate in Play Therapy, Michelle brings diverse, evidenced based modalities to her practice.

Over the last seven years, she has honed her expertise in mental health, child safety, and holistic social work, particularly focusing on building community capacity and creating trauma-informed, person centered care that promote biopsychosocial development and harm reduction.

Michelle’s work emphasises a commitment to social justice and intersectionality, striving to empower families and communities to better support themselves and their children’s emotional and psychological needs. Her extensive global travel has enriched her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultivating a deep sense of cultural sensitivity, empathy, and respect. Her knowledge of human development and mental health interventions, coupled with her experiences, allows her to take a holistic, strength based, and empowering approach with everyone she works with.

Service Provision

• In person and online counselling
• In person and online 1:1 art therapy
• In person dyad (carer and child) art therapy, including during supervised contact
• Group art therapy (wonder women program, outreach to schools, professional self care and team building workshops)
• NDIS capacity building: improved daily living (emotional and psychological support, advocacy, skill development, family support and crisis intervention)
• Areas of strength: Trauma background including family violence and OOHC, social and emotional regulation skills, self development, stress and anxiety management, life crises and transitions, risk mitigation and management, safeguarding children and family inclusive practice

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Michelle directly at Michelle@artroomtherapy.com.au or call on 0439 307 370.

Singh Out! Mental Health Therapeutic Support

WITH CHRIS SINGH

Mental Health Social Worker
Psychotherapist

Chris is a Mental Health Social Worker and Counsellor with a decade of experience working with youth and adults experiencing poor mental health as a result of complex trauma. He comes with a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Counselling and has formal training in a range of therapeutic modalities however, has a particular interest in Schema Therapy and Level 1 EMDR. Chris Specialises in complex trauma and utilises a holistic approach, understanding that bio-psycho-social factors all play a role in overall health and wellbeing.

Prior to his time at Wonderkind & Co. Chris has worked in schools, community-based non-profit organisations, Family Violence Centers and most recently, at headspace Geelong. Chris has experience working with individuals with trauma-related incidents including physical, emotional and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, mood disorders including but not limited to anxiety and depression and personality disorders including BPD and ASPD.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris finds joy in the company of his trusty sidekick, Harvey (his dog), often seen enjoying walks along the beach. An avid sports enthusiast, particularly footy (Go Blues!) and basketball, Chris’ passion extends to any sporting event that captures his interest.

Service Provision

• 1:1 Therapeutic support
• Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Childhood trauma and other trauma related support
• cPTSD
• Anxiety, Depression and other mood disorders
• Social Skills and Emotional regulation
• Anger management

If you would like to learn more about services Chris offers, you can contact him via email chris@singhoutmentalhealth.com.au or visit his website at singhoutmentalhealth.com.au

Thoughtful solutions

WITH SUSANNE BONE-THOMPSON

Mental Health Social Worker

Susanne Bone-Thompson from Thoughtful Solutions,  has made the decision to into Private Practice as an experienced Mental Health Social Work Clinician who has the capacity to engage the most resistant or avoidant young people and families with her gentle, practical, logical, kind and persistent approach.  Susanne has developed this capacity to meaningfully engage complex young people and their families with her years of experience working in the Out of Home Care sector.  

Since 2016 Susanne has work as a Residential Care House Manager (2IC) a Residential Care Case Manager a Targeted Care Package (TCP) Case Manager and for the last 3.5 years was a Family Thetapist as part of a Multi-Systemic Psychiatric Therapy team, here in Geelong. Susanne has excellent knowledge of Child Protective Services, Corrections, Out of Home Care, attachment disruption, family violence, sexual exploitation, treating complex trauma,  neuro-affirming, diversity inclusive and culturally safe practice.  

Prior to becoming a Social Worker Susanne was a busy mother of 4 and a youth worker, teachers aid, ran school wellbeing support and learning recovery mentorship programs and so much more.

Susanne is a committed and empathetic clinician who is passionate about achieving social justice, equality, respect, dignity and inclusiveness for all. She loves working as part of a team around the child to achieve shared goals, and believes collaboration, attunement and finding the voice of the young person to be key contributing factors towards healing and recovery.

Susanne will be operating out of Ariston House part time but has capacity to support young people and families of all ages via outreach at home, school or in the community.

Service Provision

• Young people in the out of home care OOHC sector
• Carers supporting young people in the OOHC sector
• Family preservation
• Family reunification
• Connected contact (Therapeutic parenting and family therapy support for families involved in Child Protective Services)
• Family therapeutic support
• Parenting support
• Challenging behaviours
• Risk management & safety planning
• Sexual exploitation
• School non-attenders
• NDIS participants (Capacity Building – around, engagement in services, Emotional Regulation,  Identity Development, Risk Management, Social Integration, Behaviour modification, Family structure & Family support)
• Individual Therapeutic Care Plan (practical psychosocial assessments and treatment plans)

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer to directly to Susanne, please email thoughtfulsolutions1@gmail.com or phone 0455 920 526

Anchor Point Therapy

WITH MICHAEL DERBY

Mental Health Social Worker / Clinical Family Therapist

Michael has extensive years of experience working with children, young people, adults and families who have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, family violence, loss and grief and mental health challenges. Michael believes that there is a strength in those who attend counselling, where safety, connection and fun can open up new possibilities to adverse situations.

Michael has worked within the mental health and child, youth and families’ sectors in various countries across the world including India, Denmark, USA, UK and Australia, which has helped Michael to understand the context and culture of situations, enabling his therapeutic approach to be tailored and flexible. Michael also has an extensive interest and experience in providing specialist therapeutic support to foster carers, and to children and young people who are in out of home care. Michael works with anyone 8 years and older, including, children, young people, adults, older adults.

Michael recently released a therapeutic resource of how to talk about shame named ‘exploring shame’, and has a strong belief that people can heal from shame that they are experiencing

Drawing from a trauma-informed practice, strengths and family systems therapeutic framework, Michael use a range of modalities and will collaborate with you in choosing the best approach. Michael’s approach is to create a playful, fun, connected and safe space where you can be empowered to explore and overcome the difficulties you are facing.

Service Provision

• Young people in the out of home care OOHC sector
• Carers supporting young people in the OOHC sector
• Family preservation
• Family reunification
• Connected contact (Therapeutic parenting and family therapy support for families involved in Child Protective Services)
• Family therapeutic support
• Parenting support
• Challenging behaviours
• Risk management & safety planning
• Sexual exploitation
• School non-attenders
• NDIS participants (Capacity Building – around, engagement in services, Emotional Regulation,  Identity Development, Risk Management, Social Integration, Behaviour modification, Family structure & Family support)
• Individual Therapeutic Care Plan (practical psychosocial assessments and treatment plans)

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Michael directly at MDerby@anchorpointtherapy.com.au or phone on 0402 203 216

RHW Counselling

WITH ROB WELLER

Counsellor

Rob is a warm, empathetic and non-judgemental counsellor who has several years experience working across community, forensic and private settings. Rob holds a Graduate diploma in counselling and has completed additional professional training and development in couples and family therapy approaches, and several trauma focussed modalities. Throughout his career Rob has enjoyed working in various roles including NDIS mental health outreach, generalist counselling, family and relationship counselling, father-focused family work, and family engagement work with young people in out of home care. Having previously completed a Bachelor degree in exercise science, Rob has also developed a keen interest in how physical and mental health are intertwined, and brings a passion for providing a holistic approach to supporting people to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Rob uses an integrative counselling approach, whereby interventions are chosen from a variety of modalities to match each person’s specific needs. Interventions are drawn from modalities including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Family and Couples Therapies, Gestalt Therapy, Trauma Focussed Therapies, Parenting education and Psycho-education.

Service Provision

• Depression, anxiety, stress management
• Loss and grief
• Relational trauma and single incident trauma
• Family separation and reunification
• Couple/Relationship issues (recovery from affairs/infidelity, improving communication, conflict management, strengthening connection)
• Men’s mental health and fatherhood challenges
• Parenting skills and confidence (Teens)
• Self-esteem and identity

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please contact Rob directly at rhwcounselling@gmail.com or phone 0451 595 433

Empowering Pathways Psychology

WITH LAUREN POWER

Psychologist

Lauren is both compassionate and dedicated, with a Masters in Psychology, a members of the Australia Psychological Society (APS), holistic in her practice with over 9 years of experience in the mental health and recovery sector.

Lauren has a special interest in the treatment of trauma/PTSD in adults who have experienced exposure to adversity in childhood and/or distress experienced throughout a persons life span. She has worked hard to understand, explore and reflect on the unique challenges that arise, and the intrinsic way trauma can manifest in day to day functioning, relationships and connection to self.

With her unwavering commitment, Lauren uses a range of trauma informed and evidence based modalities including but not limited to Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF CBT), Emotional Freedom Techniques/Tapping (EFT), Interpersonal Family System (IFS) Parts Work and Life Coaching.

Lauren supports by empowering her clients to navigate the complexity of their past experiences, assisting them to facilitate healing and personal transformation by focusing on authentic goals and desired outcomes. Lauren aims to create a safe and empathetic environment that allows clients to explore their trauma impact at their own pace, where the focus is not just on old wounds, but also empowerment, resilience and movement towards living a fulfilling life.

Lauren’s holistic approach also considers the mind-body connection, where she is able to incorporate techniques of mindfulness, somatic experiencing and positive psychology towards fostering healing and growth.

Lauren supports women clients (18+) presenting with trauma /PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship/interpersonal difficulties, psychological distress, esteem /confidence building, coaching /guidance, Women’s Wellbeing and Trauma Recovery & EMDR Intensive Packages are coming.

Service Provision

• Women 18 years +
• Trauma/PTSD
• Womens Wellbeing
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship/interpersonal issues
• Coaching and guidence
• Esteem and confidence-building
• Psychological distress

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Empowering Pathways Psychology directly at info@empoweringpathwayspsychology.com.au or complete the form on the website here

EMMA WISBEY

Naturopath

Emma Wisbey is a naturopath with over 25 years of experience working in clinical practice with a focus on family health.

Having also supported and educated practitioners for over a decade at one of Australia’s leading nutraceutical companies, she understands the benefits of a researched and evidence-based approach.

Emma practices patient-centred care with a focus on individualised treatment strategies using clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle medicine to support better health and optimal wellness outcomes.

Emma is passionate about collaborative healthcare practices and the role it plays in the health of the next generation. Being a mother of 3 herself, family health is her area of expertise, with a special interest in mental health, hormonal health, and children’s health. Emma enjoys working with children of all ages and likewise is always keen to support parents and caregivers also, to support families in achieving healthy, balanced, and connected lives together.

Service Provisions

• Naturopath
• Family Health
• Clinical Nutrition,
• Herbal Medicine,
• Homeopathy
• Lifestyle Medicine

Visit www.emmawisbeynaturopath.com.au for further information

Puzzle Piece Therapeutic Consultancy

WITH VICTORIA MCINTYRE

Counsellor

Victoria is a Counsellor who is passionate about working with and supporting children, young people and their families who have been exposed to adversity, specialising in recovery from traumatic events. She has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Counselling and comes with a range of experience from working in community-based non-profit organisations including Family Violence, Sexual Assault, Family Services and most recently working with Refugee & Asylum Seekers. Victoria supports individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, systemic, generational, cultural, financial and sexual abuse, as well as individuals who are experiencing mood disorders.

Victoria uses a holistic and strength based approach when supporting individuals along their recovery journey and draws from a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches including but not limited to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR at an Advanced Training level), person-centred therapy, solutions-focused therapy, polyvagal theory and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Based on her years of experience in the sector Victoria aims to offers a safe, informed, proactive both practical and therapeutic space for individuals who have survived or are experiencing Family Violence, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault or Coercive Control. Her services include 1:1 Therapeutic Support, Patenting Support, including navigating family contact and shared care transitions, Stress reduction & management, navigating Trauma recovery support including Childhood, Medical, Relational, and Complex PTSD, Emotional regulation and Social Skill Development.

Away from Victoria’s professional life, she enjoys spending time with her two fur-children, Blue and Chilli, time at the beach, hiking in nature, and eating delicious food with her favourite people.

Service Provisions

• 1:1 Therapeutic Support
• Parenting Support
• Stress Reduction & Management
• Childhood Trauma and other trauma related support
• cPTSD
• Social Skills and Emotional Regulation

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Victoria directly at puzzlepiecetherapeutic@gmail.com

Kreative Calm

WITH KERYN SWEENEY

Social Worker

Keryn is a dedicated Social Worker committed to empowering children, young people, and their families on their journeys of healing from trauma. Keryn employs evidence-based strategies to build secure attachments, harnessing the transformative power of art and play to foster emotional growth.  Through compassionate guidance and support, Keryn strives to create safe environments where individuals can thrive and reclaim their narratives and achieve their therapeutic goals. With a strong passion for advocating for equity and access, Keryn ensures a client’s voice is heard. Her roles have enabled her to develop effective strategies centred around resilience, flexibility, empathy, and patience. Keryn takes pride in her integrity and ethical practice, which she believes are essential for cultivating strong relationships with parents, children, and young people who may feel isolated or disadvantaged.

Keryn has recently completed Bachelor of Social Work and is currently pursuing Mental Health accreditation. With a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, she has enhanced her expertise through a diverse range of qualifications, including a Certificate in Initiatic Art Theory and a Certificate in Art Therapy Approaches for Working with Traumatised Children. Her skill set is further complemented by Level 1 Theraplay and Sunshine Circles certifications, as well as a Diploma in Community Services. Passionate about integrating creative therapeutic methods into social work practice, Keryn is focused on fostering resilience and healing in individuals and communities.

With over 12 years of experience in Community Services in Geelong, Keryn has built strong relationships with professionals in the sector and developed a comprehensive skill set in Residential Care, Foster Care, Mental Health, Disability, Family Services, and Family Preservation and Reunification. Most recently, she has focused on providing parent support within a school environment, empowering families to thrive. Keryn has an extensive knowledge of navigating complex systems, including the NDIS, Child Protection, Mental Health, Education, Family Violence, and the Legal System, this enables her to advocate effectively for clients and foster positive outcomes. Keryn is passionate about creating meaningful connections and driving impactful change within the community.

Service Provisions

• Art therapy and counselling
• Theraplay – groupwork, 1:1 and parent/child sessions
• Facilitating group work for children, young people and adults at Ariston house, schools and in the community
• Support for children and young people and their carers in OOHC
• Family preservation and reunification
• Post separation support for Children and parents – including planning and navigating contact.
• Therapeutic family support
• Parenting support
• Challenging behaviours and complex trauma
• Risk management & safety planning
• NDIS participants (Capacity Building – around, engagement in services, Emotional Regulation, Identity Development, Risk Management, Social Integration, Behaviour modification, Family structure & Family support

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please contact Keryn directly at kreativecalm.ks@gmail.com

The Berry Beginning

WITH ERIN LANCASTER

Social Worker

With experience in this space spanning the better part of a decade, Erin is a social worker and therapeutic play practitioner who has, across a number of programs and in both government and community based roles, primarily worked with children and families connected to the child protection system. In addition to these roles, Erin has also been working as a children’s grief counsellor for a local not-for-profit organisation for a number of years, participating in the running of weekend bereavement camps and engaging in program review and development.

Erin’s specialist interest is in working with and supporting children that have experienced adversity’s in life through circumstances oftentimes outside of their control. These circumstances include grief and loss, family violence, sexual harm, attachment and relationship disruption and exposure to adverse parental experiences like alcohol and other drug use/addiction and/or poor mental health – all of which have the ability to have deep and lasting impacts on a child’s sense of self and belonging if the right support is not provided.

With the overall aim in working with children, young people and families in this area being to offer a space within which the individual feels heard, held and seen, Erin practices from a person centered approach that allows for change to be guided and owned by the individual. In a 1:1, group or family setting, Erin uses evidence based strategies and therapeutic play to support children to process and progress beyond that which they have experienced so as to offer opportunity to not only heal, but to both grow and thrive as well.

Or, in short: Erin offers therapeutic support and counselling to children (2+) through the use of play, specialising in focal areas of grief, trauma and attachment.

Service Provisions

• Therapeutic Play
• 1:1 sessions
• Support for children and young people and their carers in OOHC
• Family preservation and reunification
• Therapeutic family support
• Parenting support
• Challenging behaviours and complex trauma
• Risk management & safety planning
• NDIS participants (Capacity Building – around, engagement in services, Emotional Regulation, Identity Development, Risk Management, Social Integration, Behaviour modification, Family structure & Family support)

If you are after further information or would like to refer for service, please reach out directly via hello@theberrybeginning.com.au

Caring Minds Counselling

WITH CASSIE ROBINSON

Counsellor

Cassie is a registered counsellor specialising in Child Development, Effective Parenting and Expressive Therapies. She is registered with the Australian Counselling Association, ensuring a commitment to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice.

With over a decade of experience in the welfare sector, including Home-Based Care, Mental Health, and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), Cassie brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She is dedicated to supporting children, adolescents and families through various challenges, offering a compassionate and safe environment where individuals can explore their feelings and work toward personal growth.

Cassie’s approach extends beyond traditional talk therapy, incorporating modalities in Play Therapy and Art Therapy to engage young people in a way that feels natural and comfortable. This holistic, creative approach allows children and adolescents to express themselves and process emotions in non-verbal ways, making it easier to address complex issues.

Whether working with families, young people, or children, Cassie is committed to fostering resilience, healing, and positive development.

Service Provisions

• 1:1 Therapeutic Support
• Support for children and young people and their carers in OOHC
• Mental Health Support
• AOD (Alcohol & Other Drugs) Support
• Trauma support
• Parenting support
• Interpersonal counselling support
• Behavioural support
• Stress management
• Emotional regulation
• Self esteem building
• NDIS participant – Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

For more information, or to refer for service, please contact Cassie directly at cassie@caringmindscounselling.com.au or visit her website www.caringmindscounselling.com.au

Peekaboo Psychology

WITH NIAMH DOWLING

Clincial Psychologist

Niamh has extensive experience and expertise in various settings, spanning from early intervention, community mental health, private practice, and educational settings. Additionally, she serves as a Senior Lecturer at Federation University.

Niamh is dedicated to fostering a collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel understood and supported.  Niamh prides herself on creating playful sessions. She specialises in working with children and adolescents (4 to 25 years) facing challenges in a range of areas, including anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and behavioural issues. Niamh is also committed to supporting parents and has a keen interest in neurodiversity, offering tailored care for neurodiverse clients.

As a board-approved supervisor, Niamh is passionate about mentoring professionals in the field.

Niamh utilises a variety of evidence-based interventions, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Play Therapy
• Schema Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-based Therapies
• Motivational Interviewing
• Tuning into kids
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Niamh also conducts comprehensive Autism assessments, ADHD assessments and cognitive assessments for children and adults.

Service Provisions

• 1:1 Therapeutic Support
• Assessments (i.e. Autism, ADHD and cognitive)
• Parenting support
• Clinical Supervision
• School Consultations
• Professional Workshops

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Niamh Dowling directly at hello@peekaboopsychology.com or visit www.peekaboopsychology.com for more information.

Bellarine Counselling

WITH JENNIFER BUCHANAN

Registered Social Worker

Relationship Therapist

Counsellor

Jen is a highly trained and experienced social worker and counsellor with over fifteen years of experience working with individuals and families. More specifically Jen is a ‘Relationships Australia’ trained Integrative Couples Counsellor, with additional qualifications in Family Therapy, Generalist Counselling and Social Work.

Jen works with individuals, families and couples in a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic manner to explore the challenges they are dealing with and support them in developing a positive outcome. Jen’s approach is electric and integrative combining different therapeutic modalities in a flexible manner to suit her clientele. Jen focuses on couples counselling, separation counselling, blended family development, individual counselling and grief and loss counselling.

Jen has developed her career working in support industries providing counselling and social work services to individuals and families experiencing crises. This has seen her move from working with young people and families in the education sector to many years of working in the public health sector, the past five in a senior role leading a team.

It is Jens firm belief that ‘life can be better’ and that if you ask yourself “if this is as good as it gets, is it good enough for me” and the answer is “no” that she would love the honour and privilege of working with you to find ‘good enough’.

Service Provisions

• Emotion Focussed Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Solution Focussed Therapy
• Integrative Couples Counselling
• Group Relationship Therapy

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Jen Buchanan directly at hello@bellarinecounselling.com.au or phone 0489068609

Dietitian Daniela

WITH DANIELA EQUID

Non-Diet Dietitian
Intuitive Eating Counsellor

Daniela is an experienced Accredited practising dietitian (APD), Intuitive eating counsellor and certified eating disorders clinician (CEDC) with over a decade working with adolescents and adults, guiding them to connect with their bodies and find their own food identity.

Daniela works with The Non-Diet Approach, which respects that the body holds a lot of wisdom regarding food, eating, nutrition, movement, rest, and weight. It is a gentle approach focusing on reconnection, individual experience, and skill building.

Unlike the traditional dieting approach that’s only concerned about physical health, it considers all aspects of health- mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial in addition to physical.

Daniela works to provide a safe and non-judgemental space to support clients in navigating through life challenges, feeling calm and equipped to make choices from a place of self-care and respect for the body you have now. Daniela specialises in supporting individuals and families to build a healthy relationship with food while building the foundations for a healthy body-mind-soul throughout food.

Daniela offers individual counselling to children, adolescents and adults, with selective eating, sensory issues, disordered eating, eating disorders, IBS, sports nutrition, and other food challenges, to find out how to connect with your intuitive selve and give your body what is best for YOU.

Daniela is trained in the SOS Approach to fussy and problem-feeding issues in children, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and family-based therapy (FBT).

Service Provisions

• Accredited Practising Dietitian
• Non-Diet Dietitian
• Intuitive Eating Counsellor
• Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders
• Sports Nutrition
• Fussy and problem-feeding in children
• Children, adolescents and adults

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer to directly to Daniela, please visit dietitiandaniela.com, email danielaequid@gmail.com or phone 0426 005 204

Naya Dawn

WITH RACHEL GRANT

Mental Health Social Worker
Yoga Teacher

Rachel is a social worker, EMDR therapist, Theraplay practitioner, and trauma-informed and children's yoga teacher who is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through a holistic and compassionate lens. 

Rachel provides trauma therapy, mental health support, family support, and services for NDIS participants to children, adolescents, adults and families. 

Rachel’s practice integrates evidence-based, bottom-up approaches with an attachment-focused framework and a strong focus on nervous system regulation. 

Rachel is neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and dissociation-informed, with a strong commitment to creating safe, responsive, and empowering spaces for healing.

Service Provisions

• 1:1 Therapeutic Support
• EMDR Therapy (Level 2 trained)
• Foundational level   Theraplay Practitioner
• Trauma-informed yoga
• Kids yoga
• Family therapy lens
• Small group programs

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If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Rachel directly at

Minding Ourselves

WITH KATHRYN MORGAN-SMITH

‍Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Kathryn is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, who has trained across a variety of modalities. She began her journey as a counsellor in 2008, and has continued to expand her clinical skills throughout the following years. She completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work in 2009, and a Master of Therapeutic Counselling in 2017.

Kathryn is a firm believer in an individual possessing the skills and strength to move through whatever difficulties they may be experiencing, and sees the therapist’s role as accompanying the client as they draw upon their experience to learn and grow. She provides a balance of support and interpretation, weaving a multitude of theoretical approaches into her work in an approach that is tailored to the client’s needs. Having an integrative approach means she can be flexible and adaptable in meeting a client’s therapeutic needs. Kathryn is trained in humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, acceptance and commitment and dialectical behavioural approaches amongst others.

Having worked in community, school and private practice settings has meant Kathryn has experience working with a wide range of clients and age groups, and she particularly enjoys working with adolescents and young adults as they work through the process of developing their identity, neurodiverse individuals, sufferers of chronic pain and supporting Social Work students requiring supervision. She works to provide a welcoming, warm and non-judgemental space.

Outside of work, Kathryn can often be found watching the footy (as a long suffering Essendon supporter), hunting down the perfect coffee or spending time with her family and beloved pet pugs.

Service Provision

• 1:1 Therapy support via GP or self-referral
• NDIS Participants
• Neurodiversity Support
• Social Work supervision
• Adjustment issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Parenting support (particularly those of neurodiverse children)
• Chronic pain support

If you would like to discuss how Kathryn can support you or have any questions about her services, please get in touch via: kathryn@mindingourselves.com

Bright Eyes Therapy

WITH LIAM HANRAHAN

‍Occupational Therapy

Liam is a dedicated Occupational Therapist, with a passion for supporting individuals across the entire lifespan. Liam enjoys focusing on both direct interventions with his clients and also capacity building of the supports who help his clients. Liam helps to empower his clients to enhance their independence and engage fully in their daily lives. Liam helps with combining clinical expertise with a genuine interest in understanding each person's unique needs. 

Liam studied at Deakin University in Geelong, while working as an Allied Health Assistant at Bright Eyes Therapy before becoming a fully fledged Occupational Therapist. Outside of work, Liam enjoys spending his time at the beach, enjoys running and staying active, looking after his Jack Russell, and supporting the Melbourne Demons.

Whether it’s advocating for the right assistive technology or helping someone navigate life transitions, Liam is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those he serves.

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Service Provision

• Ongoing therapeuticinterventions within the home/clinic/school/community environment.
• Functional Capacity Assessment/other OT assessments
• Equipment trial and prescription.
• Consulting to external key workers under the Key Worker Model.
• Capacity building of supports.

At Bright Eyes Therapy we see clients across the entire age range in the community, clinic, home, or schools, within the NDIS model, Medicare plans, or for private clients. At Bright Eyes Therapy we support clients for a range of needs including ongoing intervention involvement, capacity building, assessments, and equipment trials and prescription.

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If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Bright Eyes Therapy at brighteyestherapy@outlook.com or call 0498 261 641

Between the Lines

WITH LYNETTE CAMM

‍Education Consulting

Between the Lines Education Consulting offers tailored tutoring and educational support for students from Foundation to Year 8, with a special focus on developing strong reading skills.

Lynette is an award-winning and passionate teacher with over15 years of experience in primary education. She is dedicated to helping children grow in confidence and capability by bringing a personalised, thoughtful approach to every tutoring session. Lynette also has experience as aliteracy consultant, supporting schools and staff to develop and deliver high-quality literacy programs and effective teaching models.

At Between the Lines, the focus is on supporting students at their point of need, using evidence-based strategies that engage and support learners, and fostering independence and a love of learning. Lynette is committed to creating a calm, encouraging learning environment where children feel safe and supported. While she specialises in reading education, Lynette is able to provide tutoring in the generalist areas of literacy and numeracy.

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Service Provision

• Individualised tutoring sessions
• Homework and assignment support
• Education Consultancy for schools
• Professional learning for teachers
• Parent sessions

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Lynette at lynettecamm@icloud.com or call 0423 879 586

The Wonderful Society

WITH SUZIE FORBES

Maternal Mental Health and Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Professional OT Supervisor

Suzie is a passionate advocate for maternal, child and adolescent health. She has been a paediatric occupational therapist for 30 years, working with babies through teens and their families in both the USA and Australia. Suzie is a warm parenting and occupational therapy educator, endorsed mental health care practitioner, award winning speaker, bestselling author, and the mama of two kind, brave and connected young adults. Suzie has been featured on local and international podcasts as a parenting and neurodiversity expert.

Suzie is the Founder and CEO of The Wonderful Society and particularly likes to work with mums using a blend of body and mind interventions to enhance emotional wellbeing and energy so you can reduce your stress to live and mother with intention, vulnerability, and authenticity. This work is especially powerful for mums parenting children with neurodiversity and/or trauma, and/or that have these themselves. Suzie knows that when mums thrive, so too does the whole family. Mums that work with her talk about the increase in their confidence and ‘Suzie effect’ that has occurred in their families - Suzie is someone you want in your corner.

Suzie draws from her lived experience raising her own wildlings, as well as significant training in occupational science, neuroscience, sensory integration, psychology, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), polyvagal theory (SSP/RRP), neurodiverse affirming and trauma-informed practice. She has had the privilege of leading and supervising many teams of OTs, and other allied health professional clinical teams, in a variety of school, community and private practice settings. Suzie was a Teaching Associate and Clinical Supervisor with Monash University (2011-2016) and has been in private practice since 2007. She is lucky enough to have extensive experience supporting thousands of families over her career in her heart-led, family-centred, and science-based programs that help parents step into their own strengths and values to embrace a wholehearted life and raise happier, healthier and more helpful humans.

Suzie joins the Wonderkind & Co. therapeutic community with a focus on provision of Maternal Mental Health Occupational Therapy Services, using client-centered interventions to allow you to live your best authentic life, and parent with greater ease and alignment.

Suzie is also excited to offer Professional Occupational Therapy Supervision, with packages available for OTs in all stages of their career in alignment with the new OT Supervision Practice Framework (OTA, 2025).

Service Provision

• Individual Maternal Mental Health OT Counselling
• Professional Occupational Therapy Supervision
• Parenting support and education
• WONDERful Parents & Carers Support Group for neurodiverse families
• The Mother Spacemum’s circle

Other Services

• Individual Paediatric OT Intervention and Mental Health Therapy – for 0-21 year-olds with concerns around dyspraxia(DCD), sensory-motor development, regulation & behaviour, executive functioning (e.g. initiation, problem solving, organisation), anxiety, depression, handwriting, feeding, dressing, social skills, as well as sensory modulation, integration and processing.
• Functional Capacity OT Assessment(FCA) – includes initial and final consultation with parents plus comprehensive OT assessment report considering functional impacts of sensory processing, motor development on self-care, play, participation in family activities and learning and recommendations. Great for children with complex needs, to support NDIS, and/or as a first step to informed, targeted OT intervention.
• VCE VCAA Special Exam Arrangement Assessments – assessment of fine motor and handwriting capacity with recommendations for VCAA regarding special exam and school-assessed course work arrangements.

Self-managed NDIS participants

Medicare rebates available with GP referral - Better Access to Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP); and/or GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)

If you are interested in seeking further information, or would like to refer for service, please email Suzie directly at forbes.suzie@gmail.com or book through Wonderkind & Co’s Refer Now button.

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Thrive Therapeutic Support

WITH NICOLE THOMPSON
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Kinesiologist

Nicole is a Therapeutic Social Worker and Kinesiologist with over 16 years of experience. She has a passion for providing holistic support to her client groups by combining her therapeutic skills with bodywork and energy healing.  By providing a nurturing sensory experience her calming environment is welcoming enabling clients to relax and engage fully in the therapeutic process. Nicole has a special interest in supporting young people and women to understand and manage their mental and emotional health and well-being.

Located in Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Nicole can be contacted directly at nicole@thrivetherapeutic.com.au or by phone on 0478 037 013

Visit www.thrivetherapeutic.com.au for further information

SERVICE PROVISION

• Individual therapeutic support
• Kinesiology
• Somatic Trauma Therapy
• Reiki
• Women’s circles
• Qi Gong
• Adolescent group work

KATIE STOKES

Bachelor Occupational Therapy (Hons)

CO-OP Approach Trained Therapist

SOS Approach to Eating Trained Therapist

Katie is an Occupational Therapist born and bred in Geelong who has over 25 years experience. Katie started her private practice in 2005 when there was a huge gap in private OT services in the Geelong region. She enjoys helping families on their therapy journey to understand their child’s needs and teach them tips on how to make day to day life easier. Being a parent to two busy boys, and having a lived experience of specific learning needs, Katie feels well equipped to understand the children and families she is working with.

Her client base ranges from 3-18 years, with her focus on neurodivergent clients including Autistic, and ADHDers, as well as those experiencing Anxiety and developmental and coordination challenges. She has a special interest in working on sensory and emotional regulation, executive function challenges, Interoception, handwriting, as well as fussy eating challenges her neurodivergent clients present with.  She is able to complete detailed assessments of handwriting, including those required for VCAA Special consideration for exams for our teen VCE clients.

Katie loves sharing her knowledge with parents, teachers and schools and has developed a series of webinars on a range of topics. Katie is skilled in helping children, teens, their families and support networks to thrive.

Service Provisions

• 1:1 therapy sessions with clients aged 3-18years
• Parent consultations and education sessions
• Assessments and reports on areas detailed above
• PD sessions to parents, schools, and kindergartens on a range of topics including: Sensory Processing, Strategies for regulation, Interoception and  Fussy Eating.

NDIS funded (self managed and Plan Managed) sessions as well as private funded and Medicare sessions (CDMP Plans and BAMH Plans)

Sessions predominantly clinic based at 90 Gheringhap street Geelong.

Home and community based sessions as required, dependent on client goals.

For further information please see: Geelong Paediatric OT (katiestokesot.com.au), and follow us on socials – Facebook and Instagram for lots of strategies and tips.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please contact Katie directly via email: hello@katiestokesot.com.au

Balanced Minds Play Therapy

WITH EMILY CARLAND

Play Therapist

Emily is a Masters qualified Play Therapist and the owner of Balanced Minds Play Therapy, where interventions are specifically tailored and delivered to support children and families in the Geelong region. Emily has completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours and in 2020, spent time learning and completing her training with Lifeline Australia. Emily has a background in mental health and experience working in case management in the out of home care environment. It was in this role that Emily found her passion for working with children and discovered how valuable, developmentally appropriate, and effective Play Therapy is for children.

Play Therapy is developmentally appropriate, does not rely on language and is accessible to a wide range of individuals. It can support children with:

• ASD
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Trauma experiences
• Family complexity and separations
• Social and relational challenges
• Emotional and Behavioural challenges
• Chronic illness or disability
• School related difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Developmental delays

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Emily directly at admin@balancedmindspt.com.au

Dr Kim Armstrong Psychology

Kim holds a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology and is a registered psychologist with specialist endorsement under AHPRA. She offers bulk billing services to clients who are referred by their GP under a Mental Health Care Plan and hold a valid concession card. Kim also specialises in conducting Victims of Crime psychological assessments and preparing VOCAT reports and is a recognised service provider for the TAC and WorkCover.

With over 15 years of experience in community and private practice settings, Kim adopts a client centred approach to therapy, focusing on working collaboratively with an individual to develop specific goals and strategies that will enable them to look at issues with a different perspective, enhance their skills, strengths and resources, with a view to greater confidence, independence and improved management of unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Service Provisions

Kim works with clients aged 18+ and appropriate referrals include:

• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Depression
• Victims of Crime
• Childhood trauma
• Workplace and general life stress
• Grief and Loss

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Kim directly at drkimarmstrong@bigpond.com

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The Well House Chiropractic

WITH TANYA HIGGS
Chiropractor

Dr Tanya Higgs is incredibly passionate about holistic health and feels genuinely honoured to be part of each person’s wellness journey. Whether someone is seeking pain relief, or simply looking to feel and function at their best, Tanya’s approach is always tailored, supportive, and empowering.

She graduated from RMIT University with a double degree in a Bachelor of Health Science and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic),and later completed a two-year postgraduate diplomate in Paediatric Neuroscience and Neurodevelopment. This advanced training has further deepened her love for working with children, particularly those with developmental delays.

Tanya enjoys working with people of all ages — from newborns to grandparents — and has experience supporting babies, children with developmental challenges, teens with posture concerns, adults with acute or chronic pain, and athletes with injury prevention or rehabilitation. Her passion lies in family care, and she takes pride in supporting individuals and families through all stages of life.

Tanya is extremely excited to be joining the Wonderkind community and will be available Tuesdays and Fridays.

‍SERVICE OFFERINGS

• Family chiropractic care
• Paediatric chiropractic care
• Injury rehabilitation 
• Pregnancy & postnatal support 
• Primitive reflex integration & neurodevelopmental  support
• Health & Wellness Education
• Movement & coordination programs

Tanya can be contacted on admin@wellhousechiro.com.au, 0417 437 146 or for online bookings please visit: https://wellhousechiro.bookings.pracsuite.com/

For more information, please visit The Well House website https://www.wellhousechiro.com.au/

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THERAPY THROUGH ART

WITH JESSI MUIR
Jessi is a proud Wiradjuri woman, living on Wathuarong Country.
Jessi has been working within the youth work sector for the past 5 years and completed a Diploma of Therapeutic Life Story Work in 2020.
She is passionate about working alongside young people and creating opportunities for them to explore their own lives, focusing on their mental health and how to confidentially express themselves.
Being an artist, Jessi believes in using creative mediums to explore the world inside us and the world around us and make meaning of our own experiences through thinking, feeling, dreaming and creating.
Jessi provides a shared creative experience which allows those involved to explore their life and share their story.

Jessie Offers:
• 1:1 Session
• Family Work
• Small Group Workshop
• Therapeutic Life Story Work

For further details contact Jessie directly at jessi.rebel.muir@hotmail.com

Tevita Kamitoni – Maverick Manner

Meet Tevita: a seasoned chef with over a decade of culinary expertise and a heart dedicated to making a difference. Beyond his culinary skills, he has generously volunteered as a Youth Leader in CALD communities. Recently, Tevita has been a guiding light for high-risk individuals in out-of-home care around Geelong. He’s also harnessed his culinary talents to empower people with disabilities.

Tevita’s passion project, Maverick Manner, reflects his unwavering dedication and caring nature. Their philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: genuine interactions and holistic support. Tevita and his team offer a diverse array of services, ranging from personalized mentoring and cooking sessions to a transformative 6-week life skills program. Not stopping there, they even provide on-the-go barber services.

Adding to their repertoire, they’re gearing up to launch an innovative program designed to immerse young people in the outdoors, fostering emotional regulation. Collaborating with practitioners and industry experts, Maverick Manner aims to dismantle barriers and create new opportunities.

For Tevita, hospitality stretches far beyond the kitchen. His remarkable ability to connect with young individuals gives them a platform to be heard and nurtures their self-assurance.

Qualifications: Cert III Commercial Cookery, Cert 4 Child, Youth and Family Intervention.

Service Provision

• Mentoring and Support
• Respite and Retreat
• Outdoor Connect Program
• Cook and Connect Program

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Tevita directly at tevitak@maverickmannergroup.com.au

Mind Muscle Empowerment

WITH CAIN BRUNTON

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The MMPowerment is a community-based initiative that encourages young people who participate to build confidence and strength whilst providing clinical core values in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.)
Learning box fit skills from a professional boxer, such as Cain, and having a chat about the challenges that life throws at us can help us deal with the struggles we often face that can overwhelm us.
It can be a different way to learn how to face these struggles and be a powerful outlet.
Combining real-life experience, mentoring and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cain and his team would like to welcome you to the MMPowerment.

For further details contact Cain directly at cain@mmpowerment.com.au

Shake Counselling

WITH JAXSYN SCHOLES

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Counsellor
Male Mentor

Jaxsyn is a dynamic Counsellor with extensive experience working with, and supporting young people with complex needs in the Out of Home Care System, who are engaged with Child Protective Services, Young Justice Services, are experiencing School or Peer challenges and/or need a little extra support to manage big thoughts, emotions or behaviours.

Shake provides adolescents with support in alternative environments to enable them to feel more comfortable and promote engagement.  Environments that are unconventional to other counseling approaches and may include but is not limited to occurring on the Beach, Parks, Skate Parks, Footy Field or the Basketball Court.

Shake takes pride in offering a service that is accommodating for anyone that experiences unhelpful thoughts, big behaviours, and challenging emotions.  Jaxsyn is also trained in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Therapeutic Life Story Work.   The aim of Shake is to identify the importance of ambiance whilst engaging in therapy, formulating a ‘Safe Space’ for every client to achieve connection.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Jaxsyn directly at shakecounselling@outlook.com

EquiHuman Mental Health

WITH RACHAEL PATERSON

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Equine Therapist
Mental Health Nurse

Rachael is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, with several years of experience working within the public mental health field. With extensive involvement working in the acute mental health setting, Rachael has had the privilege of being a part of the lives of many individuals and their families in the face of challenging mental health difficulties. This opportunity has enabled her to support people through varying mental health struggles surrounding anxiety, depression, high risk behaviours, addiction, neurodivergent challenges, psychosis, mania, eating disturbances, trauma and attachment related conditions.

Rachael is particularly passionate about trauma-informed practice, and strives to incorporate a trauma sensitive approach to service provision.

EquiHuman Mental Health is an Equine Assisted Therapy Service that incorporates horses and nature into the therapeutic process. Equine Assisted Therapy is an experience-based approach to learning, where participants are guided by horses through safe experiences to address social, emotional, cognitive and behavioural challenges, and develop personal, relationship, and life skills to promote health and well-being.

EquiHuman Mental Health operates at Wallington Park Equestrian Centre, and works alongside a herd of approximately 20 horses who each bring unique qualities and attributes to the therapy session to support personal development, change, and growth.

Equine Assisted Therapy at EquiHuman Mental Health is governed by evidence-based principles, theory and practice including Gestalt therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, commitment and acceptance therapy, mindfulness practices and trauma-informed practices based on neuroscience, sensory and somatic experiencing.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Rachael directly at rachael@equihumanmentalhealth.com.au

Good Times Adventures

WITH JACK PEARSON

Good Times Adventures Aus. provides therapeutic outdoor adventure programs to young people around the Surf Coast and Barwon region. Jack has spent his entire life enjoying the outdoors and loves connecting with others through his love for surfing and mountain bike riding. Jack has over 10 years of experience working with vulnerable youths. He places great importance in connecting young people to their community and getting out in nature. Jack and his team utilise electric mountain bikes (eMTB), skating, ocean activities, and exploring nature as means to engage young people in an individualised program that supports personal growth and development.The adventure style programs resonate strongly with young men and boys. Jack and his team develop individualised therapeutic adventure plans using a holistic lens that supports goals unique to the participant. Good Times Adventures Aus. is ideal for a young person who is looking to build their confidence, social connectedness, and learn new ways of managing life stresses through the use of exercise, goal setting, problem solving, connection to nature, mindfulness, and learning new coping tools.

Jack is looking forward to connecting with you and starting your adventure.

To learn more about Good Times Adventures visit the website: www.goodtimesadventures.com.au

or contact Jack directly 0408 586 836 or jack@goodtimesadventures.com.au

Mind, Body & Beyond

WITH KERRY THOMPSON

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Kerry Thompson is an Energy Healer and Natural Therapies Practitioner. She’s passionate about supporting her clients to reconnect and release themselves from held onto emotions, beliefs and patterns. With 25 years of experience, Kerry has been able to support a diverse range of clients to process simple changes to complex life traumas with success via her nurturing approach.

In her safe, supportive and tranquil environment no two sessions are the same. Kerry accesses her knowledge and experience to personalise the session tailored to what the client needs in that particular moment to unravel and reveal their true nature to help heal and move forward in life.

The pace of the healing journey is set by each client and what they are ready to move through. Kerry assists and guides the process using different tools and modalities to help reach an outcome. Kerry aims to work with clients to find and clear unhelpful historic patterns and blockages that do not serve them anymore, thus creating a safe space to truly let go and commence healing.  This enables clients to discover and reconnect with their body, mind and soul to step back into their authentic self, maybe after years of feeling lost and disconnected.

SERVICE PROVISION

• Emotional Release
• Akashic Clearing
• Reiki
• Numerology
• Life Coaching
• Crystal  Healing
• Natural Remedies
• Meditation
• Bush Flower Essences
• Massage/Reflexology
• Energy Healing

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Kerry at mindbodyandbeyond11@gmail.com

Breaking Down Barriers

WITH TANIA MILLEN

Tania is a highly skilled and an experienced Specialist Support Coordinator with a Bachelor of Arts, major in Behavioural Science who has held leadership positions in the disability sector for over 20 years here in Barwon. Her industry experience includes being the senior Disability Case Manager at DFFH for 5 years, specialising in disability support and consultation for the Justice Department and complex MACNI clients.  More recently Tania was the Integrated Practice Leader at Orange Door and then the Specialist Disability Practice Leader in the Barwon Region based at the SAFV Centre.  In between these highly specialised roles Tania has been a specialist support coordinator and has experience in managing a support coordination team of 25.

Tania is passionate about working with and supporting people who are experiencing complexity due to their disability and/or external factors impacting on them.  She thrives in working as part of a care team model/therapy team and has a very detailed understanding of NDIS support, funding pathways, supporting care teams, planners and families to understand the short and long term goals for participants and how they can be achieved, based on her extensive experience and navigation of systems.  Tania is able to provide support coordination to both small and large plans and has been successful in seeking increases/changes in plans without issues. Tania is highly skilled at managing and supporting Clients with complex needs and high risk presentations and has maintained excellent relationships with both the government and non government organisations she has practiced in.

Tania loves creating change and working through barriers to support the achievement of small and large goals for the individual and their families who she supports.

SERVICE PROVISION

• Experienced Support Coordination
• Complex Support Coordination

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Tania at Tania@breakingdownbarriers.net.au or phone 0493 868 091

Candlebank Psychotherapy

WITH MEG WETTENHALL
She/her

Meg is a registered Clinical Psychotherapist with Bachelor of Counselling and Psychology and Honors in Psychology; her thesis explored mindfulness and suicide. Since completing university Meg has worked in public health, primarily in the family violence and sexual assault sector. Meg has worked with diverse communities in regional and urban locations, and has extensive experience working with the impact of sexual assault and family violence. Meg is comfortable working with children, teens, adults and families.

Meg brings her authentic self to the work and offers an integrative approach to psychotherapy. She provides a safe, client-focused, trauma informed space for people to engage in the work of therapy.

Candlebark Psychotherapy offers equine, canine and nature based approaches. Meg works with her three horses and dog Jet. Meg also incorporates somatic experiencing into sessions.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Meg directly at mwettenhallpsychotherapy@outlook.com or visit www.candlebarkpsychotherapy.com

SALLY WOOD

Play Therapy & Counselling South West
Play Therapist / Mental Health Social Worker

Sally is a mental health social worker in South West Victoria. Sally delivers evidence-based modalities with a focus on creativity and relationship-based practice.  Prior to completing her Masters in 2019, Sally completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology and Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology).  Sally has worked with headspace and other not-for-profit organisations and specialises in trauma.  Sally is deeply passionate about working with the entire system including working alongside families. By meeting them where they are and ensuring everyone feels heard, valued and seen, she is able to discover pathways to emotional safety, healing, and thriving.

Service Provisions

• Individual Therapeutic Care Plans
• EMDR (Level 1)
• Therapeutic Life Story Work
• Play Therapy
• Interplay
• Filial Therapy
• Animal Assisted Therapy
• Child & Adolescent Counselling
• Training on Child Sexual Exploitation, HarmfulSexual Behaviour and Dating Violence
• Psychosocial Assessments
• Social Work Supervisor

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email SAlly directly at info@playtherapysouthwest.com.au

Loulet Design

WITH LOUISE PHILLIPS

Branding
Design

Louise has been in the graphic design and printing industry for 20 years and started her own small business, Loulet design, 15 years ago.

Louise is freelance designer who works with small businesses on branding including logos, brochures, posters and business stationery, as well as invitations and birth announcements.

A busy Mum of three, Louise loves spending time with family and friends, spending time at the beach and travelling.

She has a love of all things colour, art and graphics!

For more information please contact Louise directly at loulet11@hotmail.com or 0417 560 396