I'm an Australian-trained psychologist with 17 years of experience in mental health. My fascination with human behavior stems from observing how people unconsciously engage in patterns that may not serve their best interests. Through counseling, I aim to cultivate self-awareness, empowering clients to make behavioral choices aligned with their aspirations and values.
Before becoming a psychologist, I worked as a researcher, studying treatments for mental disorders and factors related to recovery. This background informs my counseling approach, so clients working with me can expect a structured and practical counseling method with clear goals and progress monitoring.
As a happily married mother of two who has experienced the expat journey firsthand, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new environment and can provide unique insights and support to clients navigating similar experiences. Described as warm and approachable, I offer a balanced mix of supportive listening, humor, and coaching to facilitate positive life changes.
Currently, I only have online availability. My consultation hours are: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 1pm. Please reach out if you'd like to schedule an initial appointment.
My approach is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy. Practical strategies are utilized to help develop more functional ways of addressing problems and of managing emotional discomfort. Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely practiced therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote positive change. In CBT, individuals work with their therapists to recognize and reframe distorted thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. The emphasis is on developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills to address current issues. CBT is goal-oriented, time-limited, and often involves homework assignments to reinforce learning and promote lasting change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based approach that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than attempting to eliminate or suppress them. The central premise of ACT is to help individuals live a meaningful life by clarifying their values and committing to actions that align with those values. ACT involves mindfulness techniques to foster psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to adapt to the present moment without being overly influenced by negative thoughts and emotions. Schema Therapy integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with elements of psychodynamic and experiential therapies to address deep-seated, ingrained patterns known as schemas. Schemas are enduring, negative beliefs about oneself and the world that can develop in early childhood. This therapeutic approach aims to identify and change these maladaptive schemas, often formed due to unmet emotional needs. Schema therapy involves a combination of cognitive restructuring, behavioural techniques, and experiential interventions to challenge and modify these core beliefs.