Meet Em
Hey there! I’m Em (they/them), a creative, reality tv connoisseur, and earring collector. I am queer, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled, trying to navigate this weird and wonderful world just like you!
Over the past seven years I have worked in multiple roles within healthcare, education, and community services supporting people of all ages with a particular interest in supporting people who are queer, neurodivergent, disabled, chronically ill, or recovering from trauma. Now, as a counsellor I support people across the lifespan to create the lives they want to live by affirming their strengths, diversity, and empowering their autonomy.
I'm passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals through empowerment, autonomy, affirmative practice, and advocacy. I'm particularly interested in how the body and brain connect, and how our body communicates to us about the past and present through somatic symptoms. In my practice I invite people to connect with their bodies through creative, play, somatic, and talk based therapies to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences, release tension, learn new skills, and achieve their goals.
When I'm not working I am usually starting a new creative project, spending time with friends and family, taking photos of native flora, or terrorising those closest to me with facts about my latest hyperfixations.
Qualifications
Before becoming a counsellor I completed an undergraduate in nursing, specialising in mental health care. Since then I have completed a Masters of Counselling in Child, Youth, and Family Therapy. I currently hold registration as an ACA 2 Registered Counsellor and Non-practicing Registered Nurse.
Allyship
I am allied with queer, disabled, fat, feminist, First Nation’s Peoples, immigrant, CALD, sex work, kink, polyamorous, non-monogamous communities and affirm people from all backgrounds, orientations, identities, and experiences.
“In session with me you can expect a safe, warm, and supportive environment where your goals and plans for counselling are the main focus. As we journey together, I gently facilitate your exploration of past and present events with warmth and empathy.”
My counselling approach
Holistic
I see people as complex and multifaceted beings. They are connected to their support networks, communities, and environments. They have rich histories and wisdom. They are more than a diagnosis or a number. When supporting people in counselling I take into consideration all of the aspects of a person's life to ensure balance, safety, and sustainability within my guest’s* lives.
Integrative
Integrative counsellors draw from many different modalities to provide a therapeutic approach that is individualised and focused on supporting the person. I believe therapy works best when tailored to an individual's unique needs. Within my practice I draw from many different frameworks and counselling modalities, integrating them into an individualised counselling experience focused on the needs and preferences of my guests. I adapt the ways I work to benefit your unique needs and experiences, and find ways to accommodate your needs and goals within traditional counselling modalities.
Non-directional
A non-directional counsellor does not have a set agenda for a counselling session, rather encourages guest’s autonomy and holds space for guests to explore what and how they wish. As a non-directional counsellor I hold a safer and secure space for my guests to use in almost all ways that feel safe and comfortable for them. Whether it be talking, creating, playing, silence, meditating, or just being. As a non-directional counsellor I gently guide and facilitate you to explore new perspectives, connect with yourself, and uncover new learnings. And sometimes just being and regulating.
* To promote equal power, autonomy, respect, and dignity within my practice I use the term guest to refer to the people I work with.
Counselling modalities
As an integrative counsellor I draw from the following modalities:
Person Centred Therapy
Strengths Based Therapy
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Model
Trauma Informed Practice
Creative Based Therapy
Play Based Therapy
Affirming Therapy
Neuroaffirming Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Dialectal Behaviour Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
In session with Em
In a session with me you can expect a safe, warm, and supportive environment where your goals and plans for counselling are the main focus. As we journey together, I gently facilitate your exploration of past and present events with warmth and safety.
As you navigate your experiences, I walk alongside you providing affirming support and assisting you to identify strategies for success, now and into the future.
More information about what to expect in counselling sessions with me is available in the New Guest Welcome Pack! If you would like more information about what to expect in counselling sessions contact me here!
My Counselling Space
My counselling space is located inside a co-shared office and community space in Beenleigh. As the office is shared it may not always look the same, but you can expect the same calm and warm energy within the space. Here are some photos of space and resources!
Ready to start your jouney?
Book an appointment with me today.
Still unsure?
Book a free 20 minute call to meet me and see if I am the right counsellor for you!