For the past 6+ years, I've worked with teenagersa and adults from all backgrounds, helping them read, understand, process and then rewrite the challenging parts of their stories. As an accredited counsellor with a Master of Counselling, I create a safe, non-judgemental space for healing and growth.
Hi, I’m Rachael
Experience
As a counsellor, I’ve worked in domestic violence and trauma-recovery organisations, with teenagers living through childhood trauma, and in both short and long-term therapeutic spaces as an EAP counsellor. I’ve also worked as a men’s accountability practitioner in the domestic violence space and helped victim-survivors in their recovery.
When I’m not in the therapy room, I’m raising two hilarious little girls with my husband. You’ll also find me going to concerts around Brisbane, trying hard (and often failing) at yoga and tennis (but having fun anyway), and of course, reading fiction.
My experience as a counsellor has been broad: I’ve worked with women, men and gender-diverse adults and teenagers unravel the stories of their lives.
Growing up in a large family, I became well-versed in ‘reading’ people quickly from a young age. I grew up with disabled and neurodiverse siblings who taught me a lot about human behaviour. The transition to therapist as a career has felt natural and authentic to who I am.
I have a degree in English Literature as well as a Masters of Counselling - 2 degrees that have helped me understand the inner lives of human beings.
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Masters of Counselling - Monash University
Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) - University of Queensland
Member of Australian Counselling Association
“photo of the lake at UQ, where I got my first degree. Taken on 120mm film with a Holga camera, back when I was 18.”
Approach
PhilosophyMy approach is underpinned by narrative practice.
I use narrative therapy because it is:
Non-pathologising
Collaborative
Trauma-informed & safe
A social justice approach
Compassionate & without judgement
Accessible across ages, abilities & cultures
This TherapyWhy to choose
Is a re-writing of dominant & problematic storylines in your life.
Breaks down issues into helpful, manageable sections.
Helps clients externalise their problems (e.g. “I am not the problem, the problem is the problem.”)
Broadens our minds & hearts in exploring parts of our stories in ways we may not have thought about before puts the client at the centre of it all, as the expert in their life.
Let’s Talk
Take the first stepIf something in your life feels heavy, confusing or difficult right now, therapy can offer a space to explore it safely.
Get in touch below and we can begin a conversation about what support might look like for you.