Meet Rhiannon
Why I became a counsellor.
I chose counselling as a profession because I love to see people flourish and live out their goals and I view it as a great privilege to help support that process in others. I believe in the power of human connection and our capacity for change; we need each other for support, growth and empowerment.
I have a Bachelor of Counselling and Coaching, and I am a Registered Certified Practicing Member with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
My professional background.
With a background in early childhood education and counselling, I am passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential, however that might look like for each individual.
My 25 years of work experience and expertise lie in the education, care, and support of children, adults, and families from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and abilities across a variety of contexts, including pediatric therapy, childcare and kindergarten, primary and secondary school chaplaincy and wellbeing, disability support work, and in-home care.
How I work with children.
I love working creatively with people, especially with children. Children are playful and curious, and I love to lean into that during sessions. The main way children learn and encounter the world is through play, which is why a large proportion of my therapy time with children is play-based. Using expressive and play-based therapy with children supports their emotional, social and cognitive development and gives them non-verbal ways of expressing their emotional destress and working through challenges like anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and unique challenges related to neurodivergence.
It may look like all fun and games, but each evidence-based approach I choose while working with children has a rationale and purpose.
How I work with people.
I have a warm, calm, and down-to-earth approach which helps clients feel at ease, comfortable, and safe to share what's going on for them. I am adept at meeting people where they are at, which creates a non-judgmental space where they feel heard, supported, and understood.
I take a person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma informed approach in supporting my clients, working collaboratively with them to explore their experiences and discover their own capacity for change.
I have a keen interest in expressive therapies which uses art, writing, music and movement to help people express their emotions and thoughts, which is particularly helpful for those who struggle to articulate emotions verbally.