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  • Noula dives into the world of Brainspotting, a trauma therapy that skips story retelling and focuses on therapist-client attunement and somatic markers in the body. It's a "bottom-up" approach, recognising trauma's presence in the body and the body's innate healing wisdom. Noula emphasises client empowerment and the modality's versatility, especially in her creative practice. We discuss its efficacy compared to other modalities and what "evidence-based" really means. Inside the Therapy Room, it's about creating a safe space for healing. Finally, Noula dispels a few myths about Brainspotting, ending our chat with a dose of reality.

    More About Noula

    Noula Diamantopoulos has a deep sensitivity and brings an undivided attention to removing the effect of emotional neglect on human lives; an affect which stops us from knowing who we are.

    A Sydney-based psychotherapist, she works with clients who have experienced complex PTSD, trains other therapists in the psychotherapeutic modality Brainspotting, and champions the role of the creative and expressive arts in healing.

    She is founder of both Brainspotting Training Hub and BeCause Movement and is the Author of You Are. That is. Creative.

    Connect With Us

    Noula’s Website - http://www.nouladiamantopoulos.comYou can find Noula on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.You can find the Brainspotting Training Hub here - https://www.brainspottingtraininghub.com.au/To watch Space 22 - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/space-22

     

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • Jodie discusses the complexities of eating disorders, highlighting the limitations of a medical model and advocating for a holistic approach that considers trauma. Drawing from her personal experience, she emphasises the importance of lived experience in understanding these issues. We explore the distinction between eating disorders and disordered eating, emphasising the harm of pathologising language. Jodie shares insights into her therapeutic approach, including depth psychotherapy and a compassionate stance, challenging conventional beliefs about love in therapy and advocating against diet culture. Addressing fellow therapists, she promotes Health at Every Size (HAES) principles and stresses the need to remove moral judgments around food. Finally, Jodie dispels myths about eating disorders, offering a nuanced perspective on healing and recovery.

    More About Jodie

    Jodie Gale is the founder of TraumaWarriors.Online, host of the Soul Sessions with Jodie Gale podcast, an Eco-Psycho-Spiritual Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, Complex Trauma Expert, Mind Body Eating + Plant-Based Nutrition Coach.

    She is a leading specialist in women’s emotional, psychological, and spiritual health and well-being. Over the last 20 years, Jodie has helped women to transform and heal their lives from complex trauma, emotional eating, and the trance of unworthiness.

    She has a private psychotherapy, counselling, and life-coaching practice in Manly, Frenchs Forest and Allambie on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. Jodie is passionate about helping women befriend, connect, and nourish their whole selves: body, feelings, mind, and SOUL!


    Connect With Us

    Jodie’s Website – https://www.jodiegale.com/You can find Jodie on Facebook, and Instagram as well as her Trauma Warriors Group.
    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • Kim provides an insightful overview and brief history of Narrative Therapy, emphasising its client-centred approach where the client is seen as the expert. She highlights the strengths-based and non-blaming nature of Narrative Therapy and shares what drew her to this approach, despite its initially complex language. Through vivid examples, Kim illustrates how Narrative Therapy is applied in practice, emphasising the importance of the therapeutic relationship and clients feeling validated. She surprises us by discussing who benefits from this approach and introduces two Narrative Therapy activities, 'The Tree of Life' and 'The Sailboat of Life'. We delve into the power of rewriting our stories and the role of self-compassion, before Kim dispels a common myth about Narrative Therapy.

    Who is Kim?

    Kim Billington is an author of two counselling books and is a PACFA & ACA clinical registered supervisor and counsellor who enjoys the balance of working online and in person with private clients: families and adults, as well as training workshops. Kim works with experienced counsellors providing individual and group supervision, as well as part of the clinical supervision team at Monash University in the Masters of Counselling Placement Team. Previously, Kim has worked with women and children in family violence agencies, with men in men's behaviour change group programs, and in Telehealth with MensLine and Beyondblue, and as a generalist counsellor in Not-For-Profit agencies. Kim loves cold-water swimming, and is a happy camper-van traveller, who has found ways to work remotely as well as being with her two young grandchildren in Melbourne when she is at home.

    Connect with us

    Kim’s Website - https://kimbillington.com.au/You can find Kim on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

      

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond The Surface here.
  • Kayte introduced horticultural therapy's origins and her personal connection to it. We discussed why nature complements counselling and the differences between nature and garden therapy. Exploring its beneficiaries, Kayte highlighted its accessibility and benefits for neurodivergent individuals and children. She stressed the importance of working with trained therapists and distinguishing horticultural therapy from nature-based interventions. Inside therapy sessions, we examined the dynamics, considering safety concerns and differences between sessions for adults and children. Lastly, Kayte debunked a myth about horticultural therapy.

    Who is Kayte?

    Kayte combines her background in teaching, counselling, and horticulture to provide and facilitate therapeutic spaces in nature. Through mindfulness skills, sensory experiences and horticultural activities, Kayte tailors each session to a client’s needs and goals allowing nature to hold, heal and teach.

    Links

    To connect with Kayte, reach out via her website - http://admirari.com.au

     

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.

     

  • In our conversation, I asked Rae to define key terms regarding the intersection of Queer and Neurodivergent identities, which they're passionate about as someone embodying both. We discussed the importance of lived experience and self-disclosure in therapy, emphasising the non-pathologising nature of Queer and Neuroaffirming approaches. Rae highlighted the need for therapists to be mindful of language, biases, and assumptions. They shared their belief that Neurodivergence doesn't always require diagnosis or gatekeeping. We explored considerations for Queer and Neurodivergent individuals seeking therapy, including safety and red flags. Rae also addressed challenges at this intersection and the incorporation of non-verbal and creative approaches. Lastly, Rae debunked a myth about Queerness and Neurodivergence.

    Who is Rae?

    Rae is an Arts Therapist, Psychotherapist and Supervisor. They are Non-Binary and Neurodivergent with a lived experience of Chronic Illness; as well as being vegan and loving animals. They are passionate about Disability Rights, the LGBTQIA+ Community and Mental Health. They have a sensory garden outside the studio and when working therapeutically, they use person-centred, strengths-based and peer support approaches to assist individuals to access their internal resources and building their resilience. Their core values include connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, personal congruence, and autonomy.

    Links

    Rae’s Website – https://www.creatingwellbeing.com.au/You can connect with Rae on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

     

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • Jemma began by explaining EMDR and its connection to REM sleep. We discussed how trauma processing doesn't always involve retelling the story and what 'activation' means. I asked about Jemma's journey into EMDR and the training involved. She outlined different types of EMDR and bilateral stimulation methods. We explored the broad range of issues EMDR can address, even beyond recognised trauma. I questioned the misconception linking EMDR to hypnosis, which Jemma clarified. We touched on cases where EMDR might not be as effective and highlighted the ongoing importance of the therapeutic relationship. Jemma emphasised that EMDR can still benefit those not initially presenting with trauma and debunked a common myth about its effectiveness.

    Who Is Jemma?

    Jemma (she/her) is an Accredited Mental health Social Worker (AASW Full member) and Accredited EMDR Practitioner (EMDRAA member) with a background primarily in specialist sexual assault and family violence services. 

    She is incredibly passionate about using evidence-based practice to support female-identifying humans, children, and adolescents to thrive, whilst assisting them to deepen their connection to themselves. 

    As well as this, Jemma is particularly passionate about working with complex trauma presentations and has an interest in dissociative identity disorders.

    Jemma primarily uses attachment informed and relational EMDR, Animal Assisted Therapy, and parts work and approaches therapy from a compassionate, person-centred approach. She works alongside co-therapists Dexter and Mali (both qualified Therapy Dogs). 

    Outside of Bloom Jemma enjoys spending time in nature, visiting the ocean as often as possible, travelling to new places and hanging out with her partner and fur kids. 

    Links

    Jemma’s Website – http://www.bloomwell-being.com.au/You can connect with Jemma on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

     

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • In our conversation with Fiona, we explore perinatal and birth trauma. Fiona shares her personal journey that led her to specialise in this area. We discuss the diverse manifestations of traumatic birth experiences and the intersection with post-natal depression. Fiona highlights symptoms and the impact on relationships, including non-birthing partners. She emphasises the importance of seeking help and describes trauma therapy inside the therapy room, including her unique framework and the effectiveness of EMDR therapy. We also touch on the physiological impact of trauma and the need to address past internalised messages. Fiona provides insights into the therapy process for newcomers and shares crucial understandings about birth trauma for therapists. Finally, Fiona dispels common myths surrounding perinatal and birth trauma, advocating for greater awareness and support.

    Who Is Fiona?

    Fiona Rogerson is a highly experienced and compassionate registered Perinatal and Trauma Counsellor, specialising in trauma recovery, particularly in the realms of birth, perinatal, and medical trauma. As an EMDR therapist, she offers evidence-based treatment to empower individuals, both consumers and health professionals, to heal from trauma.

    In her role as the principal counsellor at her Perinatal and Trauma Group counselling practice, Fiona leads a dedicated team in providing supportive individual and couples therapy to help clients resolve their trauma, build resilience, and move forward. Additionally, as a Clinical Supervisor, she offers mentorship to emerging therapists and clinicians, and as a passionate Trauma Educator, she leads workshops and training to raise awareness about trauma and its effects. Her mission is to create systemic impact for those who experience trauma at the hands of our maternity system.

    Links

    Fiona’s Website - http://www.fionarogerson.com.auYou can find Fiona on Facebook and Instagram
    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond The Surface here.
  • In our conversation with Anita, we explore Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and dispel misconceptions. Anita emphasizes that AAT involves more than just having animals present; it requires therapists to understand their animal partners, like her dogs Bacardi, Bailey, and Kaluah, whose distinct personalities contribute to therapy. She explains how these dogs assist in regulating emotions and stresses their equal rights in the therapy space. We discuss the animals' need for rest and Anita's journey into specialising in AAT, highlighting its benefits for individuals with complex trauma. Through a powerful example, Anita illustrates the transformative impact of AAT. Finally, she debunks common myths, revealing the true essence of AAT.

    Who is Anita?

    Anita Geary’s dedication to improving the lives of children, adults, & families as a mental health social worker span 2 decades.

    Her approach involves integrating her trained therapy dogs, Bacardi & Kaluah, into her therapeutic practice, offering a distinctive & deeply enriching experience.

    Anita's expertise in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) recently led her to present at the 2023 Animal Therapies Conference, focusing on the application of AAT for those affected by interpersonal trauma. She's also actively contributing to the development of practice standards in the field of AAT & runs a regional private practice. Beyond her clinical work, Anita provides tailored training & clinical supervision to professionals in the helping professions, enhancing their skills through trauma-informed, reflective, & strength-based practices. Her passion for making a positive impact is evident in her work, as she continues to guide countless individuals towards a brighter & more fulfilling

    Links

    Anita’s Website - https://www.insighttherapiesvic.com.au/You can find Anita on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.To find an Animal-Assisted Therapist head to - https://animaltherapies.org.au/
    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond The Surface here.
  • In this discussion with Kate, we explore life-limiting illnesses like cancer and motor-neurone disease. Kate, a therapist with a nursing background, shares her journey into this field. We touch on the significance of therapists being well-informed without overwhelming clients. Grief, loss, and the multifaceted impacts of cancer, including on sexuality and finances, are discussed. Kate highlights the psychological toll of medical trauma and gaslighting, addressing the need to confront toxic positivity and stigma. We also address the challenges faced by loved ones and carers, and the importance of discussing death. Kate's approach, marked by authenticity and humour, underscores the normalcy of emotions and the necessity of supporting clients and oneself through tough conversations. Finally, Kate dispels myths surrounding people with life-limiting illnesses, offering practical insights for everyone.

    Who is Kate?

    Kate has been informally counselling and caring for people who are at their most vulnerable for over 25 years as a Registered Nurse. She decided to formalise this by becoming a counsellor 5 years ago.

    With her own personal experiences with family illness and the experiences of many others who she has helped throughout her Nursing career, she has gained an understanding of the complexities of the varied emotional, physical, and mental challenges that we face in our daily lives, when we are faced with illness and our diverse individual responses.

    Kate works predominantly with people who are living with life limiting illness such as cancer and motor neurone disease and the different layers of loss and grief and life adjustment that comes with these illnesses. Kate works with children, carers and anyone who has been affected by life limiting illnesses.

    Links

    Kate’s website is - https://www.bloomcounselling.com.au/our-peopleYou can also find Kate over on Facebook & Instagram
    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond The Surface here.
  • Kristy paints a vivid picture of equine therapy's diverse approach, sharing personal insights and the powerful impact of working with horses. We explore its benefits, especially for children and trauma survivors, emphasising the horses' gentle presence and intuitive nature. Kristy showcases the experiential aspect of equine therapy and its role in somatic inquiry, correcting misconceptions and highlighting the importance of her role as a therapist.

    Who is Kristy?

    Kristy is a degree qualified coach and counsellor holding membership with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and registration with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Kristy also holds accreditation with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute (EPI) as an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practitioner. Drawing on EPI therapeutic modalities Kristy integrates PCT, coaching, and positive psychology, from a trauma-informed perspective. Kristy’ believes that awareness, connection, and healthy expression are important contributions to wellbeing, and that horses and connection to the land are profound teachers and facilitators of these skills. Kristy says, “I feel privileged to work with every client and herd member on this breath-taking land of Amaroo. My wish for the world is that connection and compassion become the foundation on which we all stand”.

    Links

    You can find out more about Kristy & Amaroo here - https://amarooequine.com.au/You can also find them on Facebook & Instagram.
    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • Tanya shares insights into Dramatherapy, debunking myths and highlighting its therapeutic power for all ages. From its somatic approach to trauma to its fun activities in group settings, she explains its effectiveness and who can benefit. Tanya emphasises the distinction between dramatherapy and therapeutic drama, showcasing its adaptability and dispelling misconceptions along the way.

    Who Is Tanya?

    Tanya is a Master’s degree qualified and registered Dramatherapist. She undertook her training in England in 2010 and then worked for the UK's National Health Service for 10 years primarily in child and adolescent mental health. Upon returning to Australia three years ago, she was the Clinical Lead for Victoria for Canteen- a youth charity organisation supporting adolescents and young adults impacted by cancer. In August this year, she decided to branch out into private practice and founded ShortStories Therapy- offering dramatherapy to people of all ages on the Mornington Peninsula. Tanya strongly believes in the impact that creative arts therapies can have for so many people and is committed to raising the profile of dramatherapy here in Australia.

    Links

    Tanya’s Website - http://www.shortstoriestherapy.com.auYou can find Tanya on Facebook & Instagram.
    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • In this episode, Bronwyn dives into Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) and Polyamory, clarifying the 'ethical' aspect and debunking myths around these relationships. She shares insights into the stigma against non-traditional relationship structures and how misconceptions arise, including the idea that ENM can't be committed or stable. Highlighting her experience with clients facing negative therapy experiences and the media's role in shaping perceptions, Bronwyn addresses the capacity for loving more than one person, the therapy dynamics for ENM relationships, and challenges the notion that jealousy is inherently negative in these contexts.

    Who Is Bronwyn?

    In their private practice, Bronwyn specialises in ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and chronic illness. They feel passionately about providing a service that is positively aligned with the neurodivergent, LGBTQI+, kink, and BDSM communities.

    In 2022, the release of their first book, "The Beginner's Guide to Ethical Non-monogamy," which marked a significant milestone in their career.

    Links

    Bronwyn’s Website - https://www.floraisonmentalhealth.com.auYou can also find Bronwyn on Facebook & Instagram
     Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/ You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn You can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • In this episode, Sarah delves into her varied experience in community work. She introduces Child-Centred Play Therapy, emphasising the importance of therapeutic relationships. We discuss Filial Therapy's benefits and the universal applicability of Play Therapy, highlighting its advantages for expressive and somatic healing. Sarah explains Play Therapy's significance for neurodivergent individuals and the dynamics of a therapy session, including the contrast between home play and therapeutic play, and the use of individual versus group sessions. Additionally, she touches on the misconceptions surrounding Play Therapy and the therapeutic tools used in her practice.

    Who is Sarah?

    Sarah is an Accredited Social Worker, currently working in the capacity of a SW with a regional hospital, as well as PT Private Practice. Sarah specialises in Child Centred Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Circle of Security program facilitation, AutPlay and EMDR. Sarah has worked in Out of Home Care, community youth & family organisations, and managed youth programs focusing on supporting young people, families, and education engagement. Clinical experience includes Specialist Behaviour Support, child and adolescent mental health and developmental trauma. Sarah owns, Connect to Thrive, where therapeutic interventions are grounded in attachment theory, neuroscience, and interpersonal neurobiology.

    Links

    Sarah’s Website - https://connect2thrive.com.auYou can find Sarah on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

     

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • In this episode, Khadine introduces Emotion Freedom Techniques (EFT) or EFT Tapping, a powerful mind-body therapy. We discuss its effectiveness in addressing diverse mental and physical concerns, including a notable case with a client experiencing Parkinson's disease. Khadine shares insights into trauma's somatic impact and her personal journey into EFT. She highlights its broad applicability, especially for non-verbal individuals, and dispels myths around its evidence-based nature.

    Bio

    Khadine has a combined experience of 33 years in the healing and community services professions. With her knowledge of natural therapies and social work she brings a holistic, strengths-based approach to her work with clients and providing EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) training.

    In her client work Khadine specialises in supporting people living with the impacts of trauma, phobias, and other life challenges. She has been providing EFT Tapping Practitioner Training for 5 years around Australia. Khadine is dedicated to giving back and last year provided 14 full scholarship places for her EFT Certification training.

    She also fosters traumatised cats and helps them to trust and heal so that they can having loving forever homes.

    Links

    Khadine’s Website - https://embraceempowerment.com/You can find Khadine over on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

     

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond The Surface here.
  • Emma Nelson is Mum, wife and friend first. Therapist and helper second. She runs an Art Therapy practice called Zen Zebra Art Therapy and is a lover of all things cake and cheese however not cheesecake.

    In this episode, Emma provides an insightful glimpse into the world of art therapy. She discusses her journey into art therapy, the diverse beneficiaries, and how creativity provides unique avenues for expression. Emma explores the intuitive nature of her approach, distinguishes between art therapy and art as therapy, and highlights the power of creativity in articulating experiences beyond words

    Links

    Emma’s Website - https://www.zenzebra.com.auYou can find Emma on. Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

     

    Sam’s Website - https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/You can find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInYou can also find Sam’s other podcast Beyond the Surface here.
  • Have you been hurt by the church? Maybe you have experienced abuse at the hands of clergy or a minister? Or maybe you are part of a marginalised group often discriminated against by the church. This episode with Sam and Jane, Religious Trauma therapists is for you.

     

    Today’s episode is a double whammy, because Religious Trauma is the speciality of both host Sam and guest Jane.

    In today’s episode we explain what religious trauma is, how it presents and what some of the causes are including spiritual bypassing. We discuss why lived experience is so important in the religious trauma space. We both share parts of our own stories and talk about the impact on the queer community.

     

    Sam is a Queer Therapist specialising in Religious Trauma - currently offering therapy locally to Goulburn, NSW and online worldwide (except US & Canada)

    Working from a trauma informed and lived experience stance, and understanding the profound impact that religious experiences can have on individuals, Sam is here to provide an accepting and non-judgmental space to explore your inner world.

    Sam will be releasing her new workbook “Embracing Queerness and Faith” early 2024 which she is hopeful will bring an internal sense of authenticity and freedom to many.

    You can connect with Sam on website – www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au

     Or via social media – www.instagram.com/anchoredcounsellingservices

     

    Jane Kennedy is a Sydney-based Counsellor. She has lived experience of religious trauma and is committed to supporting people as they leave church and/or faith.

    She brings language and framing for the complexities of religious trauma to the counselling space and together we have begun to create a network of other Australian and New Zealand therapists to broaden knowledge among those working with affected clients.

     Jane has written her story, an e-book, The Sentimental Non-Believer, on Loving & Leaving God. Her course, Freedom from Religious Trauma will be available in 2024.

     To learn more about Jane and her practice via her website - https://janekennedycounselling.com.au/

     Or connect with on social media – www.instagram.com/janekennedycounselling

  • Are you a part of the Trans or Gender Diverse Community? Maybe you support members of the Trans community? Perhaps you have family members who are Trans, Gender Diverse or Non-Binary. This episode with Tasha, a LGBTQIA+ Counsellor is for you!

    In today’s episode Tasha explains who falls into the Trans and Gender Diverse community. We discuss why it is so important for Trans people to know that coming to therapy for mental health support is vital alongside of any medical interventions. We also talk about some of the misconceptions people have about the Trans community and how we as cisgender folk can show support.

     

    Tasha Turner is a Queer Neurodivergent Counsellor, Advocate, wife, and chronic pain battler.

    Many of her clients are neurodivergent, mainly autism and/or ADHD and are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Tasha uses her lived experience to work with these individuals to connect on a deeper level as someone who understands many of the struggles and triumphs faced.

    More details about Tasha and her practice can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TashasTherapeuticCounselling

     

  • Have you ever lost a faithful animal companion? Maybe they were a beloved family pet? Perhaps you work with animals, you might be a vet or a pet groomer and feel impacted when those animals pass away. This episode with Renee, a Pet Loss Counsellor is for you!

    In today’s episode Renee shares her own story of losing her dog Buckley. We discuss why it is so important for people to know that coming to therapy for pet loss is valid and needed. We also talk about some of the misconceptions people have about grief and in particular pet grief.

    Renee Magri is a Grief Counsellor that specialises in Pet Loss Support for before and after the loss of our Animal Friends.

    Her passion for this much needed support grew immensely after losing her beloved Boxer Buckley to a terminal illness at the young age of 5 and a half. Having always had a keen interest in grief and loss, it was a natural progression for her to take her qualification and direct it to helping the wider community with what can be one of the most difficult losses you will ever go through in your lifetime.

    More details about Renee and her practice can be found at https://www.foreverinmyheartpetlosscounselling.com.au/

    You can find Renee over on Instagram – www.instagram.com/petlosssupportishere

    You can also find her on Facebook where she has a support group available - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2746558408688889

  • Ever had someone, maybe even a therapist, judge you for your interests in gaming? Maybe you have never had a therapist really understand you? Perhaps you just love the idea of your therapist being just a much of a nerd as you. This episode with Mike, the nerd therapist is for you!

    In today’s episode Mike chats about how he uses things like video games, role playing and other nerdy interests to connect with his clients. We discuss why using pop culture, gaming and play based therapy can be helpful for not just children but people of any age. We also talk about some of the misconceptions people have about video games and the balance that is needed.

    Mike Keady is a Counsellor in Perth, Australia.

     Mike uses video games and tabletop roleplaying games in individual and group therapy and provides education to clinicians on the use of pop culture to understand clients' own personal journeys. Mike is an AusPATH member and LGBTQIA+ supportive counsellor.

    Mike proudly calls himself ‘The Nerd Therapist’.

    More details about Mike and his practice can be found at https://counsellingwithmike.com.au/

    You can find Mike over on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/counsellingwithmike/

  • Ever had someone just want to slap a label on you? Maybe your experiences of therapy in the past haven’t been beneficial? Perhaps you just love the movie Inside Out movie. This episode with Stef, an IFS Therapist is for you!

    In today’s episode Stef lets you in on what Internal Family Systems is all about. Where we discuss how IFS was so powerful for Stef personally and how it values human uniqueness. We also talk about some of the misconceptions people have about IFS.

    Stef Marris who is a trauma informed counsellor from Arena Counselling in Canberra, Australia.

    Stef encourages her clients to be curious about their internal world and to heal the parts of themselves that hold their emotional wounds. She has a wealth of study behind her and both personal and professional experience that informs her practice greatly.

    Stef has a special interest in working with complex trauma as well as teens and young adults.

    More details about Stef and her practice can be found at https://www.arenacounselling.com.au

    You can find Stef on Instagram – www.instagram.com/arena_counselling