Help for Individuals

A free consultation is a short, informal conversation where I listen to what you need and answer your questions. It is not a therapy session, but a chance for you to see if we are a good fit. If I cannot help, I will do my best to connect you with someone who can.

Most sessions are delivered online through the secure Cliniko client management system, which is fully compliant with Australian health privacy laws. This allows me to work safely and confidentially with people across Australia and internationally.

Yes. I offer a limited number of places for marriage and relationship counselling. Before beginning, I usually meet with the couple to ensure it is a good fit and that I can serve your needs well.

I support adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, shame, burnout, addictions, and relationship difficulties. I also help people navigating vocational stress, identity questions, or a loss of meaning and purpose, especially during times of transition. 

My approach integrates faith, reason, and science to support the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. It is grounded in a Christian view of the human person: that we are created in relationship, formed in relationship, often wounded in relationship, and ultimately healed in relationship. This holistic approach brings depth and lasting change.

I am upfront about my Catholic-informed perspective because I believe all therapy is shaped by a worldview, whether stated or not. My commitment is to meet you where you are and to be person-centred. My services are open to all people regardless of their faith, and I integrate spirituality only if you want it.

I practise under the professional standards and Code of Ethics of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). This includes strict confidentiality, clear informed consent, and an ongoing commitment to ethical practice. All communication and record-keeping are managed through secure systems that comply with Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and health record legislation, ensuring your information is protected at the highest standard.

You do not need a referral if you are self-funding. Many clients, however, choose to see their GP for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). An MHCP is a referral prepared by your doctor that allows you to claim Medicare rebates for counselling sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) like myself. Under the current system, Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP or psychiatrist will assess your needs, complete the paperwork, and provide a referral that you can bring to your first session.

As an AMHSW, I am recognised by Medicare and able to deliver therapy under an MHCP, which means you will only pay the gap fee after the rebate is processed.

I also provide therapy for NDIS participants, where counselling and therapeutic supports can often be accessed under categories such as Improved Daily Living or Capacity Building – Social and Community Participation. If you are an NDIS participant, we can discuss how therapy may be aligned with your plan goals and funded supports.

Therapy is unique for every person. It often involves exploring deeper patterns and can feel like two steps forward, three steps back. Just as a wound needs to be cleaned before it heals, therapy sometimes feels uncomfortable, but this work leads to freedom, resilience, and meaning. Real growth takes time, but it is profoundly worthwhile.

Shame is one of the heaviest burdens people carry, and it often convinces us to hide or stay silent. In my work, I see every person as someone with dignity, never as a problem to be fixed. Therapy with me involves gently turning toward the parts of you that feel ashamed, understanding why they carry those burdens, and learning to meet them with compassion rather than fear. Over time, this process helps you unburden what weighs you down and grow in self-leadership, so you can live with greater freedom, confidence, and peace.

Yes. A large part of my work is supporting people who have been wounded by experiences within the Church. I hold that pain with respect and compassion, without pressure or judgment. My role is to walk with you toward healing and freedom, wherever you find yourself in relation to faith.

Absolutely. We know it matters that your care is not only compassionate but also backed by solid research. So, let’s get our “nerd hats” on for a moment and take a deeper dive into the evidence base that shapes our work.

All of our services are grounded in evidence-based psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success. A meta-analysis of 295 studies involving more than 30,000 clients found that a strong therapeutic alliance is a robust driver of positive outcomes across all modalities (Flückiger et al., 2018). This is why Altum Integrated places such emphasis on relational safety, trust, and consistent accompaniment.

The therapies we use also have extensive evidence:
- CBT, ACT, and IPT significantly reduce anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational difficulties (Cuijpers et al., 2011; Markowitz & Weissman, 2004; Andersson et al., 2014).
- Telehealth delivery is as effective as face-to-face therapy across most conditions (Andersson et al., 2014; Norwood et al., 2018).

Spiritually integrated therapy is also backed by strong evidence. A meta-analysis of 97 studies found that therapies explicitly integrating religion or spirituality are just as effective as secular approaches in reducing distress, and often bring greater gains in meaning, resilience, and spiritual wellbeing (Captari et al., 2018). Other studies confirm that when faith is respected in therapy, clients report higher satisfaction and stronger engagement (Pearce et al., 2015; Pargament et al., 2021).

At Altum Integrated, we weave these research-backed methods together with a holistic view of the human person — body, mind, spirit, and relationships. This ensures that therapy is not only clinically effective, but also relationally safe, spiritually attuned, and responsive to your values and goals.