counselling
Hi, I'm Rhi, a registered social worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and mental health specialist. I provide counselling therapy with the LGBTQA+ community, people with mental health conditions and people with a disability. I am a gender affirming and neurodivergent affirming therapist. I am also a professional supervisor and traditional martial arts teacher.
LGBTQA+
People from the LGBTQA+ community experience additional barriers of discrimination and prejudice in society such as homophobia, transphobia, cisgenderism and heterosexism. Discrimination and stigma can be experienced across multiple domains of an individuals life, from family relationships to health care and other services and social structures. The discrimination and prejudice that are experienced increase the risk of mental health conditions, suicide and drug and alcohol problems. Additionally, domestic and family violence is often under reported and access to services can be difficult for people from the LGBTQA+ community. I have a particular interest and experience in working alongside the LGBTQA+ community, including young people from 12 years of age.
MENTAL HEALTH & DISABILITY
I have over two decades of extensive experience working alongside people with complex mental health conditions and co-morbidities, with knowledge of the NDIS system, safety planning and suicide risk assessment and support. I provide psychosocial functional capacity assessments on request. I have a particular interest and experience in working alongside queer and gender diverse individuals living with mental health conditions and/or other disabilities.
MY APPROACH
My approach is non-pathologising, collaborative, non-judgemental, respectful, professional and empathetic. My focus is getting to know you as the unique individual you are, through an informal conversation style of counselling. I can provide either a targeted series of sessions or longer term support, depending on what outcomes you are hoping to achieve.
As humans everyone struggles from time to time, there might be something that does not feel quite right and you are not sure what to do or how to change. Seeking additional support from a trained counsellor, who is external from your friends and family, can help alleviate some of the current stress you might be experiencing in a safe and confidential space. Being heard and listened to is important, you are not alone.
THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
I have a Masters of Social Work and a Bachelor of Human Services and use an anti oppressive approach that centres you as the expert of your own life. I apply the following therapeutic modalities:
- Person centred
- Recovery Orientated Practice (ROP)
- Strength-Based practice
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Trauma Informed Practice (TIP)
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Somatic modalities
TRAUMA INFORMED COUNSELLING
Trauma informed counselling is guided by the following principles: safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, choice and respect for diversity.
