Approach
Choosing a therapist, supervisor or trainer is an important decision and I want to help you determine if my approach aligns with your needs and preferences. With a solid foundation in psychology and narrative therapy and community work through my academic training, I have developed a practice rooted in narrative therapy and specialised in trauma.
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative and empowering approach that focuses on understanding and examining the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and our difficulties. It recognizes that our identities and experiences are shaped by the stories we live, the relationships we have and the meanings that are afforded to us by society, culture, family, etc. In therapy or supervision, I work with you to explore and unpack the stories that may be weighing you down or limiting you, I’m curious about the untold stories that could offer new perspectives and I support you to animate the stories that inspire you to think, feel, act and relate differently.
In addition to my expertise in Narrative Therapy, I have specialised in trauma and incorporate various trauma approaches into my work. As an accredited EMDR practitioner, I utilise Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an effective therapy approach for processing and healing traumatic experiences, whether they stem from impactful events or from cumulative, distressing occurrences. By employing bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements or tactile sensations, EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reduce associated emotional distress and integrate the experiences.
By combining the strengths of Narrative Therapy and EMDR, I offer a holistic and personalised therapeutic experience. While EMDR has a strong evidence-base in research, narrative practitioners also engage in rigorous practice-based evidence, meaning they co-research the effects of their practice with those they meet. I seek to create transformative experiences that allow new possibilities to emerge and contribute to a meaningful, fulfilling life.
I approach my work from an intersectional lens, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various social identities and the impact they have on an individual’s experiences and mental health. Each person’s identity is complex and shaped by multiple intersecting factors such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, legal and socioeconomic status. I recognize that individuals may face multiple forms of discrimination and oppression, and I am dedicated to addressing these issues within the therapeutic process.
I actively work to foster cultural humility, continuously educating myself about different social identities than my own, and challenging my own biases and assumptions. I also understand that issues of intersectionality can manifest in different ways within my practice and I am committed to creating a safe space for people to explore and address these concerns. I encourage open and honest dialogue, and validate people’s lived realities.
If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out and discuss how I could support you in your therapeutic journey or professional development.
Experience
I have built extensive experience in:
- Supporting people on the move or whose lives have been marked by movements: forced migration (asylum seekers, refugees) and migration (2nd or 3rd generation, international students)
- Working with trauma, including intergenerational trauma, human rights abuses, social injustice and structural violence
- Engaging across cultures and languages and collaborating with interpreters and cultural consultants
- Conducting research and narrative practice-informed research in particular
I have presented at national and international conferences on the topics of narrative therapy, psychology and refugees as they relate to clinical practice, community settings and research contexts. I have shared my understandings about working alongside those who have experienced trauma at community events and in organisations. I have given trainings and workshops to mental health professionals, non-mental professionals (such as first responders, teachers, social workers) and volunteers on the themes of trauma, psychosocial interventions and supporting people with refugee experiences.