ABOUT ME

Qualifications
Community Work
Personal Background

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Jansen Newman Institute, Sydney
  • Qualified Member of The Australian Counselling Association

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  • Certificate in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy from University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Distance Learning Centre
  • Statement of Attainment in Sandplay Therapy, Jansen Newman Institute, Sydney
  • Statement of Attainment in Counselling Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, Jansen Newman Institute, Sydney
  • TA101, International Transactional Analysis Association Inc.

COMMUNITY (PRO BONO) WORK

For 2 years (2007-2009) I worked at the The Nagle Centre, Campbelltown, as a psychotherapist and counsellor. The Nagle Centre is a facility of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, offering welfare services and support to families in crisis.

In 2006 and 2007 I worked as a psychotherapist and counsellor each Saturday morning at the Matthew Talbot Hostel, Woolloomoolloo. MTH provides residential accommodation and support services to homeless men.

SOME PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Prior to commencing this work I spent over 25 years in Information Technology including software development, sales, management, project management and consulting. After leaving school I lived and worked as a volunteer teacher in Western Samoa for 2 years. I have also worked in factories, as a mail sorter, a railway worker, a hospital orderly and a barman.

My mother came to New Zealand as a Polish refugee at the end of WWII. I grew up in a society of 2 cultures (Maori & Pakeha). I have travelled and worked in Asia. I've lived in Sydney since 1973.

I was born into a working class family, the eldest of ten children. Through relationships with others close to me, my own life has been touched by severe mental disorder, alcohol and substance abuse and suicide.

I have two (wonderful!) daughters, now in their early 20s.

My personal values include kindness, integrity, optimism, respect for others, responsibility for self, giving something back to life, and a love of learning.