CAROLYN A ROGERS - Our Certified Practicing Counsellor

Hi, my name is Carolyn (she/her), and my passions are:

~ Mental Health Wellbeing and supporting individuals through a

person-centred & holistic, body-mind approach.

~ Supporting the mental health and well-being of my/our LGBTQ+ Communities through informed, inclusive, accepting and affirming therapy.

"The thing I love most about my role as a counsellor,

is watching my clients explore and embrace

who they are authentically, and when their face lights up and body relaxes when I use their pronouns and name." Carolyn

I work from a biopsychosocial perspective which means I believe there is an interconnection between the biological, psychological and social aspects which may have an influence or impact on your

mental health and emotional well-being.

I have an integrative and pluralistic therapeutic approach incorporating empirically supported techniques such as cognitive behaviour therapy, solution focused therapy, expressive arts therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, self-compassion informed, psycho-education and more. I tailor my therapeutic style to fit my clients needs, I don't expect my clients to fit neatly into a 'therapeutic box'.

I have designed the Obsidian Counselling Studio with you in mind, a place where you can just be yourself, your True Authentic Self. I hope you find the studio a friendly, warm, welcoming and comfortable environment where you feel safe at a time when you can feel most vulnerable.

One of my life motto's comes from a little fish named

Dory in Finding Nemo

"...just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."

No matter the obstacles she faces, she just keeps going a beautiful metaphor for the counselling process and for life

Rock wall at Port Macquarie at sunrise. Words my role as counsellor is to join with my clients

Qualifications: I have a Master of Counselling and Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), both completed at the University of the Sunshine Coast. I am currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience. I have completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) for Suicide First Aid and hold both Blue & Yellow Cards.

Professional registration: I am a Certified Practicing Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia [no. 26456].

I have worked for many years in management & people service roles which for me transfers now into the therapeutic space, through an understanding of working with individuals from many backgrounds. I follow the ethical guidelines set by PACFA and further government legislation.

My area of research and continuing interest is investigating adults sexual-orientation identity utilising expressive arts therapy techniques. As a student intern I worked with Transgender and Gender Diverse individuals on the Sunshine Coast. Unlike other counsellors who identify as "gay friendly", I have my own personal experience of questioning, concealing and disclosing my sexual-orientation identity to Self and others later in life which gives me a unique lived experience when

working with LGBTQ+ clients .
I have a strong passion for supporting the mental health and well-being of our LGBTQ+ communities on the Sunshine Coast, and across Australia through providing online therapy.

I also offer a Rainbow Consultancy Service for the education of current and future mental health professionals in informed, affirming, inclusive and accepting practice with LGBTQ+ clients.

The private me: I grew up on the mid north coast of NSW and have lived and worked across regional and city locations. After spending many years looking for the right place to put down more permanent roots, I moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2004. Some of my favourite things include watching the sunrise or sunset over the water (or anywhere really) and the beautiful colours that are never the same each day. I love photography and catching the shot of the perfect wave hitting the rocks. I also love learning new things, catching up with friends and renovating my home. My musical tastes range from ACDC to Kenny Rogers but I am a Bon Jovi tragic and P!nk is my favourite, I find that both artists lyrics and music to be inspirational.

I look forward to meeting you and working with you to

support your mental health well-being.