our Registered Counsellor

 Hi, my name is Carolyn, and I am a Registered Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) 

[Reg. Provisional no. 26456].

I have an holistic and person centred approach to counselling and mental health well-being. I work from a biopsychosocial perspective (what does that mean I hear you ask, good question) this 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 well-being. 

I also work from an integrative and pluralistic therapeutic approach incorporating empirically supported techniques such as cognitive behaviour therapy, solution focused therapy, expressive arts therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psycho-education and more. 

 I believe you are the expert in your life, but that sometimes we become stuck and don’t know what to do next and that speaking with a Registered Counsellor can help you look at the issues from a different perspective. I feel for you to enhance your mental health well-being and reach your goals that we have an equal therapeutic relationship. 

I have a Bachelor degree in Social Science (Psychology) and a Master of Counselling, 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 a Blue Card. I have worked for many years in a people service role which for me transfers now into the therapeutic role, 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 other 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 which gives me a unique lived experience when working with LGBTQ+ clients . 

I have a strong passion for enhancing the mental health and well-being of our LGBTQ+ communities on the Sunshine Coast. 

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. 

About 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 16 years ago. 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. 

Selfies are one of my least favourite things to do as you can see by my profile picture :)

One of my life motto's comes from Dory in Finding Nemo

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

I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you to enhance your mental health well-being.