About Sandra

As a psychotherapist the relationship I have with my client is the foundation of my work, building the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of therapy. It is through this relationship we build safety to talk about difficulties and explore what may be causing distress and disturbance.  

 

I work with adults one on one giving time and space to reconnect with inner resources, initiating healing, insight and growth. I have had the privilege working in private practice for many years, I appreciate that each one of my clients has different needs and because of this the flow of therapy changes with each client. 

 

I practice with deeply held values of authenticity and connection, I give a strong commitment to my clients.

 

I work with adults who experience mental health problems as a result of trauma. I help people understand and overcome the effects of trauma on their lives blending evidence based therapies with neuroscience and practice based evidence.  

 

We are able to heal from trauma and integrate our experiences. In the words of Louise Hay, healing means accepting all parts of ourselves, not just the parts we like, but all of us".

​

I have a particular interest in supporting those that have served in Defence as this is part of the reason I became a Psychologist. I am a registered provider for Department of Veteran Affairs as a Psychologist and a Clinical Supervisor. ​I work with emergency services and have a long standing relationship with Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire Department. I also work with adults through the National Redress Scheme for Queensland Government. 

​​ ​

I have a preference for EMDR psychotherapy and am an Accredited EMDR Practitioner, I also utilise Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and have completed advanced levels of training.

 

ACT is a mindfulness based therapy that helps clients identify what is important to them and has an overall focus on developing psychological flexibility.

 

I work with adults who have complex trauma histories and draw from Model of Structural Dissociation and Ego State Therapy.

​

I have studied Positive Psychology and practice strategies and approaches within this realm.  

​​

I have a love of learning and a curious mind. I continually learn and practice new things in service of my clients. I have many influences and follow the work of Thomas Joiner on suicidality; Richard Tedeschi on Post Traumatic Growth; Kathy Steele and her work on complex trauma; disassociation; and structural disassociation; and Francine Shapiro and Roger Solomon and their work on EMDR Psychotherapy. I am informed by Stephen Borges work in Polyvagal Theory, Russ Harris on Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Brene Brown and her research on emotions. Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein have provided my guidance on Buddhism and mindfulness. I was mentored by Paul Scully on Peer Support Programs. 

 

I have a depth of experience facilitating experiential workshops and specialise in Peer Support Programs in emergency service organisations. I have facilitated programs across the country in emergency service organisations. I really enjoy being part of a facilitation team and facilitating intensive, experiential,  residential peer support workshops.

 

I am a supervisor for Peer Support Officers in QAS and a clinical supervisor for peer workers with DVA.

​

It seems I have an addiction to books and will never stop reading, learning and absorbing!