About Sandra

As a psychotherapist the relationship I have with my client is the foundation of our 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 have spent my career specialising in trauma and helping adults who experience mental health problems as a result of trauma. I help people process and make sense of things that have happened in their life. I blend evidence based therapies with neuroscience and practice based evidence.  

​

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.

​

I also specialise in working with emergency services and am an external Psychologist for Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire Department.

​​

I have particular interest in EMDR Psychotherapy; Post Traumatic Growth; and suicidality.
 
The therapeutic relationship is an intimate relationship, I work with adults one on one giving time and space to reconnect with inner resources, initiating healing, insight and growth. We are able to heal from trauma and integrate our experiences.

​​

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.

​

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