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. 

​

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 spent my career learning about and understanding trauma. The word trauma is a Greek word for wound. I have come to understand that trauma is not what happens to you, it is what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you. 

 

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. 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 as a Psychologist and a Clinical Supervisor. 

​

I also work 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; parts work therapies; mindfulness based therapies; and Post Traumatic Growth. 
 

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!