Counselling
Sheree Breaden
Counsellor
Counselling is about assisting people to be the best version of themselves they can be. In counselling, problems are addressed in a positive, client-focused setting, issues are clarified, options are explored and strategies are developed. We provide our clients with the space to freely discuss life’s events from everyday life, grief, relationship breakdowns, marriage woes, bullying, and stress through to a plethora of psychological and mental issues.
Sometimes, just chatting in a safe place to a completely objective person in total confidentiality, together building the strength and stepping stones to resolution, can make all the difference. Couples counselling is also available. Our counsellor, Sheree Breaden, has received a degree in counselling and is currently studying her Masters Degree in Psychotherapy.
TELEHEALTH ONLY
Dr Shelley Cowden
PhD, MA Counselling & Psychotherapy, Dip. Craniosacral Therapy,
Dip. Yoga Teaching (RYT500), BA (Hons.)
Dr Shelley Cowden is a trained Counsellor, with a PhD in Sociology and Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy. Alongside her academic training, Shelley has worked in a therapeutic capacity for over fifteen years and greatly enjoys working with people from all walks of life.
Shelley can help you work through conditions of anxiety, depression, grief and loss and many others. She has a natural gift at helping people feel at ease, even after prolonged windows of chronic stress, illness, and trauma. She enjoys helping people work through life's adversities and move confidently towards living a life of peace and authentic expression. Shelley has a special interest in the 'body-mind' connection, and utlises her training as yoga teacher and craniosacral therapist, to help clients reconnect to their bodies and regulate their emotions.
Shelley's counselling sessions can include use of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, Somatic Experiencing and Meditation. Sessions can help to resolve your problems in a positive way by helping you to clarify issues, explore options, develop strategies and increase self-awareness.
As a practitioner Shelley meets each client with warmth, compassion and empathy. She is available for 1hour counselling appointments from 4th of January, 2023.
"Shelley presents and shows up in the world – as a deeply intuitive, wise, respectful and awakened healing presence. I am very grateful for the experience of working with her" Lisa, 53,Senior Yoga Teacher
CURRENTLY ON UNPLANNED LEAVE - UNSURE OF RETURN DATE
Erika Filshie
Psychotherapist, Mental Health Clinician: RPN / CMHN (AHPRA)
Erika brings over three decades of experience as a Psychotherapist, having served in both public and private psychiatry, as well as alcohol and drug services, and post-natal care. Her experience spans all age groups, from adolescents to seniors.
Therapeutic strategies that Erika incorporates into therapy sessions are drawn from CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychoeducation, Relaxation & Mindfulness techniques. Ongoing clients may extend into Jungian and Compassion-based psychotherapies.
Drawing from her extensive clinical background, Erika has provided invaluable support to individuals and their families grappling with a spectrum of emotional complexities, including PTSD, major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-natal depression and psychosis, alcoholism, and drug-induced psychosis. Additionally, Erika adeptly understands the nuances of relationship dynamics, particularly in cases of family violence, offering guidance to teens, mothers, and fathers.
As a humanistic psychotherapist, her approach is holistic and client-centred and she seeks to understand and help adjust the interplay between her clients internal psyche and external life circumstances. Erika's trauma-informed approach and clinical experience have helped many individuals and families navigate their mental health challenges.
Pam Damm
Counsellor & Mental Health Social Worker
Pam Damm is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and a Clinical Family Therapist who has extensive experience in Private Practice, Child Protection and Community Health. Her expertise extends over many years as a therapist working with people who have experienced anxiety, grief and loss, difficulties with relationships, separation, parenting and family issues.
Because no two clients and no two issues are alike, Pam's practice does not have one therapeutic approach. Instead, she draws upon a wide range of empowering, strength-based approaches, designed to meet the particular needs of each individual, couple and family.
She assesses the needs of each client and develops a therapeutic process that is most beneficial to them. This therapy can be short or long term. Pam focuses on personal empowerment and development in a relaxed and safe atmosphere of open communication. Individuals are encouraged to make choices based on their own distinctive personality and preferences.
Through extensive training in Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Relationship Therapy, Family Therapy and Trauma Therapy, Pam is able to effectively engage with clients to deal with issues relating to:
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Trauma
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Grief and Loss
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Relationships
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Separation
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Parenting
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Life Changes
Pam provides an authentic and highly ethical practice providing therapeutic counselling for:
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Individuals
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Families
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Couples - heterosexual and same sex
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Blended Families
Phil Burns
Counsellor
Phil Burns is a highly skilled and regarded counsellor with many years of experience in the field. Phil holds membership with the Australian Counselling Association and works with individuals, couples and families with a wide range of presenting circumstances.
Phil is committed to allowing clients the space and time to discover who they really are and what makes them unique. By assisting them to see their attributes and define their personal values, they are able to view life through a new lens and overcome the challenges they face. By allowing clients to define what works and doesn’t work for them, they are then able to decide the best course of action knowing they are developing the skills that work best for them. This gives clients the confidence to face whatever life puts before them. Phil is committed to helping his clients realise that it is they who hold the key to their joy and happiness, rather than their situation or circumstance.
Each session has an important part to play in the needs of the client. Phil tailors each session to the needs of each individual client by drawing on his many counselling models to provide support. These methodologies include person-centred therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and others. Phil believes that the past plays an important role in the present, and that this impacts peoples’ future. This is why he takes the time to understand the client’s journey and what brings them to begin counselling. Phil believes counselling can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience and he looks forward to helping clients achieve a greater peace, connection, and happiness that people deserve.
List of Services:
Anger Management
We all get angry. It’s a normal, healthy response to any physical or psychological threat. Yet frequently feeling angry and…
Grief & Loss
One of the most significant traumas that anyone can ever experience is the loss of a loved one.
Relationship Counselling
Being in a relationship can have a profoundly positive effect on your sense of self and wellbeing.
General
Many people approach our service and tell us “I don’t even know where to start…”
Family
Being part of a stable and happy family can foster a fulfilling sense of belonging in adults, adolescents and children.
Parenting
Our children can bring great joy to our lives as we support them on their journey to adulthood.
Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Sexual wellbeing is a universal human right – everyone deserves a fulfilling, healthy sex life.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is an unspeakable act – yet the most effective path to recovery is talking about it.
LGBTQIA+
We understand that the concerns LGBTQI clients bring to counselling are often universal to all people.
Depression
Depression is a normal human emotion that is an appropriate, healthy response.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that is an appropriate, healthy response.
Trauma
As humans, we all have experiences in our lives that leave an indelible mark on us.
Life Coaching
Coaching, like for athletes, is a solution to helping you feel equipped with the tools and habits you need to…
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence, the consequences, and how domestic violence counselling can empower you to lead a happier life.
Emily Fenech
Counsellor
My name is Emily, and I’m a registered counsellor with ACA based in Baw Baw Shire, VIC. I offer a non-judgmental and supportive space to explore what it is that has lead to you seeking support. Together we will work to identify any barriers that you may be facing and the unique strengths that you possess. I also provide advocacy support and referral to external services should you require further supports.
I have been working as a counsellor since 2018 in several different roles. The majority of my work has focused on working with children and families who have experienced complex trauma.
I also have experience providing counselling within the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) space, working with adults to support their mental wellbeing, work life balance, debriefing and other non-work related mental health concerns.
I work within a Person Centred Approach, the modalities used within sessions will be tailored to individual needs. Areas of focus and support include but not limited to;
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
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Safety planning and Advocacy support.
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Dyadic sessions (Parent or Carer and Child).
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Couples Sessions.
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Men's Mental health.
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Play and Art are utilised within session as a compliment to the counselling, I am not a registered Play/ Art therapist.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Community Welfare and Counselling, Monash University
Masters of Counselling, Monash University
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy level 1 and 2
Clinical Supervision Training, The Bouverie Centre La Trobe University.