Hi, I’m Simone, psychotherapist, trauma therapist, mental health coach and yoga therapist.

My journey started over twenty years ago when I completed a Psychology Degree. Being more right-brained, I was less interested in statistics and assessment, and more interested in how an individual aligns with that part of themself where solutions and resilience reside. Whilst the Psychology Degree proved to be a solid foundation, it was Yoga that answered my many questions, ultimately leading me to Polyvagal Theory and understanding nervous system regulation.

Through Yoga, I learnt the Eastern approach of working with mind and body, Once qualified as a Yoga and Meditation teacher, I began working with people in group settings, and soon after one-on-one. For approximately 18 years I worked somatically with individuals suffering from a range of challenges, including, anxiety, chronic and terminal illnesses and PTSD.

In recent years, I returned to post-graduate studies in Counselling, with the intention to compliment my Eastern influenced approach with modern Western training. In doing so, it was reassuring to discover that yogic practices, mindfulness and somatic techniques have been repeatedly validated in research literature as highly effective evidence-based interventions. In trauma therapy, it has become apparent that the ‘top-down’ approach of conventional talk-therapy is less effective if not combined with ‘bottom-up’ processing, that is, working with the body and the nervous system.

In clinic, I am informed by Polyvagal Theory and Attachment Theory, I draw heavily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindful Yoga-based ACT (MYACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Somatic Therapy. I am a Level 2 EMDR practitioner, and also am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Whilst sessions vary between people, I consistently adopt a trauma-sensitive, client-centered approach, and keep laughter in the room where possible.

My areas of specialty include anxiety and anxiety-related states, depression, PTSD, Complex-PTSD, attachment trauma, parenting, suicidality, low confidence, existential crisis, grief and loss, and adolescents.

ADOLESCENCE.

I am a passionate advocate for Youth Wellness, and Adolescent Mental Health. Never before in our history have we needed to invest in our younger generations like now. Anxiety, depression, hopelessness, are not going away unless we intervene, and offer supportive and meaningful connection. Research shows that an allied approach is most beneficial, therefore I work with parents, caregivers, and schools to support these critical roles, with the intention to discover the best possible outcomes for young people.

Whether you see me for one session, or join in on ongoing group sessions, I welcome you, and hope to support you in your healing journey.