I have extensive experience (over 14 years) working with addicts and alcoholics and bring a unique approach to this life-controlling issue as it was one I experienced for over 15 years in my own life. I have been free from any addiction for over 24 years and because of this, offer hope that change is possible. Addiction is the symptom, not the main issue and effective treatment approaches need to understand this so that clients are able to realise possibly for the first time that their drinking or drugging has been a very clever way of dealing with unresolved pain.

 

In my own journey to recovery I came to understand that trauma, PTSD and complex trauma in childhood often lead an adult to feel so chaotic inside that addictions become a way of coping with this chaos. Because of my own experience, I bring more to the table than textbook approaches to helping clients. I bring extensive training for certain, but also proven methods of treatment through the residential program that I co-founded and am CEO of – Destiny Haven, a residential multi-disciplinary program to help women with life controlling issues turn their lives around.

 

My general approach is to safely and gently work together towards your mental and emotional wellbeing. Every person is unique. So is your therapy. The specific approach I adapt will depend on your requirements. I have extensive training and often a few different techniques are used to explore your situation as therapy progresses. I have undergone my own in-depth therapy and continue to undergo strict clinical supervision. I am constantly undertaking professional development to advance my learning and professionalism. I undergo more than 30 hours of clinical supervision per annum and at least 50 hours of professional development.

 

I have extensive training and my approach is multi-disciplinary incorporating experiential, cognitive, attachment, family systems, trauma, somatic experiencing, mindfulness and other theoretical methods and approaches that do not limit me to one discipline or approach.

With the many theories within psychology there are some practitioners who are devout followers of one particular theory or approach, or incorporate one or two into their practice. So, you may find some professionals who advocate the use of one or two techniques. However, not all theories work equally effectively for all the issues people experience. I have trained in many approaches so that I am able to adjust my approach to what best suits an individual client’s needs, strengths and preferences.