Kristen's Approach to Therapy
I aim to provide a space where people can feel safe, brave and supported as they navigate the challenges in their relationships and their lives.
I believe that we develop responses to situations we have experienced, so you will find my approach non-pathologising and I work to collaborate with you in understanding what has happened in your life and how to move forward with your goals.
I will be a good fit for those who are wanting a direct, empathic approach and for those who have developed their goals and believe in their capacity for change.
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About Kristen
I have been working as a Social Worker for 15 years and have worked in a range of settings including mental health (inpatient & community services) and interpersonal trauma (sexual assault & domestic violence).
In the last 8 years I have been working in Private Practice, providing therapy to both individuals and couples. I currently specialise in Sex & Relationship therapy, but continue to be passionate about the impact of trauma and adverse events in people’s lives and how this impacts attachments to other people and effects day-to-day functioning.
I also hold a teaching role with the University of Sydney, within the Sexual & Reproductive Health faculty and enjoy providing workshops and training to a range of organisations and other professionals.
Professional Qualifications & Training
Formal qualifications
Bachelor of Social Work (Charles Sturt University)
Accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker (Australian Association of Social Workers)
Postgraduate Diploma in Sexology (Curtin University)
Masters of Science in Medicine - STI's, BBV's & Sexual Health - Counselling (University of Sydney)
Accredited as a Clinical Psychosexual Therapist with the Australian Society of Sexologists
Additional Professional Development & Training
Specialist Sexual Assault Training - Education Centre Against Violence (ECAV)
Working with Children Under 10 with Sexualised Behaviours (ECAV)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Advanced Domestic Violence Training (ECAV)
Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy (The Gottman Institute)
Treating Trauma & Affairs (The Gottman Institute)
Eye Movement Densitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) - Introductory & Advanced Course (Therapist-Training)
Emotion Focussed Couples Therapy - Externship & Core Skills (ACEFT)
Attachment-Informed EMDR (EMDR Insight)
Internal Family Systems Therapy (Mind Beyond)
EFT for Situational Intimate Partner Violence (MCEFT)
FAQs
Ready to take the next step? Book a session or reach out for more information today!
Please reach out to me through the contact link to request an initial appointment. I will provide an update on when appointments are available and we can then find a time that suits you. You are welcome to see me with or without a referral from your GP/Specialist. If you are eligible for a referral, this can be beneficial as you are able to then receive Medicare rebates for the sessions you attend.
I am happy to meet you wherever you are, however if you think relationship therapy would be the best service to be accessing then it is best that we start with your partner also. When I get to know one partner more than the other partner, it can leave the other partner concerned that I may be on “your side”. I absolutely understand relationship therapy can be daunting and, at the same time, it can be a rewarding part of the process to lean in to this challenge with your partner, as a team.
Yes! I love to work with all people, including those with visible and invisible disabilities. I am not a Registered NDIS provider at this time, however I have worked with many people who have Self-Managed NDIS plans and also have the option of privately paying or being referred to me under a Mental Health Care Plan.
Entry is at street level and there is the option of a lift or stairs to get to the lower ground floor. My office is large and there is plenty of space for wheelchair users. For those requiring a disability car-space, there are some on the street. The office space is also size-inclusive with a range of seating options in the waiting area and inside my office.
Absolutely I am!
I am a cis-gendered heterosexual woman so whilst I do not have lived experience within the Queer community, I consider myself an ally and I seek out and attend Queer-led workshops and presentations to build my knowledge and understanding of the strengths and challenges of those living within the LGBTIQA+ community.
When you book an appointment, I will send you photos of how to access the office and what the office looks like. Whilst it would be impossible to cater to all sensory needs all of the time, I am absolutely committed to providing a safe space so please reach out if there is anything I can do to support you to feel comfortable. This may include increasing or dimming lights, playing music in the waiting room or not, using an oil diffuser or not. You are also welcome to bring along anything that helps you to feel comfortable and engaged, for example fidgets or stim toys, blankets, animals (within reason!).