Counselling | AOD Recovery | Clinical Supervision
There is always more to the story. Counselling offers space to understand yours and explore what you would like life to look like from here.
About Belle
ACA Registered Counsellor (Level 3) | Clinical Supervisor
My counselling and clinical supervision practice is informed by an understanding of trauma and domestic and family violence. Across both, I bring curiosity, compassion and a commitment to safety, dignity and choice, supporting clients to make sense of their experiences and practitioners to reflect on their work with care and confidence.
My Therapeutic Style
- People who know me often describe me as warm, intuitive and easy to talk to. I bring those qualities into counselling, alongside professional knowledge and a genuine interest in understanding you.
- At the heart of my work is a simple principle:
Curiosity without judgement.
- Together, we can explore what’s happening now, what has shaped you and the ways you’ve learned to cope. Some of those responses may have helped you through difficult times, even if they’re creating difficulties today.
- I’ll listen, ask questions and help you notice patterns and possibilities. At times, I may gently challenge you, with care and respect for your perspective.
- Understanding doesn’t mean excusing everything or staying where we are. It gives us somewhere meaningful to begin.
Therapeutic Influences and Approach
I hold a Bachelor of Counselling and am an ACA registered counsellor and clinical supervisor. My approach is informed by trauma awareness, domestic and family violence practice, and an appreciation of different ways of thinking and experiencing the world.
I draw on approaches including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to explore your values and take meaningful steps towards what matters to you
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) to work through uncertainty and explore your own reasons for change
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills to support coping, emotional regulation and relationships
- Trauma sensitive Mindfulness and Grounding to build awareness and help you respond to stress and overwhelm
- The Safe & Together Model to inform my work with people affected by domestic and family violence
A Little More About My Work
What experience do you bring?
I’ve worked alongside people since 1990, across community services, youth work, aged care, education, private practice and residential alcohol and other drug rehabilitation. These experiences have shaped my understanding of people, relationships and the many circumstances that can bring someone to counselling.
What do these approaches look like in practice?
ACT helps us explore what matters to you and how you can move towards it, even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. MI offers space to work through uncertainty about change. DBT skills can provide practical ways to manage strong emotions, cope with distress and communicate your needs.
Mindfulness and grounding can help you notice what’s happening within and around you, and find ways to respond to overwhelm.
What does being trauma informed mean?
It means considering how difficult experiences may have shaped your sense of safety, relationships and ways of coping. I work with attention to choice, trust and pacing. You can decide what you share, and we can discuss how to approach difficult material together.
How does domestic and family violence awareness inform your work?
My work is informed by the Safe & Together Model, which helps keep responsibility for harmful behaviour with the person using it. I seek to understand the impact of violence and control, recognise efforts to stay safe, and support people without blame or judgement.
Do you support people affected by alcohol and other drug use?
Yes. My experience includes counselling in residential rehabilitation and supporting people navigating substance use and recovery. I also support loved ones who may be trying to make sense of their experiences, establish boundaries or care for their own wellbeing.
What if I don’t know where to begin?
You don’t need to have a clear explanation or the right words. You might know exactly what you want to explore, or simply feel that something needs attention.
We can start with where you are.
A Space for Practitioners
Alongside counselling, I offer clinical supervision with space to reflect on your work, explore challenges and care for yourself as you support others.