About Kath
A warm, authentic and neurodiversity affirming approach to therapy
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker | EMDR Therapist | Neurodivergent Therapist | Medicare Provider
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, EMDR Therapist, Neurodivergent Therapist, and Medicare Provider with more than 18 years of experience providing mental health support and psychological therapy across hospital, community, and private practice settings. I provide counselling, EMDR therapy, and psychological therapy from a trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming perspective, recognising that every person’s experiences, strengths, and needs are unique.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, grief and loss, burnout, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and a range of other mental health concerns. Whether you are navigating a current challenge, processing difficult life experiences, or seeking a greater understanding of yourself, therapy is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Appointments are available in person at Hunter Clinical Services in Merewether and via Telehealth across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Region, and Australia-wide.
At the heart of my practice is a strong commitment to both trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care. These principles guide every aspect of how I work, regardless of the reason someone seeks support. I believe that understanding a person’s experiences, relationships, environment, nervous system, strengths, and unique way of experiencing the world is essential to providing effective and meaningful therapy.
As a neurodivergent therapist, I bring both professional knowledge and lived understanding to my work. I recognise that many neurodivergent people spend years masking parts of themselves to fit into environments that were not designed with their needs in mind. While masking can sometimes help people navigate school, work, relationships, or social situations, it often comes at a significant cost. Over time, masking can contribute to exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, self-doubt, chronic stress, and a disconnection from your authentic self.
I am passionate about creating a therapeutic space where you do not need to mask, explain, or justify who you are. Therapy should be a place where you feel safe to show up as yourself, explore your experiences openly, and develop strategies that genuinely work for you rather than trying to fit into someone else’s expectations.
My professional experience spans acute mental health, child and adolescent mental health, rehabilitation, palliative care, dementia services, community mental health, and private practice. Throughout my career, I have supported people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, workplace challenges, life transitions, caregiving responsibilities, emotional overwhelm, and the impacts of chronic stress and burnout.
I strongly believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every person brings their own history, strengths, values, relationships, challenges, and goals. Therapy should never be a standardised process. I take the time to understand your individual experiences and tailor support to your specific needs, helping you identify meaningful and achievable pathways forward.
I have undertaken extensive training in trauma treatment and incorporate a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Relational Integrative EMDR (RI-EMDR)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
Psychotherapy
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Psychoeducation
The therapeutic approaches used will always be guided by your individual goals, preferences, strengths, and circumstances.
I believe meaningful change occurs through a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, safety, collaboration, and genuine connection. My aim is to provide a warm, respectful, and supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make changes that are important to you.
As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I am a Medicare-recognised provider and can provide Focused Psychological Strategies under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, as psychologists do. Eligible clients referred by their GP, Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician can access Medicare rebates for appointments.
I understand that reaching out for support is often a significant step. My goal is to provide a space where you feel safe, supported, and respected while we work together towards greater wellbeing, self-understanding, and lasting change.
SUPPORTING LOCAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES
Giving back
Supporting others has always been important to me.
I believe that strong communities are built when we look after one another, particularly those who may be experiencing hardship or disadvantage. When you attend an appointment with me, you are also helping to support people in need within our local and wider communities.
For every appointment attended, I donate to Foodbank NSW & ACT to help provide meals for people experiencing food insecurity.
I am also committed to supporting community wellbeing through charitable giving, outreach initiatives and pro bono work where possible.
By investing in your own wellbeing, you are also helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
What Guides My Practice
I am committed to providing inclusive, evidence-based therapy with compassion, respect, and genuine care.
My approach is trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, and tailored to your individual needs, goals, and experiences. I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself.
As a neurodivergent therapist, I understand that many people spend significant energy trying to fit expectations or navigate environments that were not designed with their needs in mind. Therapy should be a place where you feel accepted, supported, and empowered to better understand yourself.
I value professionalism, integrity, and ongoing learning, and I am committed to providing care grounded in current research and evidence-based practice.
Above all, I believe meaningful change happens through a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, safety, and genuine connection. My aim is to support you to navigate challenges, build on your strengths, and create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
