Meet Lou
Accessibly Alternative Counsellor. I’m a practical, science-based (a bit nerdy), holistic (a bit alternative), counsellor.
Nurturing and warm in my approach, I use proven mind and body techniques to empower and equip people to navigate life’s challenges.
Values and Fun
Key values of mine are kindness, honesty, trust, inclusion, curiosity, compassion, clear communication, humour, growth and adventure.
I’m a mum, animal lover, nature lover, yogi, bush walker, stand up paddle boarder, adventurer, who is intellectually curious and always studying something.
Where Am I?
I offer face-to-face sessions on the Central Coast in Woy Woy, and on the Mid North Coast in Pacific Palms, Forster area, we can also have sessions online.
Locations you can book sessions with me:
- Central Coast: Woy Woy
- Mid North coast: Pacific Palms, Charlotte Bay
- I also offer online sessions via telehealth.
Feedback from one of my amazing clients:
”…her communication style and skills are spot on. So aware of PTSD and sensitive without being ‘airy fairy.’ “
Frontline professional with the police force
What I Offer
I offer a non-judgmental space where you can feel Safe, Accepted, Included, Valued, Respected, Seen, Heard, Supported, Empowered, Equipped and are given Choice and Collaboration.
I am a member of the ACA Australian Counselling Association Level 2 and a student member of SEI Somatic Experiencing International.
Education and Training Background
My Path To Here
Education and Career Experience. I studied a degree in Psychology in the UK. I then had a successful corporate career in research, insights and strategy in UK, Australia and training people across Europe, USA and Asia Pacific. I still offer business mentorship sessions using my years of experience in this area.
But my love for people, wellbeing and health drew me back to Psychology and to study yoga & meditation for trauma, stress and anxiety, counselling and now somatic experiencing SE™.
I have enjoyed several years working with frontline professionals navigating the symptoms of PTSD through my 10-week trauma recovery course utilising iRest® Yoga Nidra meditation and Psychoeducation.
Qualifications And Training
I have a Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Psychology, and a Master of Counselling degree. I am currently completing my Somatic Experiencing Practitioner SEP qualification with Somatic Experiencing International.
I have extensive teacher training in yoga (Trauma-aware yoga, Trauma-sensitive yoga, Hatha, Yin and Remedial yoga) and meditation techniques (Mindfulness meditation, Integrative Restoration iRest® Yoga Nidra meditation).
Therapy Modalities
Modalities I draw on:
- Person Centred Counselling
- Somatic Therapies including Somatic Experiencing SE™
- Guided Meditation including iRest® yoga nidra (Integrated Restoration)
- Creative Practices, working with art materials
- Nature-based connection and therapy
- Gentle Yoga movement
- Psychoeducation
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Attachment Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
FAQs
What is Counselling?
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia define professional counselling as:
Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding and resolve identified concerns. Clients are active participants in the counselling process at every stage.
What is Trauma Informed?
Trauma Informed-The Five Guiding Principles are; safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment. Ensuring that the physical and emotional safety of an individual is addressed is the first important step to providing Trauma-Informed Care.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a type of therapy that is centred around the connection between the mind and body. The theory of somatic therapy is based on the idea that the things that happen in a person’s life, including negative experiences, are not only stored in the brain but in the body as well.
The main goal of somatic therapy is to help a person increase awareness of the physical sensations that come from their mental health conditions and use this awareness to release tension, stress, and trauma to find healing. Each somatic therapy session looks different based on the individual, in all sessions you will be developing a deep awareness of the sensations and information from your body and a session may include techniques like breathing exercises, postures, gestures, and other forms of movement to help release/discharge these feelings and trauma.
What is iRest?
iRest was developed by Dr Richard Miller, a spiritual teacher, author, yogic scholar, researcher and clinical psychologist, who combined traditional yogic practice with Western psychology and neuroscience.
It is practiced and taught by thousands of people worldwide in a wide range of settings, including health centres, schools, community centres, yoga studios, correctional facilities and within military and veteran communities. iRest has historically been endorsed by the U.S. Army Surgeon General and recognised by the Defence Centres of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury as a form of complementary and alternative medicine, thus warranting continuing research on its efficacy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress.
iRest has been shown to be effective in scientific trials for conditions including chronic pain, sleep problems, depression and anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). iRest is simple to learn and easy to practice. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of physical ability or experience with meditation. Once learned, iRest becomes a set of tools for life.
