walking and Working alongside you to find meaning and cultiv

I work with individual clients, not couples or larger groups. This includes victims of crime, as well as people navigating professional challenges or life transitions, such as retirement. Matters of faith can also be included in our work — but only if they are important to you. 

The person-centred approach (developed by Carl Rogers and widely practiced) is at the core of my counselling. This approach emphasises acceptance, deep understanding, authenticity, and openness. Together, we explore your sources of strength and resilience, as well as the challenges you are facing. I am particularly interested in your stories and metaphors, and I use techniques and tools to help us explore these in depth.

In addition, I incorporate elements of trauma-focused therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and draw on other approaches such as narrative therapy when they are helpful for a client. This allows me to tailor our work to your needs, drawing on a range of strategies to support your growth, understanding, and well-being.

I hold a Masters of Pastoral Counselling (clinical) with distinction. 

I am registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (Certified Practicing Counsellor). I am also registered with Spiritual Care Australia. 

This means that if you want to talk about your faith and how it interacts with your life, then I am qualified to journey there with you.  That is your choice entirely. We each have our own way of understanding life and the world, for some that involves faith, for others not, and that is ok. 

My preference is to provide counselling face-to-face, at least for the first session or two. This allows me to give you my best and to get to know you deeply. I believe online counselling can be most effective when a face-to-face rapport has already been established. Online sessions are possible as well, and we can discuss together what will work best for you. 

Although I provide a high level of depth and focus in counselling, I aim to keep it cost-effective for you. We begin with a free 30-minute meeting to discuss fees and any practical considerations, so you can make an informed choice. 

It’s varied! I have over thirty years of professional experience across the public, private, and research sectors, primarily in environmental management. I hold seven university qualifications in disciplines including engineering, science, law, and counselling — reflecting my curiosity, high energy, and personal journey to find myself and feel “enough.” My work has included representing Australia in Vietnam, Myanmar, Mexico, and the United States. At this stage of my life, counselling is the most meaningful work I do, allowing me to draw on my professional experience, life experience, and breadth of training to support others in navigating change and finding their own path forward.

I come from a rural background and have been a proud Canberran for over twenty years. Outside of work, I am a husband and father, a pickleball enthusiast, swimmer, and occasional (and quite average) fisherman — often making sure all fish stay safe! I have also coached many junior basketball and softball teams in Canberra and have been part of several church communities across the city. Now in my fifties, I bring a wealth of life experience, and I anticipate there will be many points of connection with you.