With a background based in education and psychology, I believe that everyone has the potential for positive change, and I am here to support you on your journey toward personal growth and self-improvement.
I have worked with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, from adolescents to older adults, across Australia and South-East Asia. My experience includes working in schools and organisations, where I've enjoyed being a leader and mentor, helping others grow and thrive.
My genuine, warm, and down-to-earth approach aims to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore and work through your unique challenges.
Meet Catriona
My Approach
My approach is focused on empowerment and self-discovery. Oak Counselling’s motto, your story, your journey, your growth, reflects the deeply personal nature of therapy. It is about honoring your unique experiences (your story), supporting you as you navigate life’s challenges (your journey), and helping you grow and thrive (your growth).
Person-Centred
Underlying my counselling practice is my belief that that each person has the capacity for growth. By focusing on a person-centred approach, I aim to build a warm, compassionate, and trusting relationship with you. My goal is to make sure you feel seen, heard, and understood. I’m here to understand your unique experiences and work with you to navigate any challenges you’re facing.
Strengths-Based
We will work together to help you make positive changes so that you can take control of your own life. My focus is on helping you discover your inner strengths and resources, explore what really matters to you, and help you build awareness and self-care. I’m here to support you in finding empowerment, resilience, and wellbeing, so you can make meaningful and lasting improvements in your life.
“We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.”
— Galileo
Therapies and Techniques I Use
Everyone responds to different approaches in their own way, so I customise your sessions to suit your unique needs. By blending various therapies and techniques, I aim to address your specific challenges and goals. This personalised approach ensures that the results are both effective and lasting.
I combine the following evidence-based therapies and techniques:
Solution-Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Mindfulness Techniques
Psychoeducation
Interpersonal Skills Training
Coping Techniques
Creative Techniques - journaling, art
Connecting you to other supports and resources.
My Specialist Areas
With my background in education and psychology, along with my experience in both educational and corporate organisations, I’ve had the chance to understand and address the diverse needs of people in various settings.
I have worked with individuals of all ages, from adolescents to older adults, across various cultures and backgrounds.
This experience helps me bring a unique perspective to my work and tailor my approach to fit your specific needs.
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Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s wellbeing. Depression often brings about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, while anxiety involves worry, nervousness, and fear. Anxiety can occur alongside depression, and some people experience both conditions simultaneously. Counselling can be helpful in managing these feelings. It can provide relief from symptoms, help you change thought patterns and behaviors, manage emotions, develop coping strategies, and build self-awareness and acceptance.
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Grief and loss counselling involves working with a counsellor to navigate your feelings after experiencing a significant change or loss. The aim is to help you adapt to the loss and adjust to a new reality. While it is commonly associated with the death of a loved one, it can also include tangible losses such as losing a home, a job, or physical functioning due to health decline. It also covers intangible losses such as loss of personal dreams, trust, and identity. Counselling can help you through the process of finding a new path forward.
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Trauma can happen when we go through experiences or events that feel overwhelming and threaten our physical or emotional wellbeing. Counselling can help by addressing the emotional and psychological impact of trauma. It’s about giving you tools and strategies to manage how these traumatic experiences affect your life, helping you cope with distressing memories and symptoms.
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Counselling for stress and burnout is helpful for those feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or disengaged because of work or life demands. Stress symptoms include headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, irritability, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. Burnout symptoms include physical and mental exhaustion, cynicism, irritability, dread about going to work, decreased professional competency, and loss of compassion. Counselling can help with thought and behaviour change, emotion management, coping strategies, and greater self-awareness.
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Workplace challenges can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. Counselling offers the support and coping strategies you need to handle these challenges more effectively, which can boost your overall mental health and wellbeing. More importantly, it can help prevent more serious mental health issues from developing in the future.
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Counselling for academic and exam stress can help you tackle academic challenges related to coursework, time management, and study habits. It can help with finding practical solutions to specific issues, setting achievable goals, and learning relaxation techniques to ease anxiety. This support helps you develop healthier ways to manage stress and approach your studies with more confidence.
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Counselling can be really helpful if you are struggling with low self-esteem or confidence issues. It can help you identify and challenge those negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel insecurity and self-doubt. Through counselling, you’ll work on reshaping your personal narrative, focusing on your strengths, resilience, and positive experiences, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
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Life transitions often challenge our sense of identity and stability. Counselling can be a great support during these times, helping you navigate new or challenging experiences. It can help you explore and process emotions, recognise your strengths, develop a positive mindset, and learn effective coping strategies to help you adjust and thrive.
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Whether it is with a partner, family member, or work colleague, improved communication leads to smoother interactions. Counselling offers a safe space to explore emotions, different perspectives, and any behaviors that might be getting in the way of healthy relationships. By learning effective communication strategies and gaining a better understanding of your own thoughts and feelings, you can work towards building stronger connections with others.
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Counselling can be helpful if you are having trouble setting boundaries or being assertive. It will help you recognise the importance of establishing healthy boundaries. With a counsellor’s support, you’ll work on building your self-esteem and learn how to communicate your boundaries without feeling guilty or afraid. Together, you’ll develop the tools and confidence needed to navigate difficult situations and take care of your wellbeing.
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Counselling can be a big help for students dealing with bullying or school-related issues. If you are feeling isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed, a counsellor can work with you to rebuild your self-esteem by focusing on your strengths, positive qualities, and resilience. A counsellor will help you see your worth beyond the bullying and teach you coping strategies to handle challenging situations in a healthy way.
Qualifications
Master of Counselling
Bachelor of Arts (Hons-Psychology)
Diploma of Teaching
Registration
Australian Counselling Association - Level 2