Accomplished Senior Therapist at Anala Pty Ltd, leveraging expertise in Art Therapy and Counselling to deliver trauma-informed care and innovative treatment plans. Demonstrated success in enhancing client mental health and wellbeing through DBT and psychoeducation, achieving significant improvements in client outcomes. Skilled in fostering inclusive environments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, reflecting a strong commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Therapist
Anala Pty Ltd
02.2018 - Current
Provided person-centred and trauma-informed care through counselling, art psychotherapy and psychoeducation to support clients with issues pertaining to mental health, co-mobilities and/or disabilities.
Promoted a safe, supportive and inclusive therapeutic environment for a diverse population of clients with different psychological, physiological and psycho-social needs.
Developed innovative approaches to engage reluctant or non-verbal clients in the therapeutic process utilising art materials and/or play therapy to support personal expression, exploration and communication.
Provided evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including DBT and CBT frameworks utilised in session to support skill development, capacity building and goal attainment - promoting positive change, health and wellbeing.
Worked closely with families and carers to ensure therapeutic support and services provided for clients within their home, community, workplace and/or school. Provided referrals and recommendations as needed.
Family counselling - Therapeutic support extended to family members to support and understand clients needs - recognise the function of their behaviours within the home environment to incorporate changes and improve relationships within family dynamic.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to provide comprehensive care and implement treatment plans for clients with complex needs - advocated and supported clients to receive appropriate support people and services, community-based activities and /or respite, therapeutic support and interventions at home or in SIL.
Provided IPRP (incident prevention response plan) to external service providers to implement treatment plans and strategies - identified risks and developed safety plans to support clients to meet their needs appropriately and improve resultant behaviours.
Provided comprehensive progress reports outlining effective and reasonable treatments and recommendations to support clients diagnosis, disability and goals through the NDIS.
Engaged in regular multidisciplinary team meetings and training workshops to meet NDIS standards and guidelines.
Maintained caseloads, clinical notes and therapy evaluations to assess the efficacy and approach of treatment.
Provided supervision to junior counsellors.
Maintained regular CPD, individual and peer supervision as per registering body (ANZACATA) requirements to ensure best practice and currency of therapeutic benefits - continuously researched and integrated emerging trends in the field of counselling and art psychotherapy.
Art Therapist
Mission Australia - Triple Care Farm
01.2014 - 06.2018
Provided therapeutic support to clients attending 3 month residential AOD recovery and rehabilitation program for youths aged 16-24 years. Provided person-centred and trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy, art therapy and psychoeducation to support client's individual needs and goals ie. harm minimisation, relapse prevention strategies and skill-building opportunities to build insight and resiliency.
Completed diagnostic assessments and collaborated with clients to create and implement individualised treatment. Provided mental health assessments to manage suicide risk and implement safety plan or crisis support as stipulated in policies and procedures of organisation.
Implemented and facilitated art therapy groups with innovative approach to engage reluctant clients in therapeutic process using creative mediums to support personal expression and communication. Provided set directives to explore underlying themes and issues associated AOD addiction ie. mental health, trauma, grief and loss, attachment and abandonment, self-esteem, sexuality, gender and identity, interpersonal relationships. DBT framework utilised to support personal-insight, resiliency and capabilities through skill-building and psychoeducation provided.
Co-facilitated DBT and AOD groups for clients - delivered content, provided therapeutic support and addressed arising issues and/or behaviours within group dynamic. Provided safe and supportive environment to build trust and rapport and ensure client engagement and outcomes.
Regularly reviewed and updated counselling and art therapy programs to better support clients needs and organisational requirements. Researched art directives and sourced materials to support clients presenting needs. Managed budget for art therapy supplies and maintained stock inventory.
Attended weekly DBT clinical consults and collaborated with multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans for clients presenting with complex needs and comorbidities.
Promoted community-based initiatives and stakeholder engagement through public projects ie. organised art exhibition showcasing client artworks; art mural collaboration in shopping mall; commissioned artwork opportunities; artworks gifted to charity events to support TCF and Sir David Martin Foundation (SDMF) through corporate donations.
Liaised with internal and external key stakeholders, prospective clients and supporting agencies to promote TCF and therapeutic services provided. Provided annual reports, case studies and statistical data to funding bodies to support further funding, research and efficacy of treatment program.
Evaluated the effectiveness of art therapy interventions by tracking measurable outcomes using standardized assessment tools and provided quality assurance surveys to assess therapeutic benefit within the AOD program. Reviewed and amended program content and/or approach as needed to improve outcomes.
Managed caseloads efficiently while maintaining accurate documentation of clients progress and goals achieved during individual and group sessions.
Provided clients with discharge summaries and reports on completion of program. Provided recommendations and referrals for clients to receive therapeutic supports and services as outpatients within the community. Liaised with aftercare officer to support clients plan.
Provided mentorship and supervision to art therapy placement students from UWS studying Masters of Art Therapy. liaised with senior psychologist and university supervisor to assess students competency and compliance in areas of learning and performance.
Participated in continual professional development (CPD), individual and/or peer supervision as required by registering body (ANZACATA), to maintain currency and best practice in the field of counselling and art therapy.
Managing Director
Magic Jester
01.2007 - 12.2012
Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
Managed administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly - including event coordination and agency bookings, promotions and marketing, and customer service support.
Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to support business operations - including online magic store. Purchased and handled orders and dispatch of products.
Artist
Peta Stone
02.2004 - 12.2012
Sold original art pieces through online platforms, gallery exhibitions, and direct customer interactions, generating consistent revenue streams while maintaining an active artist presence within the community.
Consulted with clients to discuss commission ideas and style preferences to create mutually agreeable project parameters.
Developed comprehensive portfolios that showcased a diverse range of artistic abilities, attracting new clients and commission opportunities.
Expanded skillset continually by attending industry conferences, workshops or courses related to specific artistic mediums or practices desired further mastery upon within career development.
Mentored by artists-in-residence (ceramists Paul Davies, Peter Schmidt and Karen Farrell) at prestigious institution -Sturt Contemporary Craft Centre in Mittagong, sharing expertise while developing new creative works during their tenure.
Managed studio operations efficiently, organizing workspace layout while maintaining necessary supply inventory levels.
Interior Designer
Biggie Best
01.2002 - 12.2004
Retail sales and interior design consultant.
Developed key client relationships, providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
Participated in furniture selection and documentation of specifications.
Coordinated installations of fixtures, furniture, artwork ensuring proper placement alignment within each space according plan specifications.
Determined personalized needs, tastes and design preferences through thorough client consultations.
Conducted site visits and meetings with clients to gather necessary information for successful project execution.
Worked closely with vendors to negotiate cost-effective pricing for materials while maintaining high-quality standards.
Provided exceptional customer service throughout the entire design process, ensuring timely communication with clients at all stages.
Stayed up-to-date on industry developments by attending trade shows, workshops, networking events, maintaining professional certifications consistently honing expertise in the field.
Interior Design Consultant
Amber
01.2001 - 12.2002
Provided in-store design consultations on interior design and landscaping products - collaborated with clients to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces to meet plan specifications, personal vision and budget.
Developed creative design solutions for residential and commercial spaces to support design brief of projects resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
Cultivated positive working partnerships between architects builders contractors allowing for smoother project execution.
Developed comprehensive project estimates based on material costs labor requirements which resulted in accurate quotes pricing structures.
Coordinated with vendors and suppliers for the procurement of materials, maintaining project timelines and budgets.
Stayed up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, incorporating innovative techniques into designs.
State Manager and Sales Representative
Peter Lik Wilderness Press
01.1999 - 12.2000
Developed and maintained comprehensive understanding of products, services and competitors to enhance business profile and sales.
Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression and branding of business.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Increased sales revenue by identifying and targeting high-potential accounts.
Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.
Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
Interior Design Consultant
Freedom
01.1997 - 12.1998
Implemented department floor design layout, product placement and overall aesthetic to support lifestyle branding, sales and promotions.
Conducted client consultations to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and budget-friendly interior designs.
Selected appropriate colour schemes, lighting fixtures, fabrics, furniture pieces that aligned with client vision while adhering to budget constraints.
Communicated product information, installation methods and product upgrade options.
Built strong relationships with clients through clear communication and quality service, leading to referrals and repeat business.
Implemented multiple high-end residential and commercial interior design projects within cost, quality and timeframe targets.
Collaborated with contractors and suppliers for smooth execution of design plans.
Stayed up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, incorporating innovative techniques into designs.
Participated in local trade shows to showcase design expertise and generate new client leads.
Department Designer and Stylist
IKEA
01.1994 - 12.1996
Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
Specified appropriate products and materials to meet project objectives and design scheme.
Developed innovative design concepts for improved product and brand recognition to support customer engagement and experience.
Conducted site visits and collaborated with designers and contractors to ensure seamless execution of department plan layout and integration of design elements. Defined space requirements from schematic design to construction phase and installation.
Produced detailed cost estimates and coordinated with vendors to deliver budget-friendly solutions.
Worked closely with contractors and vendors to improve project coordination of store fit-out, completing projects on time and within budget.
Coordinated installations of fixtures, furniture, artwork ensuring proper placement alignment within each space according to plan specifications and promotional requirements.
Received in-store recognition for innovative and sustainable interior design projects, elevating the departments aesthetic, sales and overall client satisfaction.
Stayed up-to-date on industry developments by attending trade shows, workshops, networking events, maintaining professional certifications consistently honing expertise in the field.
Human Resources Superintendent at Blue Sea Fishing Company (PTY)Ltd, Pereira Seafood Company (PTY)Ltd, Hatutungu Fishing Company (PTY)Human Resources Superintendent at Blue Sea Fishing Company (PTY)Ltd, Pereira Seafood Company (PTY)Ltd, Hatutungu Fishing Company (PTY)
Human Resources Superintendent at Blue Sea Fishing Company (PTY)Ltd, Pereira Seafood Company (PTY)Ltd, Hatutungu Fishing Company (PTY)Human Resources Superintendent at Blue Sea Fishing Company (PTY)Ltd, Pereira Seafood Company (PTY)Ltd, Hatutungu Fishing Company (PTY)