Counselling

Counselling practice will combine a range of therapeutic tools tailored to the needs of children, young people, adults and families to promote healing and a strengthened sense of self in the face of emotional pain, adversity and trauma. 

Areas of experience:
- Childhood & developmental trauma (physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect and domestic violence) 
- Carer and Parent Coaching (foster care,  parenting ADHD, family resilience after child protection involvement)
- Parenting after separation/divorce and supporting children
- Family Therapy. Supporting families to reconnect and rebuild relationships after periods of difficulty or disconnection.
- Therapeutically supporting foster carers and children who are in out of home care 
- Supporting mothers and children in healing and relational repair after domestic and family violence abuse
- Creative, Sensory/Body activities and resilience based group work programs 
- Working with schools and agencies to support a consistent care response to children's emotional and behavioural expressions 

Approaches and pratice tools which integrate relational safety building, neurobiology of trauma & attachment theory, family systems theory, children's rights, creative arts, play, sand tray,, and sensory & body based interventions, anti-oppressive and culturally strong practices, and narrative based therapies are woven into my therapeutic framework; with a focus on empowerment, choice, and compassion. I aim to offer a therapeutic space for children, young people and their caregivers to tap into innate healing wisdom and build resilience. 

My counselling approaches work on the belief that the process of promoting safety and creativity, within a therapeutic relationship, supports changes in a child’s inner world and helps them to develop a more integrated sense of self, with increased self-awareness and acceptance.  I also works with the systems around the child to develop a consistent care approach; such as their family, carers, schools, and other services.  It’s important that children and young people are enabled to participate in their healing journey, are self-empowered, and are offered choice around what works best for them as individuals.
 
Counselling and therapeutic groups can support children, young people, and adults in: 
        •	Reduce trauma based symptoms
        •	Family cohension, recovery after prolonged periods of distress or trauma
        •     Exploring emotional resources for support 
        •	Promoting more connected family relationships
        •	Hold and process expereinces of Grief and Loss
        •	Promote resilience for recovery & healing from trauma
        •	Ability to identify and manage overwhelming emotions (increase self-regulation)
        •	Explore what is underneath 'anger and worry'
        •	Strengthening positive sense of self & confidence
        •	Manage stress and the impacts of distress on family relationships
        •	Gain a deeper understanding of how our family of origin experiences influences our current self
        •	Reduce experiences of anxiety and depression
        •	Make space for learning! Increase focus and concentration
        •	Reduce ADHD based behaviours 
        •	Strengthen Immunity and physical wellbeing
        •	Promote and explore spirituality and connection to self, place and others

For Adults 
As a qualified social worker and trauma specific counsellor,  I offer sessions for a range of issues such as divorce, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression,  experinces of trauma, domestic violence and abuse, sexual assault, and difficulites in parenting children who are struggling exmotionally and behaviourally. 

Advocacy Services 
As part of my role in supporting families I also can offer advocacy of children's individual's needs in their school setting. I can offer guidance and support during family court and post separation issues; as well as support in relation to escaping domestic and family violence and rights of women and children. 

* I also regularly engage in consultation with Aboriginal professionals to explore how I can hold a decolonisation framework in my approaches and hold culturally humility. 

ADHD Parenting Support
Please check out the Jumpstart for Parenting Program 
https://adhdthrivemethod.com/adhd-thrive-jump-start-parenting-4-adhd  

For referrals or enquires please go to the About & Contact section or email info@ashleychildtherapies.com.au 