​Specialising in creating a safe space where you can befriend yourself,
​explore and extend what you like, what you value,
​and what brings ​joy to your life.
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​About Natalie
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Register No. 23300
I work part-time in private practice, and part-time at Northern Centre Against Sexual Assault.

I work primarily with individuals across a range of issues, including: anxiety; depression; stress; trauma; PTSD; sexual assault; chronic or life-threatening illness; life changes; addiction; grief/loss...

As an integrative Counsellor/Psychotherapist, I draw primarily on existential, emotion-focused, feminist, person-centred and transpersonal theories, and incorporate trauma-informed, experiential and somatic methods to suit each person's needs.

I hold a Master of Counselling, and a Post-Graduate Diploma of Counselling & Human Services at La Trobe University.

Committed to on-going learning, I undertake regular supervision and professional development, and am a registered clinical member of the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). 
Lifestyle Medicine
I help people implement evidence-based lifestyle practices (meditation, psychological & emotional health, diet & exercise) to live well and enhance their healing capacity. 

Specialising in working with people affected by chronic or life-threatening illness, I also provide on-going support for attendees of cancer and MS retreats at The Gawler Cancer Foundation or with Drs Ian & Ruth Gawler.

My interest in lifestyle medicine began in search of answers for my own healing.  I originally studied primary education at Victoria University, majoring in Health & Physical Education.  After teaching for a short time, I left Australia and attended my first meditation retreat at in 1988.  

I re-trained in natural therapies, set up my first private practice on the west coast of Ireland, and was asked to run my first relaxation-meditation course.  

In 1997 I moved to Dzogchen Beara to continue learning meditation and train in spiritual care for people facing death.

Having returned to Melbourne in 1998, I again set-up private practice, taught meditation, and assisted Dr Ruth Doherty (Founder, Annwn Institute) in facilitating training programs for healthcare professionals.  

Seeking to deepen my meditation and ability to help others, I entered an intensive 3-year training, culminating in 15 months retreat.  After completing the first year of my  Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Human Services, I began working at the Gawler Cancer Foundation, where I was immersed in learning, teaching and supporting lifestyle medicine for those affected by cancer, multiple sclerosis and other chronic conditions.
MEDITATION
I've been teaching meditation for 18+ years, specialising in the therapeutic use of meditation for health and wellbeing. 

I trained with Rigpa and the Gawler Cancer Foundation, and am accredited as a meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia. 

I offer Relaxation & Meditation courses, short retreats, and tailor professional development for groups and organisations.

Meditation has been part of my life since 1988 - pivotal in my own healing.  Daily practice, regular courses and retreats deepen the benefits of meditation and increase my ability to face whatever life brings with more serenity, clarity and openness than I ever imagined possible.  

These are some of the gifts of meditation that I love sharing with others.
​About Brendon
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Register No. 23299
​I work with individuals, couples and families, and supervise other therapists.  I also consult with organisations to help them improve their internal & external working relationships.  

​My expertise includes working with addiction, separated families, palliative care, psychiatric rehabilitation, higher education, workplace counselling, and family transitions.  I'm particularly interested in working with people who experience themselves as marginalised by common workplace, therapeutic, or educational practices and assumptions.

I work from a person-centred foundation, integrating Process/Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT/PEEFT), psychodrama, and psycho-education according to need.

I hold a Master of Counselling at La Trobe University, and Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology at Curtin University.

I am dedicated to developing my knowledge and skills through on-going supervision and professional development, and am a registered clinical member of the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). 
EDUCATION & training
I've been teaching communication skills and counselling at La Trobe University since 1997.  

In 1996 I became the inaugural Volunteer Trainer & Coordinator at McCulloch House Palliative Care.  For 7 years I trained volunteers in skills and qualities necessary to effectively help people with terminal illnesses.  Breaking the mould of colleagues' expectations by recruiting undergraduate university students, I discovered another passion - helping others act on their own passion for helping others!

I've also designed and delivered training for various palliative care agencies, and conducted qualitative assessment of staff training programs for Melbourne University.
IMPROVISATION & PERFORMANCE
I trained in jazz at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and acting at Sydney Drama Action Centre.  

In 1992 I joined Playback Theatre Sydney, and throughout 1994 I travelled throughout Australia, New Zealand, North America and UK performing with various Playback Theatre companies, and trained with Jo Salas and Jonathan Fox in New York.

On resettling in Melbourne, I trained with Al Wunder at Theatre of the Ordinary in improvised theatre for many years, culminating in three entirely improvised shows.

Other performances include: composer & musician in "Sex and Death" (Alchemy Dance); assistant director in "Black Dog", Monash Uni Student Theatre; assistant director, composer & musician in "The Vampire Is Chasing" Theatre Of Love And Fear; and improvisor in "TOTO Leaves Home" Melbourne Fringe 2002.

The spontaneity and delight of improvisation continually inspires all my work.  I'm currently exploring opportunities to teach this art form.