About Anna

Over 15 years, Anna has gained experience working with children, young people and their families in a range of settings, including community based agencies, the domestic/family violence field and private practice. She has been employed as a Family Advisor and Children’s Counsellor at the Joondalup Family Relationship Centre and as a Children’s Counsellor at the Patricia Giles Centre Children’s Counsellling Centre.

Anna has worked on a sessional basis at Edith Cowan University. She has developed and facilitated therapeutic group programmes for women, parents and children and is a consultant and writer for on-line therapy programmes. Anna has delivered training to professionals in Melbourne and Perth in the areas of child-inclusive family dispute resolution and working with children/adolescents who have experienced domestic/family violence. Anna is TAA trained to design and deliver seminars and workshops within the community.

Anna’s understanding of child/adolescent psychology and family dynamics has developed through her experience of working therapeutically with children, adolescents and families. Individual support and family therapy is provided to support parents and families with building on their strengths, parenting skills and with creating positive relationships. The concepts and approaches of ‘Triple P’ (Positive Parenting Programme) are also drawn upon.

Anna employs a range of tools in supporting children and young people with processing issues and building self-esteem and positive relationships with their peers, families, school and community.  This includes age appropriate and child-centred counselling techniques involving tools such as play therapy, expressive therapies and art therapy. Her training and understanding of child and adolescent psychology provides a solid foundation for working with children and adolescents in ways that are meaningful to them.  Anna’s work is characterised by creating trusting, warm and safe relationships where children and adolescents feel accepted, listened to and can gain a sense of mastery over the issues or experiences in their lives.  She is also experienced in working in partnership with significant others in children’s lives, including parents, siblings and schools.  When working with parents Anna employs a strengths based approach and draws on Humanist and Behaviourist approaches to guiding children’s behaviour.