M Social Work, AASW, AMHSW.
Hi, I’m Brenda. I hold a Masters in Social Work in the area of counselling, and have been practicing for over 12 years in a number of difference areas such as child protection, mental health, youth and refugee and asylum seeker support, both within Australia and overseas. I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, and a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports.
Though I was born in Australia, I have travelled extensively overseas and spent much of the past 5 years working with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. In this work I developed a passion for providing holistic, culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing support to people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
I am also experienced in working with young people as well as people experiencing depression, anxiety, and struggling with stress and life changes or balance. I have a keen interest in men’s mental health and in working with those experiencing or involved in domestic violence situations.
My social work practice framework is firmly grounded in a Person-Centred approach and I use a range of evidence-based interventions in how I support people.
Building a trusting relationship between worker and client is foundational for effective therapeutic work. Through this relationship I aim to create a safe, non-judgemental space in which the client can deepen their understanding of themselves and explore this within the context of the issues they are currently facing.
I adopt a very holistic understanding and approach to mental health and wellbeing, choosing not to be focused on diagnosis and taking account of the whole person. I firmly believe that my clients are the expert in their own lives and from this understanding I engage with them in a way that supports them to see and build upon existing strengths, as well as to develop courage and new coping strategies.
I believe there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to working with people, and therefore tailor my support to best suit the needs of each person I work with.
I absolutely love what I do and consider it a privilege to be allowed to be a part of people’s journeys. It would be my joy to work with you as you navigate the next steps in your own life.
To make an appointment try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call M1 Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3067 9129.
