About Cathie

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in clinical and counselling Social Work.

For the past decade, I have focused extensively on trauma counselling, supporting individuals through mental health challenges at various organisations.

In early 2024, I established Reach Your Potential Counselling to extend my services to a broader audience seeking quality counselling.

Professional Journey

My passion and interest in the areas of trauma and mental health has led to working with a range of individuals, families, communities, cultural groups, of various socioeconomic backgrounds, who present with a range of traumatic experiences, and psychological and mental health issues. In my work, I have had the privilege to witness people’s transformations and resilience in the face of trauma and adversity.  

My commitment to support people’s recovery through trauma focussed therapy and psychological counselling, has led to personal growth, deeper understanding and compassion for oneself,  meaningful connections with others, and regained sense of safety, life purpose and meaning.

As knowledge and understanding about trauma, mental health and psychology and effective treatment methods continues to develop and evolve, I am dedicated to ongoing professional development to better support people’s treatment and recovery. This has led to extensive trauma training in different trauma focussed modalities. I use an integrative therapeutic approach to tailor treatment to individual's unique needs and treatment goals.

My Approach

I provide a safe therapeutic space where individuals can identify and build on their existing strengths, resilience, and coping strategies. My goal is to enhance their ability to manage and recover from the impact of their experiences, fostering meaningful connections and purposeful living.

Extensive Experience

Throughout my career, I have worked in the fields of:  

  • Mental health

  • Intellectual disabilities and cognitive impairments

  • Traumatic & non-traumatic acquired physical disabilities

  • Missing persons

  • Defence and veteran communities

  • Refugees and asylum seekers

  • Victims of crime, including adult survivors of child sexual abuse and domestic violence

Providing Trauma Informed and Trauma Focused Counselling

I understand the diverse challenges individuals face in life. As a trauma-informed and trauma-focused and trained counsellor, I integrate various therapeutic approaches to effectively treat and address trauma and mental health concerns. Each person's journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to their specific needs, circumstances, treatment goals, and current stage of recovery.

To find out more about Trauma Counselling and the difference between ‘trauma informed ’and trauma focused counselling, click here

In the dynamic fields of mental health and trauma, I am dedicated to ongoing education and training. This commitment enhances my ability to provide effective support and treatment, ensuring I stay informed of the latest developments and best practices.

Services I provide:

I work with adolescents (17+) and adults facing a variety of challenges, including:

  • Psychological and mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, panic disorders, PTSD, complex PTSD, and self-harm issues

  • Relationship issues, including domestic and family violence

  • Trauma, such as childhood trauma, war experiences, sexual abuse, violence, and workplace bullying

For more information, visit Psychological and Mental Health Counselling

Qualifications and Certifications

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and a Masters in Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy. I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

I provide evidence-based treatments and trained in a range of modalities including:

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Compassion Focused Therapy

  • Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback

  • Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping)

  • Narrative Therapy

Approved Provider for:

  • Victims Services NSW - Approved Counsellor

  • Medicare rebated individual counselling under a GP referral Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) allows you to claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.

  • Private Health Insurance: BUPA, Doctor’s Health, HCF, Teachers Health, Nurses and Midwives Health and UniHealth private health insurance holders with extras cover