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Currently Accepting new Clients
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Compassionate evidence-based counselling for adolescents and adults

Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, or simply feeling overwhelmed, therapy can provide a safe space to better understand what's happening, develop practical strategies, and move towards meaningful change.

Appointments are available in person in Umina Beach and via telehealth.

A free 15-minute introductory phone call is available if you'd like to ask questions and see whether working together feels right.

Get in touch
individual consult therapy

About Lisa

Hi, and welcome

I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years' experience working across a range of settings, including family services, youth work, disability, and mental health. In recent years, my work has focused on youth mental health and eating disorders.

I enjoy helping people make sense of their experiences, their ways of coping, and the challenges they face today. As those patterns become clearer, people often begin to respond to themselves with greater self-compassion and more freedom of choice.

I bring compassion, honesty, and humour to my work, creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded. Together, we can explore what is happening in your life and work towards meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.

I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), an Approved NSW Victims Services Counsellor, and a Credentialled Eating Disorder Clinician. I am committed to providing thoughtful, ethical and evidence-based care, supported by regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development.

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What we do
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Experience & Areas of Practice

My clinical practice is informed by experience across a broad range of presentations and life experiences.
Every person's story is unique, but these are some of the areas I commonly support.

Mood, Emotions & Coping

Support for anxiety, low mood, emotional overwhelm, and difficulties managing emotions.

Together, we can explore what's contributing to these experiences and develop practical strategies to help you cope more effectively.

CPTSD & Trauma

My experience includes working with people affected by both single-incident and complex trauma. This includes supporting clients experiencing the lasting impacts of childhood adversity, attachment difficulties, abuse, neglect, and other overwhelming life experiences.

Disordered Eating

As a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, I have experience supporting individuals experiencing eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. My work ranges from early intervention through to more structured treatment approaches where appropriate.

Relationship Difficulties

I have experience supporting people experiencing difficulties in their relationships, including challenges with family dynamics, friendships, intimate partnerships, communication, conflict, and boundaries. This work often involves exploring recurring interpersonal patterns and finding new ways of relating to others.

Adolescent Mental Health

My work with adolescents often focuses on supporting young people experiencing anxiety, low mood, school pressures, identity development, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem concerns. This work often involves creating space for young people to better understand themselves and build confidence in managing life's challenges.

Parenting Support

 I work with the challenges that can come with parenting, including changes in identity, feelings of overwhelm, shifts in relationships, and the struggle to find space for yourself among the demands of caring for others. It can also involve strengthening understanding, communication, and connection within the family, fostering more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of ease in daily life.

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The Therapy Process
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What to expect when getting started

Every person's story is different. Therapy begins with taking the time to understand your experiences, what has brought you here, and what you would like to gain from the process.

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Get in Touch

Finding the right therapist is important, and a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the biggest factors in positive outcomes. That's why we offer a free 15-minute phone chat, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, learn a little about how we work, and see whether it feels like a good fit. If you'd like to move forward, we can then arrange an initial appointment and begin exploring what you're needing support with.

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Initial Appointment

The first few sessions are focused on getting to know you, understanding what has brought you to therapy, and exploring what you would like support with. Together, we'll develop a shared understanding of your goals and discuss an approach that best fits your needs. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and decide whether we're the right fit to work together. If needed, I can help you refer to other services.

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Ongoing Therapy

Once we've completed the initial assessment process and agreed to work together, therapy will continue at a pace that suits your needs and preferences, whether that's weekly, fortnightly, short-term or longer-term support. We'll work collaboratively using an approach tailored to your individual circumstances, regularly checking in to ensure our work together remains helpful and aligned with what's important to you.

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FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you're wondering how it all works, here are some answers to the questions I hear most often

How do I book an appointment?

You can get in touch via the contact form or call 0410 865 454 to request an initial chat or book an appointment.

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How many sessions will I need?

There's no set number—some people come for a few sessions around a specific challenge, while others choose longer-term support. We can work out what feels right for you together.

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Are online appointments available?

Yes. I offer secure online sessions, which can be an option if you're unable to attend in person or simply prefer the comfort of your own space.

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Is what I say in therapy private?

Yes. What you share is confidential, with a few rare exceptions where I have a legal or ethical responsibility to help keep someone safe.

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Do I need a referral?

No, you can book directly by calling or filling out the contact form

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How long are appointments?

Most sessions run for around 50 minutes, giving us enough time to settle in, explore what's happening, and finish without feeling rushed.

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How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—many people seek support to better understand themselves and improve their wellbeing.

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What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

If you need to change your appointment, just let me know as soon as you can—48 hours' notice is appreciated to avoid a cancellation fee.

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Fees
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Our Pricing

There are a number of options for funding your treatment depending on your circumstances

Private Client

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Book your own therapy no referral required
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Unlimited sessions as decided by you
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No restriction on the types of therapy you can access
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$180 out of pocket

Unlimited

50 minute session
Cost
$180

Victims Services

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The Victims Support Scheme provides counselling for victims of crime
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Approval number is required at booking
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22 fully funded sessions
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For more information, please refer to the NSW Victims Services website

22 Sessions

50 minute session
Cost
$0
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Fill  the form
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Arrange an introductory call

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Professional therapist

Registered and insured member of the Australian Association of Social Workers

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Clients 15+

Experience working with adolescents and adults

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Private clinic

A safe private space to explore your concerns
Suite 3 Level 1
191 West Street
Umina Beach NSW 2257

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Walk & Talk

Nature is medicine, walk the beach or waterfront during the session if sitting feels to static for you

Reach out & Connect
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Emerge Therapy acknowledges the Darkinjung People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and support healing.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land