My Story
I am an Australian born bilingual Social Worker, raised within two distinct cultures, which has enriched yet also challenged my life in many ways. My journey has been one of continuous transience, moving between countries, suburbs, communities, schools, and homes throughout most of my life.
My parents, both native Cypriots, lived through the traumatic events of the Turkish invasion in 1974. In search of a better future, they migrated to Australia in the mid-80s leaving behind all that was familiar. I was welcomed into the world soon after. My earliest and sole memories of those years are preserved in photographs that capture the essence of hope for a young migrant family.
However, the yearning of their motherland and longing for their families eventually prompted my parents to return home to Cyprus. I spent my foundational years immersed in Cyprus' rich tapestry of history, language, and culture before my parents once again migrated us back to Australia in pursuit of what they believed would be a "better" future.
In the ensuing years, I struggled to find my identity and to assimilate; it felt like I belonged nor here nor there whichever country I found myself in, as I was mixed rather than balanced blend of cultures for either country to accept me as their own. I struggled internally with who I wanted to be as I resisted and rejected many social and cultural norms and expectations.
As I grew into adulthood and delved into my work, I came to recognize the profound impact of generational and cultural trauma, and the inevitability of grief and loss as integral aspects of the human journey. Whilst these experiences look and feel different for each one of us, what we do with these experiences and how we let them define us, becomes the legacy of our lives.
I found purpose in helping others to explore, unpack and heal from their experiences, empowering them to rewrite and retell their stories of resilience and growth, enabling them to reclaim fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Qualifications
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Bachelor of Arts-Psychology, 2007
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Masters of Social Health, 2009
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Masters of Social Work, 2019
My Approach
Unconditional positive regard is a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. It is a powerful facilitator of change and healing in the counselling process, as it allows clients to feel seen, heard, and accepted, enabling them to work through their issues and find their own solutions. I provide a safe and compassionate space where you can freely express yourself, without fear of criticism or rejection, regardless of your thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. My role is to create the conditions necessary for your self-exploration and personal growth by offering you unwavering acceptance, respect, and a nonjudgmental attitude.
With a person-centred focus, I prioritise the empowerment and autonomy of my clients through actively listening and open dialogue, fostering a collaborative and compassionate relationship that respects their values, beliefs, and aspirations. I understand that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Instead, I empower you to guide and dictate your own healing journey, supporting your freedom of choice and self-determination.
Adopting a strength-based, solution-focused approach in my practice empowers individuals to harness their innate resilience and resources to navigate life's challenges. Instead of dwelling on deficits or problems, I focus on identifying and amplifying the strengths, skills, and positive attributes that each person possesses. Through collaborative conversations, I guide you in setting achievable goals and exploring practical solutions that build on your existing capabilities. This approach fosters a sense of self-efficacy and hope, as clients begin to see that they have the capacity to create meaningful change in their lives. By concentrating on strengths and solutions, I not only help you to address your current issues but also promote lasting empowerment, self-discovery, and personal growth, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and hopeful future.
A narrative approach is a powerful framework that I also employ in my practice to help individuals reshape their life stories in a more empowering and positive light. This approach involves acknowledging and celebrating the unique strengths, values, and experiences that have shaped a person's journey. By collaboratively exploring and reframing their narratives, clients gain a renewed sense of agency and self-worth. We work together to highlight instances of resilience and personal growth, allowing you to construct a narrative that emphasizes your strengths and capabilities rather than dwelling on challenges. Through this process, clients often discover a greater sense of self-identity and purpose, enabling them to envision a brighter, more hopeful future. The narrative approach not only promotes healing and personal transformation but also empowers individuals to become the authors of their own life stories.
Whether it's addressing mental health challenges, personal growth, or overcoming obstacles, my role is to provide a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their own paths to wellbeing, be curious about their experiences and discover growth. My approach acknowledges that healing is a deeply personal and transformative process, and I serve as a collaborator and facilitator, respecting clients’ autonomy and empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their goals and values. It is both an honour and a responsibility to walk alongside individuals on their healing journey, advocating for their rights and supporting them in achieving their fullest potential while upholding the principles of social justice and equity.