I am a psychotherapist specialising in working with daughters of narcissistic mothers, attachment difficulties, complex trauma and the long-term effects of difficult early relationships.

My first career was as an artist and academic and I loved nurturing young artists as part of my role at universities. I completed a Masters and a PhD in visual arts and my research looked at the history of psychiatry, and painting and drawing as a meditative process.

In my research, I kept coming back to the idea of development and growing up and the importance of emotional security and identity during this time.

I realised that I had a passion to make a difference in people's lives and that I didn't want my interest in mental health to be an abstract one.

After my role as head of painting and drawing in an art school finished, I retrained in social work with the aim of working therapeutically with young people.

My main interest is in working with people who have experienced early childhood trauma and have problems with attachment.

I specialise in working with daughters of narcissistic mothers.

Since completing my Masters degree in social work at the University of Melbourne, I have worked with young people and adults in a range of mental health settings.

In my most recent role I was based in the public mental health system supporting families of people with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia. I learnt a lot about mental health and families during this time and I enjoy using this learning in my work with people who might be struggling with their own trauma history.

I have a mental health social work accreditation, so I can provide services to people with a mental health care plan under Medicare. I am also a Registered Provider under the NDIS.

I continue to maintain a practice as an artist and exhibit when I can. Painting and drawing remain an important part of my life and continue to inform my understanding of creativity, reflection and emotional experience.