Having enjoyed a diverse working life, primarily owning my own businesses, I've had the pleasure of working with people from all walks of life, from young to mature, across genders and cultures. Starting in Sydney and moving to the Gold Coast in 2010, my journey has been rich and varied.

Throughout my life, I've maintained a healthy curiosity about human behaviour, both professionally and personally. Relationship building, mentoring, counselling, mediating business ventures, organizing social gatherings – these have all been integral parts of who I am. Given my passion for people, committing to being a full-time counsellor, therapist, and mediator was the natural pathway for my future.

A client once shared, "Your voice is real, your message resonates, and you offer humour, compassion, and presence, all at the same time." This taught me that people may forget what you say or do, but they will never forget how you make them feel.

I have lived through many experiences, and one of my greatest takeaways is to listen with the intent to understand, which I believe is the most powerful approach for change. I'm grateful for every part of my journey – the highs, the lows, the setbacks, the comebacks, the love, the pain – all of it.

Everyone has something to work through at some point in their lives. Whether it's the journey of self-discovery, navigating relationship breakdowns, or dealing with conflicts that require specialist support, one thing is for certain: things happen, priorities shift, and circumstances change. Much like the waterways of the coast, which continually change with shifting tides.

My career began with a desire to be self-employed, a path my parents didn't quite relate to. My mum was a primary school teacher, and my dad was a graphic designer. They stayed in their respective roles for decades, providing a wonderfully stable environment for me to grow up in. Yet, I felt a constant urge to explore more. Adventurous and fearless, I was full of ideas and enthusiasm, eager to embark on my business journey.

I started out working with a few IT companies, and by 25, I had set myself up as a consultant. I bought a wedding hire car business, opened a restaurant, and started small waterfront developments on Sydney Harbour. By my 30th birthday, I had achieved more than I could have imagined in the realm of financial success. Interestingly, my driver wasn't money but the thrill of the deal. I thrived under pressure, always ready to create something from scratch.

Now at the later stages of my life, I've embarked on the next stage of business fulfillment – giving back. Combining a lifetime of skills and knowledge with an enduring need to understand human nature, I've built a toolkit of academic learnings and lived experiences. This foundation allows me to assist my clients in counselling, psychotherapy, and mediation, meeting their unique needs effectively.

The more I learned, the more passionate I became about helping people navigate their mental landscapes. This passion has grown into a vocation, leading me to where I am today. Running a private practice as a counsellor, psychotherapist, and mediator involves a diverse array of competencies. I see clients 5-6 days per week and invest around 20% of my time in professional development, supervision, running workshops, networking, and creating resources like blogs.

Running my own practice provides the flexibility to maintain a balanced schedule conducive to my physical, professional, relationship, and spiritual health. I've also developed resources for my mediation practice, focusing on reunification and co-parenting programs. These programs amalgamate mediation and counselling skills to support families through the challenging stages of separation and family breakups. Through every step of my professional journey, reflective practice has been a cornerstone of my development, allowing me to continually assess and improve my methods.

My father always nurtured my curiosity, often telling me, "You can achieve whatever you set your mind to." He was a guiding light, ever-present and supportive, providing a strong foundation for my development and growth.

Looking ahead, I aspire to see a convergence of philosophy, spirituality, and psychology to tackle the meaning crisis and promote genuine connection, and true compassion in our diverse society. By integrating these fields, we can offer comprehensive care that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. This holistic approach has the power to mend the deep wounds of modern society, instilling a sense of purpose and community. In an increasingly fragmented and isolated world, such an approach is not just advantageous but essential. This vision fuels my work, as I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I support.

I appreciate your time in exploring the journey of my professional life. I hope my experiences resonate with you and that you take away a piece of this story as a reminder of our shared human experience.

• DIP. Professional Counsellor
• National Accredited Mediator | NMAS
• MACA (member Australian Counselling Association)
• MICDA (member Institute Community Directors Australia)
• Grad. DIP Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner | FDRP

• Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)
   - Independent Non Executive Director | Governing Board
• Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
  - President and Chair of the Board of Directors