Philosophy & Vision
I'm an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who after years of procrastinating have started a private practice with a focus on neurodiversity; specifically adults with ADHD, as well as adults recovering from trauma and/or with mental health challenges. It's important to me therapy is accessible for anybody, so if people come with a mental health care plan I will bulk bill; without a mental health care plan it will be as affordable as possible. For the past decade I have worked in an Indigenous organisation, so I’m keen to continue working with mob.
Background
Over many years I’ve worked with people in community-based settings who have struggled with relationships, addictions, mental health, grief and loss, trauma, racism, life transitions, but now they often come with the added bonus, or complication, of their neurodiversity. There is a quote about ADHD that rings true for me along the lines of; If you want to know the nice parts of ADHD, read articles on the internet, if you want to know what ADHD really looks like, go visit your local prison, rehab centre and/or Centrelink office.
Services
Quality Provision
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with full clinical membership of the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW) which requires continued professional development and yearly accreditation. I am also a member of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA).
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Social Work - 1996 - La Trobe University
Modalities
ACT - Conversational Model - Narrative Therapy - Neuroscience - Solution Oriented - Strengths-Based - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
For me the therapeutic relationship is the mediterranean diet that consistently provides the nutrition of non-judgement, compassion and curiosity that sustains my therapeutic practice. My preference is to work collaboratively with people to explore what has and hasn't worked, and to imagine what might yet work. At the risk of labouring the food metaphor, while some therapies have dubious gold standard reputations, some have nutritious philosophically flavoured offerings but in the chaos of the kitchen I'll reach for solution oriented, strengths based, trauma informed or simply listen and bear witness.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers
Practice Locations
Melbourne VIC 3000
Appointments
Availability: Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sat, 9-6
Fees & Insurance
Will bulk-bill with a mental health care plan; $120 without; 50 min sessions.
Phone counselling preferred with some provision for on-line counselling.
Payment Options
Bank transfer
Contact Ian
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult