Experience

After graduating from Jansen Newman in 2007 I have worked part time for two of the largest not-for-profit organisations in Australia alongside developing my private counselling practice, Sydney Sanctuary Counselling Services. Firstly I worked for Relationships Australia in a counselling and relationship education role on the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.

This experience ensures you will receive quality, well informed counselling from a professional with recent training and employment in the field of relationship education and therapy. I have also worked for Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) in a counselling role as a telephone support and advice line officer providing parents, school counsellors, case workers and people on the spectrum with counselling and referral information.

When choosing a therapist make sure they have:

• A graduate or postgraduate qualification in Counselling and/or Psychotherapy from an accredited university or higher education provider
• You can ask for proof of these qualifications from the therapist or the higher education provider
• Ask how long the training took as many counselling certificates are short courses
• Check to see if they adhere to a professional set of guidelines or ethics and are a member of a Professional association

What's the difference between a psychotherapist, psychologist and psychiatrist?

When deciding to work with any type of practitioner it is vital to check their qualifications and the level of training they have received.

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists are specifically trained individuals who have tertiary (undergraduate or post graduate) qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Most courses are two to three years in length and many, including Jansen Newman courses, are accredited by the Higher Education Act ensuring quality and rigorous training standards.

Accreditation

Australian Counselling Association
QMACA Registered Member 8203

Testimony:

"Sam is a very good listener, thinks about what you've said and helps you see things in a different light.  She also helps you "name" your feelings i.e identify them more clearly rather than "I feel angry".  This naming process is very helpful in thinking about why you feel the way you do and addressing the real cause of your feelings.  I would highly recommend Sam".  (LM,  Couples Counselling)

"I went for counselling when I was relatively new to Sydney, I had very few friends, was away from my family, and had just had a very bad experience at work. As a result I was depressed and anxious, I really was at my lowest of lows.  Through counselling with Sam, and my determination, I eventually came out the other side. I always felt Sam genuinely cared for my well-being, and she encouraged me to keep pushing through. I am pleased to say I feel like I am a better, more fulfilled person now than before I got depressed, I have a zest for life and will always be very grateful for Sam's help in reaching this point." (Sarah, individual counselling)

"This was my first time seeing a counsellor and I felt that you provided a safe environment for me to be able to reveal my innermost thoughts and feelings.  You were calm and patient and yet gently challenging at times.  I felt heard and respected and whilst life is still not easy I feel much more equipped to deal with my problems.  Thanks very much Sam"  (name withheld, individual counselling))

"We felt Sam (couple counselling) covered a lot of ground quickly and the therapy started from the first session.  Talking honestly about our feelings  was not as difficult as we first thought." (name withheld, couples counselling)