Counselling and Psychotherapy in Naarm/Melbourne

About Marisa

My Journey to Trauma-Informed Practice

My path to becoming a trauma therapist began with a personal experience that forever changed my professional direction. Originally trained in earth sciences, I worked in natural area management and conservation—physically demanding work that I loved. In 2002, a personal injury ended my ability to continue that career path. Going through the rehabilitation process myself opened my eyes to the profound interconnection between mind and body, and sparked a deep interest in holistic, wrap-around healthcare and rehabilitation.

This lived experience of healing from injury, navigating the healthcare system, and rebuilding a meaningful life informs everything I do as a therapist. I understand firsthand what it's like to face unexpected life changes, to struggle with physical limitations, and to work through the psychological impacts of trauma and loss.

Training and Specialisation

I began training in Body Psychotherapy in 2003, completing an in-depth, 4-year course in this psychodynamic, relational and body-mind therapy that draws on the works of bioenergetics and Wilhelm Reich, Freud and Jung, as well as Barbara Brennan's holistic healing work in Energy Psychology. This foundational training opened my understanding of how trauma and emotional experience are stored not just in our minds, but in our bodies and nervous systems.

Over the past 20+ years, I have complemented this initial training with extensive education and practice in evidence-based psychological therapies, both body-oriented and cognitive-behavioural. I completed specialised training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) through Somatic Experiencing International, and I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy—both recognised as gold-standard treatments for trauma and PTSD.

I have also worked as a Rehabilitation Counsellor and Wellness Coach for more than 10 years, helping those with serious injuries and illnesses return to life and work through support and strategies to increase functioning and performance in their personal and professional lives. This experience has given me deep insight into the complex interplay between physical injury, psychological wellbeing, workplace challenges, and recovery.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and integrative. I work with the understanding that healing happens when we feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether we're working with recent trauma, long-standing patterns rooted in childhood experiences, or the impacts of chronic illness and injury, I create a therapeutic space that honours your unique story, respects your pace, and supports your innate capacity for healing and growth.

I am a Clinical Member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), which means I meet rigorous standards for training, practice, and ethical conduct. I am able to provide rebates for private health insurance and WorkSafe Victoria (where there is an accepted claim and Agent approval). I also see NDIS Plan Managed or self-managed clients.

Areas of Focus

Qualifications

Accreditations