Courtney McPherson, BCouns.
Trauma-Informed Counsellor | PACFA Reg. Certified Practising Counsellor (28995)

As a trauma-informed counsellor, I draw on both my professional training and personal lived experience to provide a holistic and empathetic approach to psychotherapy. I am committed to offering a safe, compassionate, and validating environment for clients, ensuring each individual feels supported to be their authentic self during our sessions.

I currently accept new clients for online counselling sessions, including those who are NDIS participants.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in a deep understanding of complex trauma and the impact it has on individuals. I prioritize trauma-informed care and work collaboratively with clients to foster healing, self-awareness, and growth.

 

My professional expertise includes, but is not limited to:

  • Carer and Consumer Lived Experience
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 
  • LGBTQIA+ affirming interventions
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Neurodivergent-Informed Practices
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills 
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Facing suicidal Ideation and thoughts
  • Family Violence Support
  • Nervous System Awareness and Emotional Regulation
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  • Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

I am dedicated to providing empathetic, client-centered support, tailoring our sessions to meet your unique needs.

Creating a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship is my priority, ensuring it feels right for both of us. If that’s not the case, I’ll suggest alternative support options or provide additional resources. 

My Qualifications: 

Bachelor of Counselling with the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP)

Diploma of Autism Awareness & Diploma of Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness 

Diploma of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

Recent professional development undertaken: 

  • Motivational Interviewing
  • How The Body Keeps the Score with Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk - Intensive Trauma Treatment Course 
  • Understanding Abuse and Intimate partner violence 
  • Mental Health First Aid 
  • Suicide Prevention and recognition 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are sessions with Safe Now Therapy?

I offer a free 15 minute consultatioin to get to know eachother briefly and assess if I am the counsellor for you. 

Sessions are $130 for a 1hour session and $200 for a 90min session 

If you are facing financial difficulty, please let me know and we can chat about more appropriate pricing or alternate counselling options. 

Unfortunately, medicare rebates are not available for this service.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that you provide 24 hours notice minimum to cancel or reschedule a booking. Within reason, you will be charged the full amount of the appointment for failure to notify Safe Now Therapy within 24 hours. 

What do I need to do Telehealth Counselling?

For video, you'll need a computer with a camera and an internet connection.

For phone counselling, you will need stable phone service and a charged phone to use.

I also recommend that you're alone for our sessions and that you have a quiet space so you don't have any distractions. 

Why do you have the option for 90 minute sessions?

I find that some struggle to connect to their experience in simply 50 minutes, others can find 50-minute sessions perfect for them. Particularly while working in trauma, 90 minutes can be appropriate for building a safe space before they become ready to share what they would like to, or they have something 'big' they would like to work through with the therapist.  

Is online counselling as effective as in-person therapy?

Research has shown that online counselling can be just as effective as in-person therapy, offering convenience and accessibility to access therapy in the comfort of your own home (and pets are allowed and in fact, welcomed 🐕🐈🐟🐦🐍) 

What does 'PACFA Registered Practicing Counsellor' mean?

PACFA, or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, is a professional association that represents and regulates counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia 

PACFA Registrants are required to undertake minimum registration requirements to maintain their membership. These include...

Continued Professional Development (CPD) and regular supervision with a PACFA registered supervisor. 

What is 'Trauma-informed' Care?

Trauma-informed care in counselling is an approach that acknowledges and incorporates an understanding of the impact of trauma on clients' lives. It involves creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel respected and understood. Key principles include:

  1. Safety: Ensuring a physical and emotional environment that feels secure for clients.

  2. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through clear, consistent, and honest communication.

  3. Empowerment: Encouraging clients' autonomy and collaboration in their healing process.

  4. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity: Recognizing and addressing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients.

  5. Understanding Trauma’s Impact: Recognizing the ways trauma can affect behavior, emotions, and relationships.

What does 'Lived-Experience Counsellor' mean?

A 'lived experience' counsellor is one who draws on their personal experience with mental health challenges, recovery, or related struggles to inform their counseling practice. They offer a unique experience of empathy and understanding, connecting with clients through shared experiences and serving as role models for recovery. While they have personal experience, they also receive formal training in counseling, ensuring a professional approach to their work. They provide support not only as a peer but additionally as a qualified professional.

Do you see NDIS participants? Is the price different?

As long as they have a valid NDIS plan and they are self managed or plan managed, I absolutely can! NDIS Participants are charged at the same rate as privately funded clients.

Claimed as: 15_043_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Counsellor

What is 'Psychotherapy'?

Psychotherapy focuses on the whole person, encompassing somatic, emotional, mental, cultural, relational, and spiritual aspects of health and well-being. It is a holistic and relational psychotherapeutic approach addressing everyday concerns, mental health problems, and mental illness.