Individual Counselling for Every Human
Gemma has always had a desire to understand the mind. She went into the arts at a young age, and discovered a passion for psychology each time she stepped into the shoes of a new character. Eventually, she realised the path she had forged for herself in the creative world was not exactly in line with her desire to give back in the way she wanted, and so, she began her counselling degree.
Gemma completed her Bachelor of Counselling degree with the Australian Collage of Applied Psychology (now the Aust Collage of Applied Professions), over many years while living abroad. She completed her study in Melbourne, during the first year of the Covid lockdowns, and stepped straight into a job with a private psychiatric hospital. This was an incredible learning experience, and here she was able to strengthen her muscles in developing and delivering therapeutic group work. Gemma ran a Women’s Support Program for the term of her employment, for which she created new content for the dedicated members each week. Here, she also worked with a diverse range of individuals and individual needs, serving those with mental health concerns ranging from depression and anxiety through to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Currently, alongside her work at Mothers Unleashed, Gemma works at a community based palliative care service – delivering individual counselling with a grief and loss focus. She supports clients who have experienced trauma and loss, those who’s loved ones have suicided, and those who are personally experiencing suicidal ideation. Daily, she provides counselling support for palliative patients as they reflect on their lives and face the unknown of their illnesses, and their families who often struggle to cope with the anticipatory grief of losing a loved one.
In practice, Gemma works from a humanistic, client- centred base, believing unequivocally in the importance of genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard in establishing rapport from intake assessment through the life of the therapeutic relationship. She utilises relevant grief and loss frameworks as appropriate, applies techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory, Solution/Strengths based approaches, internal Family Systems and mindfulness, tailored specifically to match her client’s needs.
To book an individual session with Gemma, please email mothersunleashedmelbourne@gmail.com Leave your name and phone number and Gemma will be in contact to arrange a suitable time.
Please note, Gemma is a registered member of PACFA, The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
