Areas of Practice
My name is Yolande, yet many call me Yo. I am a registered Clinical Psychotherapist (PACFA). Working as a trauma informed Counsellor and Art Therapist. Specialising in areas such as Education/Child Welfare, PTSD in Service, Palliative Care and the Mental Health for those in the Entertainment industry. My pillars of practice are using talk therapy, art therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy elements with a learning through continued research. I have a background in Community Service, Allied Health, Entertainment and Mental Health in the school system. I have extensive experience in helping both short and long term with complex and simple trauma, supporting people to find meaning and healing in the difficult times in life.
Counselling
Counselling is a talk therapy that offers a safe space for us to reflect on our thoughts and issues, with another who can reflect back what they hear us say. The focus is on moving that which appears stuck, forward to a new space and way of being present, with a focus on what the individual seeks.
I was drawn to counselling in 2009 as I experienced the devastation of the Kinglake Victoria Bushfires. Although not directly impacted, my community suffered greatly. At the time I felt a need to participate to support. I set to arranging thousands of pairs of Blundestone boots to be donated, which lead to CFA members requesting support for boots and uniforms, later my nick name becoming “the boot lady”. I spent 3 years volunteering at the Whittlesea Salvation Army depot. It was during this time that many sought my ability to listen and hear their stories. It became clear that I needed to become qualified in this support to continue to safely offer this in a professional space.
Entertainment Industry Counsellor
The entertainment Industry sector that is quite often difficult to find the right support, as the expectations on creatives are very different from most workplaces where surrounded by social media stigma. Entertainment is often in the eyes of others, an audience, so needs specialized understanding to be able to offer appropriate and achievable access to resources and support, whilst safeguarding the artist in an often public arena. I have the rare experience to be able to immerse into those spaces and provide support safely, for individuals or a team, whether here in Australia or touring.
Working in a creative organisation has different boundaries requiring a lens with experience. Requiring support whilst being being part of a team, creating rapport and trust whilst understanding the unique pressures this organic environment can create. I have worked in Australia and overseas for over 20 years, on professional theatre/opera/music and television platforms as a stylist and creator having supported well known identities in their field to present their art.
Palliative Care
End of life is an experience we all have at some point in our journey. Whether a loved one or our self, no experience is the same. Whether expected or unexpected, there is always a big change and overwhelming. Our daily connection to this world is very physical and when that changes we are often left in a space that is hard to sit in, as it is emotional, and seems quiet and not so visual.
Counselling provides a support at this time whilst we seek meaning, and work our way through the change. Over the years I have had the privilege of working with families and in hospital settings with individuals facing their own time. Working with everyone’s needs, being a conduit in communication and linking services. These are key to support people through grief. Often using some of the art therapy practices to create meaningful physical reminders of these connections.
Education Sector
In 2019 I became the Wellbeing Coordinator and Counsellor in a Victorian public primary school. I was asked in 2020 to became the Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator (MHWC) as part of pilot programme with 10 participants (grown now to 100+) DET partnered with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and University of Melbourne to deliver a pilot and research project to provide more mental health support in primary schools. I participated in this role for 3 years along with the counselling role.
This focussed on embedding evidence-based training and resources across the school to build the capability of teaching and education support staff. Create clear pathways in referrals for further assessment and interventions within the school and to external community-based services. Working with regional staff , implementing whole school approaches and participating in a research project to contribute to larger scale reform development. This worked to support primary school students’ mental health. Currently I work with primary aged students and families in a semi rural school, using talk and art therapy practices.
If you'd like know to more about me, my areas of practice or have a question specific to your situation please feel free to reach out via the confidential contact form.