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.

End of Life Doula/Palliative Care

End of life is something we all face, either through the loss of a loved one or in our own journey. Each experience is unique. Whether expected or sudden, it brings profound change and can feel overwhelming. Much of our daily life is rooted in the physical, so when this shifts, we are often left in a quiet and emotional space that can be difficult to sit with.

In 2025, I trained with Preparing the Way to deepen my palliative care work with End-of-Life Doula skills. An End-of-Life Doula supports people with a life-limiting diagnosis and their families. This role is non-medical, focusing instead on comfort, guidance, and ensuring individuals are aware of their choices.

Support may include:

Emotional and physical presence
Guidance through care and support options
Help with paperwork and advocacy
Creating meaningful rituals, including post-death support

Learn more about End-of-Life Doulas here: https://palliativecare.org.au/resource/end-of-life-doulas-and-palliative-care/

Alongside this, I offer counselling to help individuals and families seek meaning and navigate change during this time. Over the years, I have supported people in both family and hospital settings, bridging communication, linking services, and holding space for grief. I often weave in art therapy practices, helping to create tangible, meaningful reminders of connection.

I also create special sessions for schools, supporting students who have lost a classmate. Using art therapy, I open safe conversations about grief, connection, and memory.

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.