Meet Kara
If you’ve spent any time looking for a counsellor, you’ve probably noticed our websites all say similar things. We’re compassionate, non-judgemental and here to support you. Those things are important, and I hope you’ll experience them with me. But they’re also what you should expect from any counsellor, not what helps you find the right person for you.
So instead, I’d like to tell you a little about how I think.
One of the things I enjoy most about counselling is helping people make sense of themselves. After years of working with people from all walks of life, I’ve learnt that our thoughts, emotions and behaviours almost always make sense when we understand the bigger picture. Sometimes that picture includes trauma. Sometimes it’s neurodivergence, grief, relationships, work stress or years of carrying responsibilities while trying to hold everything together. More often than not, it’s a combination of many things. And once you understand, you can make change.
That’s what “Deeper Perspectives” means to me. Looking beyond the surface to understand not just what is happening, but why.
I don’t believe counselling is about telling you how to live your life or trying to fit you into a particular model of therapy. It’s about working together to understand your experiences from a different perspective, helping you build self-compassion, recognise your strengths and find a way forward that feels right for you.
Why I Work This Way
Before retraining a counsellor, I spent many years working in the corporate world. Like many of my clients, I balanced work, family and the everyday responsibilities of adult life. I know what it’s like to keep showing up because you have to, even when life feels overwhelming behind the scenes.
That experience shapes how I work today. I understand that counselling needs to fit into real life. You don’t stop being a parent, partner, employee or carer just because things are difficult.
I’m also endlessly curious about people. I have a habit of asking “I wonder why?” rather than jumping to conclusions. Why does this pattern keep repeating? Why does this situation feel so overwhelming? Why does your nervous system react this way? Understanding those answers often becomes the beginning of meaningful change.
How I Work
No two people are the same, so I don’t believe therapy should look the same for everyone.
My work draws on a range of evidence-based approaches, including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and psychoeducation. Rather than following one model rigidly, I integrate these approaches to suit your goals, personality and experiences.
Just as importantly, how we work together matters.
I believe counselling should be a collaborative process, not something that’s done to you. You’re the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to bring knowledge, curiosity and a different perspective, while respecting that you remain in control of your own therapy. We’ll work together to decide what feels important, what pace feels right and where you’d like counselling to take you.
I’m also comfortable saying, “I don’t know.”
If you ask me something I’m unsure about, I’ll tell you honestly rather than pretending to have all the answers. Then I’ll go away, read the research, seek professional guidance if needed, and come back with the best information I can. In the same way, if I misunderstand something or get something wrong, I’ll own it. I believe trust is built through honesty, not perfection.
Therapy doesn’t have to be serious every minute of every session. Some conversations are incredibly difficult. Others are unexpectedly funny. I genuinely enjoy laughing with my clients when those moments arise, because even in the middle of life’s hardest experiences, humour can make things feel just a little lighter.
Education & Registration
I’m a Masters-qualified Registered Clinical Counsellor with PACFA. My formal qualifications include:
- Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling
- Bachelor of Behavioural Science
- Bachelor of Business
Alongside my formal qualifications, I regularly undertake professional development to ensure my practice reflects current research and evidence-based approaches. Areas of additional training include complex trauma, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), neurodiversity, and relationship counselling.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I also meet PACFA’s requirements for ongoing professional development, clinical supervision and ethical practice, ensuring my knowledge and skills continue to evolve throughout my career.
Outside the Therapy Room
Louie
Outside of counselling, life is much like it is for many of my clients. A little busy, a little chaotic and rarely boring. Between family life, walking Louie the dog, cooking big meals, and trying to keep up with everything that comes with being a mum, there’s usually plenty going on.
When I do get some downtime, you’ll often find me watching a good documentary, “nerding out” on a topic that has caught my attention, or spending quality time with my husband.
And if there’s an animal nearby, there’s a good chance I’ll be saying hello.
What I Can Offer
The below topics are areas I have specialised in and enjoy working with clients on. I would love to hear from you and see how we can work together.Locations
I have offices in several locations in the Bayside and Mornington Peninsula areas.
Somerville
12 Eramosa Road East, Somerville
Edithvale
275 Nepean Hwy, Edithvale
Online
Available Australia wide online
Yes, I’m ready to take the next step.
Fantastic! Get started by making an appointment through the below booking system.
Sounds good, but I’m not quite ready yet.
That’s fine! Connect with my through my blog or social media so you can get to know me and how I work before committing.