Hi there! My name is Chardonnay (She/Her), and I am a registered counsellor with over 10 years of experience in the community service sector. I am born and raised in Wodonga, however, moved to Melbourne after high school to study and then travel and explore the world! Throughout my career, I have supported clients navigating trauma, family violence, homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, relationship breakdowns, and low motivation. I am registered with both the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW Student Membership) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA Level 3). These experiences have shaped my commitment to providing compassionate, tailored support to every individual I work with.

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My Approach

I take a warm, empathetic, and collaborative approach to counselling, working with adults, children, and adolescents. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred values and guided by each individual’s unique needs, goals, and strengths.

I have a particular interest in supporting children with big behaviours and synergetic emotional regulation, attachment and parent–child relationships (including Theraplay®), as well as women’s mental health through pre-conception and perinatal counselling.

My work also extends to people navigating trauma, including PTSD. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood challenges, and self-esteem concerns, while also offering parenting support, psychoeducation, and creative avenues for healing through an intergration and variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. 

My holistic, strengths-based approach focuses on recognising the unique strengths and potential of each person, helping them to navigate the different layers of their lives and move toward healing and growth.

In our work together, you’ll find someone who listens deeply, supports gently, and works with you at your own pace, always with kindness and care. Whether working with children through play therapy, guiding women through perinatal mental health challenges, or supporting individuals in making meaningful life changes, I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients.

I am especially passionate about art, expressive, and play therapies, which I find to be powerful tools for growth and healing. My work is centered on helping individuals uncover their strengths and empowering them to create meaningful and lasting change.

My Journey

My career began in the disability sector, where I was driven by a desire to support those whose voices often go unheard. Working with adults experiencing homelessness in St Kilda was a pivotal chapter, I was delivering therapudic and practical supports to rough sleepers, often drug effected,  within their squats. This deepened my understanding of resilience and the impact of meaningful support, and truly meeting someone where they are at and seeing them for who they are, not by the stigma of their situation. Over time, I transitioned into counselling, a role that lets me channel my creativity and compassion into helping others navigate life's challenges. This journey has been both rewarding and transformative, allowing me to connect with people from diverse walks of life and empower them to unlock their full potential.

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A Little About Me

Outside of work, life is full and lively! I'm a proud wife and mum to two energetic little ones, and our family wouldn’t be complete without our two dogs, Cruise and Panda. I love catching up with friends, and spending time with my family, and I am always dreaming of our next big adventure. Travel fuels my soul, and I’m always up for exploring new places or returning to favourite spots. When I’m not out and about, you’ll find me embracing the great outdoors, camping under the stars, or even busting out a dance move or two just for fun at home with the kids.

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Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. If you’re looking for a counsellor who brings warmth, creativity, and genuine care to every session, I’d love to hear from you ♥