Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Michelle is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has worked across various Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams within NSW Health, and has extensive experience in supporting families who have a child/adolescent presenting with moderate-severe mental health issues. She also has experience in working with first episode psychosis and acute adult mental health, as well as experience in early intervention mental health, community development and Recovery Oriented practice.
Michelle has a special interest in Bowen Family Systems Theory, and thinking systemically more broadly regarding the wider influences of communities, (including faith-based communities), schools, treating teams, and other institutions on a person who is presenting with mental health symptoms.
She is particularly aware of the unique role that parents/carers play in the support of a young person, but also the unique anxieties and concerns that are inherent in the demanding role of parenting. She has seen how these anxieties increase alongside the concern for a young person who is deeply struggling with their mental health. As such, she is committed to working with parents in a non-judgemental, empathic approach that supports parents’ self-efficacy and resourcefulness as they continue the enriching challenges of parenthood. Michelle is committed to the learning process, maintaining curiosity and continuous thinking, and is currently studying the Advanced Certificate of Couple and Family Systems Therapy through the Family Systems Institute (due to complete in 2024). She has also presented her thinking around application of theory to practice at conferences alongside her colleagues.
Location:
Cremorne: Friday mornings – in-person and Telehealth consultations
Fee: $220 per consultation. Low-fee options of $180 available with evidence of financial hardship (please discuss with Michelle directly).
Accredited to use Parent Hope Project manualised parent programs developed by Dr Jenny Brown.
