Our Counsellors

Our counsellors are trained as clinical psychologists, mental health social workers, registered psychologists, social workers, mental health occupational therapists, mental health nurses or counsellors with a masters degree. They have a minimum of five years' experience.

Our counsellors are skilled and experienced in providing interventions for the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress and trauma. In addition, the counsellors are experienced at working with factors that could impact a student studying at university such as stress, work/study balance, life transitions, homesickness, procrastination and negotiating relationships and relationship endings. Information about our counsellors is below. Whilst we will make all reasonable attempts to connect with your preferred counsellor, due to staffing constraints ANU Counselling is unable to guarantee a request for a specific counsellor.

If you have been sexually assaulted or harassed, you can access ANU Counselling for support and counselling.  You can also access Student Safety and Wellbeing, email student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or contact Canberra Rape Crisis Centre. Further information is here.

To make an appointment please contact us.

April

Registered Psychologist
B Psychology (HonsIIA)
Counsellor

As a dedicated psychologist with a penchant for laughter and a knack for understanding the unique challenges university students face, I am committed to providing a safe space with warmth and empathy for students to explore their concerns and develop coping strategies to thrive in both their personal and academic pursuits.

My practice incorporates a range of evidence-based interventions to guide students through the pressures and transitions that come with university life. I have a particular interest in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders as well as supporting the goals and mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ student community. While my therapeutic approach draws primarily from Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, it is my priority to tailor therapeutic interventions to suit students' unique needs and strengths, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. 

I firmly believe that a balanced life is essential for mental well-being, so in my spare time, you will find me shamelessly indulging every whim of my dog, Rupert, finding solace in a good book, going for walks, and pursuing the perfect cup of coffee.

Brooke

Carol

BSW USYD, 1988 
Mental Health Accredited Social Worker
Counsellor

My career started in 1988 and joined ANU Counselling in 2003. I adopt a collaborative approach to the counselling process, personalising sessions to meet students’ goals.

I have worked therapeutically with families, couples and individuals. I have worked across numerous public mental health and community health settings including mental health crisis work, specialist postnatal services and a specialist women’s health service.

I apply a strengths and evidence-based, trauma-informed approach, which includes the sociological determinants of health and wellbeing. I have a strong interest in assisting people with recovery from all forms of abusive relationships, including childhood abuse. For many years I co-led groups for women impacted by family violence, and for three semesters, lectured in Social Work and Health. I have provided supervision to Social Workers, therapeutic group leaders and Social Work students.

I have extensive experience in educative and therapeutic group work and enjoy working with students to support and enhance their experience at ANU. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and podcasts.

Elizabeth (Liz) D

Clinical Psychologist
BSci, GDipAppSci (Psychology), MPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Counsellor

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience providing therapy to individuals in multiple settings.  I have worked in the areas of forensic psychology, addiction, mental health, EAP, private practice and now tertiary counselling.  I really enjoy working with ANU students and am open to providing support for any challenges that may be impacting on their academic capacity, mental health or wellbeing.  I work in a trauma-informed way which means that I aim to provide a compassionate, safe space where people can feel open to share their experiences without judgment and where they choose the direction and goals which are important to them and in line with their values.  

The therapies I use include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and eye-movement-desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).  More recently I have developed an interest in the attachment-based therapy called emotionally focussed therapy (EFT) but I am still a beginner!

In my “spare” time I wrangle my husband, three kids, our tabby cat, and our German Shepherd.

Flavia

(she/her)

Registered Psychologist
GradDip Systemic Family Therapy, BSc (Hons) Psychology
Counsellor

I have extensive experience working with people dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence, grief and bereavement.

I’m very approachable and I’m here to listen. I value everyone’s life journey and will always create a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. I’m passionate about supporting people in a collaborative manner. I have a multicultural background and understand well the challenges associated with university life in a multicultural country.

I love camping on weekends and being in nature, as well as coffee, chocolate and spending time with friends.

Juan

(he/him)

Social Worker
M Social Work (Q) with Distinction, M Management, GradCert Business, B Arts (Psychology)
Counsellor

I am a social worker with a passion for working with people to improve their mental health through building capacity and resilience, as well as enhancing existing individual strengths. I have extensive experience working in community mental health, child and adolescent mental health, trauma, child protection and disability.

My professional practice framework is underpinned by evidence-based modalities including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy and Autism-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Intervention, among others. My approach to clinical support is person-focused and relational, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and where appropriate, attachment-based.

This is all a protracted way to say that I am interested in providing a safe space for people of all walks of life to regulate and explore ways to improve their mental health and general wellbeing.

When I am not at work I can be found bouldering, reading comic books or napping in the sunlight.

Liz H

Clinical Psychologist
BA (Hons)(Psych), M. Psychol (Clinical); Grad Dip Clin Hypnosis; Diploma Adult Psychotherapy
Counsellor

I am a Clinical Psychologist and have extensive experience working with young people and adults of all ages. Most recently I have been working in university student counselling centres. I have also worked in TAFE counselling (i.e. like CIT), in health settings such as hospitals, in an addictions centre, and in private practice.

I primarily use cognitive and behavioural approaches to help you (working with thoughts, feelings and behaviours), integrated with a focus on motivation and on self and emotional regulation. I am keen to assist you to work on your goals in the here and now and with the challenges you encounter while working towards those goals. Challenges may be anything from too much anxiety and mood changes to difficult life issues, events, and transitions, e.g. going to university, living out of home. 

I enjoy working in both individual counselling as well as with group-based interventions and workshops. Overall, I aim to help students learn to enhance and maintain their own mental health and wellbeing.

In addition to psychological science, I also have completed studies in education, science (biology), art history, and archaeology.

Lou

Registered Psychologist
PhD Clinical Psychology
Counsellor

Please note that Lou is currently not seeing new clients.

Hi there, my name is Lou, and I really enjoy getting to know students and supporting them through the ups and downs of university life. I like to encourage people to be curious about themselves and why they feel and think in certain ways. I like to help people explore their values, and how experiences in their lives have shaped who they are. Most importantly, I aim to provide a safe space to talk through all types of struggles, and hope that together, we can find a way forward or a new way of seeing things. 

In addition to working with students at ANU Counselling, I hold an academic position at ANU, where I conduct research focusing on digital mental health tools, and the mental health of university students. I also enjoy working with HDR students and understand the unique challenges that can come with postgraduate study.

I love a bit of guilty social media scrolling, a daily iced latte (or two), eating food cooked by someone else, and I’m currently learning Auslan.  

Mark

Registered Psychologist
B Psych, B App Sc (PE), Dip Clinical Hypnosis, Dip Ed, M Management (Innovation).
Counsellor

I am a psychologist with a wide range of experience in student and personal counselling, performance psychology in Sport and Theatre arts and Career Management and Transition. 

I utilise a variety of therapeutic, experiential and solution focused modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Neuro Linguistic Programming and guided meditation to assist students enhance their personal performance and better manage themselves. 

I enjoy skiing, running, swimming, wilderness camping and adventure travel.

Moira

Psychologist
B Humanities (Psychology) Hons 1
Counsellor

Hi, I have many years of experience working as a health professional in government, private and non-government settings. 

I use effective and evidence-based therapies to assist students with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, academic pressures and trauma. My work is supported by social justice principles.

I have an interest in helping people recover from trauma – including complex trauma - and to live more fully. I embrace diversity and enjoy working with members of the LGBTIQA+ community. 

I have a particular interest in experiential, attachment-based therapy and am experienced in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy and Emotion Focused Individual Therapy.

In my spare time I enjoy gardening, bush regeneration and community building activities.

Qianwen

(she/her) 

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
MSW
Senior Counsellor

Please note that Qianwen is currently not seeing new clients.

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Before joining ANU Counselling in July 2023, I worked extensively with people from all backgrounds who experience mental health crisis and long-term mental health issues in public mental health settings. My practice is informed by a range of therapy models, including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. 

I am passionate about supporting students living with mental health concerns and those with adverse childhood experiences. I believe each person is the expert of their own life and support should assist them to achieve their hopes, goals and aspirations. I use a team approach to work collaboratively with individuals to facilitate change that is meaningful for the person. My practice is supported by an intersectional feminist framework which has informed my work with students from marginalised groups (LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those from low socio-economic backgrounds). 

In my spare time I enjoy watching funny animal videos and exploring different cuisines.   

Sarah

(she/her)

Social worker
B.Social Work and Social Planning
Counsellor

Hello, I am Sarah, a social worker and counsellor at the ANU. I strongly believe that everyone is an expert in their own life, and I strive to work holistically and collaboratively with you to achieve your goals, build your skills and improve your mental health and enhance your overall wellbeing.  

I have a special interest in supporting university students at this important stage in their lives, with all that challenges that come with being a student. Whether its struggling with finding that balance between life, work and study, managing relationships, communicating with others, challenges with fluctuating moods, making sense of past experiences, decision making for the future or seeking a healthier lifestyle, I aim to build on the strengths that are already working for you and find the right strategies for you as an individual to help create sustainable change. 

I have worked at the ANU Counselling Service since April 2022, and previously worked across Australia and the UK in community mental health services, with secondary school students and in youth justice. 

In my spare time I can always be found making sure that my dog, Bob, is loved and living his best life and occasionally you might find me at the gym. 

Sophie

(she/her)

Social Worker
M Social Work, GradD Leadship, LLB, BPsych
Senior Counsellor

Please note that Sophie is currently not seeing new clients.

I’m an ANU Alumnus and understand how difficult university life can be at times.I have a gentle approach, and aim to provide a safe space where you can explore the things that are challenging you and develop effective ways to continue studying here at university. 

I have a passion for helping people understand their experiences of trauma and anxiety, and use a range of therapies to support understanding and recovery – including Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, cultures and life experiences, and have a particular interest in supporting young women through the challenges of early adulthood. 

In my spare time I can be found drinking good coffee, attending the theatre and walking my fur baby, Ruby.