Grad. Dip. Psychotherapy/Counselling, Cert. Transactional Analysis, Therapeutic Skills Cert. Trauma, Facilitator and Educator residential childhood trauma retreat, Cert. IV TAA

Dragan is an experienced Psychotherapist who runs Creating Differently, a service that specializes in working with adults from a background of childhood abuse and trauma. As a survivor of such a background himself, with the physical and mental health issues that ensued, he holds the holistic perspective of having been a consumer of services and then experiencing the other side working as a professional.

Dragan offers a skillful and passionate attitude and has trained and worked in a recovery focus with residential groups and individuals from extensive trauma backgrounds who exhibit the adaptations one would expect to see. He is also committed to a psycho-educational role – helping professionals and consumers understand how interpersonal trauma impacts the developing brain, ongoing interpersonal relationships, personal coping mechanisms, how trauma affects a persons relationship with services and how services can provide a Trauma Informed Care approach.

"Dragan is one of the best facilitators I have ever had the privilege of having been taught by. Warm, real, honest, fun and so so knowledgeable!" - Kate Priddle, Specialist Rehabilitation Clinician

"Dragan is an excellent facilitator, educator and communicator, he leads with and demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic with compassion." - Margaret Watson, Counsellor

"Dragan is an outstanding trainer. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and understands the needs/wants of a group in training. So engaging and intuitive. Thank you!" - Melanie Charlton, Enrolled Nurse

MA (Gestalt), BA, Grad Dip Ed, Dip Counselling; Dip Homoeopathy, Diploma Sensorimotor Art Therapy, Certificate Initiatic Art Therapy; Certificate Clay Field Therapy, Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment TAE 40110 PACFA: Clinical member

Jane has a background in holistic counselling, psychotherapy, counselling education, group facilitation, clinical supervision and natural medicine.

Over the past 22 years she has worked with adults, children and adolescents in private practice. She has supported many clients who have a history of traumatic injury who suffer from the symptoms related with post traumatic stress such as anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, somatic complaints, depression, addictions, relationship difficulties, auto-immune conditions, disassociation and other.

Jane adopts a relational, integrative and strengths-based approach incorporating the interrelationship between mind, body, spirit and the natural world. To facilitate the therapeutic process she uses present-centred awareness, body-oriented focus, meditation, sand play and symbol work, clay field therapy and sensorimotor art therapy.

Jane has the utmost respect for a person’s inherent wisdom, resilience and their capacity to transform their challenges into growth opportunities if given the support of a safe and empathic environment and therapeutic relationship.

Jane also conducts group supervision and works part-time as the Course Coordinator for the Diploma of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP).

Jane’s current passion is supporting parents with how to raise resilient, resourceful and well-rounded children.

BA (Psych) Grad Dip App Sc (App Psyc) MA Forensic Psychology

Julie is a registered psychologist with a Masters in Forensic Psychology. She has worked extensively in the area of sexual and domestic violence and trauma for the past 20 years. Having worked with both people who use violence and people who have been harmed by violence. Julie brings a balanced and well-rounded perspective to understanding the causes and consequences of violence and trauma. She is passionate about bringing together knowledge and research from the fields of traumatology and behaviour change. As an experienced practitioner and supervisor, she is well-informed and skilled in applying her knowledge of vicarious trauma to support other practitioners working with trauma and build workplace cultures that support practitioners in their work.

AssDip Social Welfare, BA (Psychology), PostGradDip Psychology, Psychologist (AHPRA Regn No. PSY0001404728), APS Member.

Leanne is a psychologist with over twenty years of experience across community, hospital and private practice settings, particularly in the areas of domestic violence and childhood sexual assault. Leanne has worked extensively in training, management and project management, and is currently completing a Research Masters at UTAS focused on domestic violence.

Master of Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy, Master of Education, Graduate Diploma of Communication Management (Human Resource Development), Diploma of Somatic Psychotherapy, Diploma of Energetic Healing, Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills, Certificate of Meditation Facilitation

Merle is a respected consultant, trainer, supervisor and psychotherapist with experience in service delivery, management, board and volunteer roles. She previously managed Blue Knot Foundation’s trauma counselling team and national Helpline.  

Merle provides trauma-informed training and consulting in diverse settings, such as organisations implementing redress in response to institutional abuse, Aboriginal services, judicial and legal organisations, health and community services, and government agencies. She has a particular interest in supporting staff working with trauma survivors and in advocacy roles to sustain their wellbeing. Through her private practice she supports adult survivors of interpersonal, institutional and political violence with counselling and therapeutic groupwork. 

Her respectful strengths-based approach is informed by social justice principles, a blend of therapeutic modalities and cultural guidance from Aboriginal mentors. She holds clinical membership with PACFA and is also PACFA accredited to provide Trauma Informed supervision.

"Merle's presentation was clear, calm and sensitively delivered. It was clear that she has a wealth and depth of experience; it was a very rich, authentic learning opportunity. Thank you Merle." - J. Shaw, Deputy Principal

"Merle is an excellent presenter; great content and a good combination of activities and information." - Catherine, Director

"Many of our course participants commented that it was the best training they had ever done by the best trainer they had ever experienced. Merle presented difficult material in a safe and engaging way." - Urvashi, Mangrove Mountain NSW

Gestalt Psychotherapist and Cert IV Training and Education 

Naomi Sirio began working as a contract trainer/facilitator with Lifeline six years ago to deliver training within their Skills for Life and DV Alert programs. A qualified psychotherapist with a therapy and training practice at Erina on the NSW Central Coast, Naomi has worked for over twelve years with women, men and children to bring about transformation, navigate challenges and support healing. Naomi uses a trauma informed, Somatic and Gestalt lens in her therapy practice and brings this knowledge and experience to her training delivery.

Over the last ten years Naomi’s experience in training includes private and public primary and secondary schools, tertiary sector, Government and non-Government agencies, Corporate, Local Council, Charity organisations and Community workshops. Naomi is a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and is currently consulting as a Subject Matter Expert to the DV Alert program in Australia.

BA (Psych and Gender) Honours (Gender), Master of Social Work, Grad Dip (Public Health), Grad Cert (MBCIGWI), Cert IV TAE

Sarah is a social worker who has worked with child, adolescent and adult complex trauma survivors since 2003 in a range of roles including case worker, group worker and counsellor. She has also co-ordinated program delivery and taught a diploma of community services and mental health and AOD counselling.  

Sarah is passionate and committed to supporting survivors of complex trauma recover and live safe and meaningful lives. As a social change agent she is dedicated to transforming socio-political and organisational systems to recognise and respond to complex trauma in restorative ways. Sarah brings an empathic, empowering and strengths-based approach to what she does.

TAE, CIV Aboriginal Family Health (Family Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Protection, Advanced Diploma Aboriginal Specialist Trauma Counselling, Graduate Certificate Human and Community Services, Bachelor of Education

More than 25 years experience developing, implementing and managing community based services and projects for families, community groups, children and young people. 20 years experience training community and workforce groups in family violence, sexual violence, child protection, case management, working with adult survivors, and working with Aboriginal families and communities.

"Sigrid was fantastic! She checked the context with us prior to the training and sought to bring the training in a way that was appropriate to the needs and experience of our organisation. On the day she allowed a good mix of input and discussion/response. Everyone was very positive. Sigrid herself was a great presenter!" - Sonia Roulston, Archdeacon of Newcastle

BAppSci, Post.Grad.Dip.App.Psych., PhD, (Clin.Psych.)., MAPS

Erin is a Clinical Psychologist working across clinical, research, training, and evaluation settings. She has worked extensively in community, non-government, and government services to support the wellbeing of consumers, staff, and the organisation. She has a passion for trauma-informed practice and creating safe and supportive work environments.  

Erin has developed, implemented, and evaluated programs that support wellbeing, facilitate recovery, and manage the effects of stress and trauma on an organisational and systemic level. She has been involved in the implementation of Trauma Informed Practice across several organisations. Erin has delivered training for a range of community services, non-government, and government organisations. Her expertise includes: Trauma Informed Practice, trauma, vicarious trauma, critical incident response, and wellbeing. 

Erin is warm and engaging, and encourages joy and courage in reflective spaces. She draws on a range of therapeutic approaches including Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic group processes, Neurotherapy, CBT, and ACT. 

Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Graduate Diploma of Journalism, Master of Professional Education and Training 

Merrin is a health professional with a range of experience in child and adolescent health, mental health, mentoring, teaching, government agenda and clinical practice. She currently works as a lecturer at Deakin University, a tutor for indigenous youth, a paediatric registered nurse and a child safety trauma informed practice consultant. 

Being a survivor of child abuse informs her passion for breaking down the stigma and advocating for the stories of survivors to be heard. She is proud to of made a submission to the Royal Commission, to stand up and use her story to change attitudes. She says it was tough and impossible at times but survival is achievable when we honour our stories, our lives and our own strengths.

"An excellent thought-provoking training and presenter [Merrin] was clear, confident and very respectful of the knowledge and skills of those attending." - Alison Bogdanowicz, Librarian, Victim Support Service Inc

"Great and informative training. Merrin is a really engaging facilitator." - Inez Carey, Clinical Lead, Medibank Health Solutions

"Presenter [Merrin] is excellent - incredibly knowledgeable and non-blaming, non-judgemental.” - Kate Francis, Social Worker, VIC

B.A. Grad Dip Ed Psych. Cert IV in Training and Assessment. MAAPi

Michelle is a registered psychologist with almost 30 years of clinical experience. She has worked within the public mental health system as well as in private practice and education settings. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to create engaging and informative workshops. Michelle also facilitates the Applied Suicide Skills Intervention Training (ASIST), and has spoken at various conferences and training courses within the areas of mental health and wellbeing. She works from a strength-based perspective, with compassion and sensitivity to achieve the best outcomes for clients and training participants. .

PostGradDip Psych, BA (Hons), BSc, AdvDip BusMgnt, CERT IV TA

Michelle Noon is an educator, researcher, clinician, and manager. She has worked in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. She has provided clinical services in the community, in prisons, and in urban, rural and remote areas with a focus on violence intervention and trauma-informed practice. She has worked in research, policy and leadership roles at Victoria Police, KPMG, Beyondblue, and White Ribbon Australia.

Michelle currently provides training, advisory and stakeholder engagement services to a range of government, non-government and not-for-profit clients, is the Executive Officer at Chalk Circle, and has numerous honourary positions. She is the convenor of Criminology and Responding to Family Violence subjects at RMIT University, and will be delivering the capstone subject of Criminal Behavioural Analysis in 2017. Michelle has delivered content on criminology, policing, crime prevention, community safety, forensic intervention, psychology, gendered violence, family violence, diversity, management, and mental health to over 300 audiences. The common thread across her diverse set of interests in teaching, advisory, research, and clinical work is that of complex trauma and what it means for the lived experience of millions of Australians.

Michelle has completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology focusing on emotional responses to criminal victimisation.

PhD, GradDip App Psych, BA, BBus, Assoc Dip Fit Lead

Dr Peter Streker is a psychologist who has worked on many complex community topics over 20 years, such as family violence, homelessness, drugs and alcohol, street sex work, racism and Indigenous health. As a community psychologist, Peter has worked with survivors, their supporters, professionals and the general public to help them deal with the wide ranging impacts of trauma on their clients, the broader community, on the systems they work within and on themselves.  Peter has used a variety of approaches, such as individual therapy, group facilitation, training, research, community development, policy and the pragmatic program development to empower individuals and reduce stigma (e.g., employment programs, International Overdose Awareness Day).

Peter completed his PhD on psychological and emotional abuse, which was subsequently published as a book titled “I Wish That He Hit Me: Working with psychological and emotional abuse”. The title was a quote from a survivor who was frustrated that nobody took her ordeal seriously. Peter currently supervises other therapists, is a member of the Australian Psychological Society’s Public Issues Advisory Committee and sits on the ethics boards of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture and the Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service.

"Peter was an excellent presenter who had superb knowledge of the topic. He was able to share his knowledge brilliantly." - Martyn, PIR Support Facilitator

"Peter is a responsive trainer - very flexible in addressing the questions of a very large group. He is extremely knowledgeable and his enthusiasm is infectious." - Jacquie, Psychotherapist

"Very interactive. Lots of different learning styles covered well. Very good presenter with Peter. Concreted work I already do as well as learning new skills." - Kim, ChildFIRST Worker

MA, Grad. Dip. Counselling, Cert IV TAE

Karin El-Monir was born in Austria from bi-cultural background. She completed her Masters Degree of Social Pedagogy (Theories of Social Learning and Development) in Austria before moving to Ireland and then Australia. Karin has spent most of her career straddling clinical and education work. Her passion is working with survivors of complex trauma, and she is proud to have supported people with their submissions to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Childhood Sexual Abuse. 

Karin works from a very integrative and holistic approach with a strong focus on somatic and creative therapies. Other subject areas that she has delivered training in are alcohol and other drugs, cultural competency, domestic violence, gender, sexual orientation, abuse prevention (with children and young people) and mythology. She is also a facilitator of theatre in social fields and has a strong background of Boal Work (Theatre of the Oppressed). 

"Karin was fantastic in inspiring me to encourage more TIC in my practice. Her passion made it inspiring to learn more." - Renee, Case Support Officer

"Fantastic therapeutic training run by Karin. Very informative, challenging and affirming. I thoroughly enjoyed the training and found it very helpful." - Robyn, Social Worker

"Great facilitation Karin - thank you very much. There's always something to learn in this field. I hope this ensures we work more appropriately with the survivors who enter our process." - Marie, Case Officer

BSocSci (Criminology, Human Services), MSW (PQ)

Jo’s professional practice spans across human services and social work domains, with a background in youth justice, community development, behaviour analysis, disabilities, case management and community engagement. As an Educator, Jo has taught a variety of human service courses in the tertiary and vocational education sector and is an experienced community engagement facilitator. As a social worker, Jo has applied trauma informed practice into her practice framework for many years. Jo is a self-proclaimed pracademic, dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development. Jo is an associate lecturer for James Cook University teaching Field Education.

Focusing Oriented Psychotherapist, B.Counselling, BA, Dip Ed, MACA

Matthew is a highly experienced trauma counsellor and psychotherapist, with a background in teaching earlier in life. Having worked as a counsellor for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and for a victims of crime programme, he has extensive experience in helping both short and long term with complex and simple trauma, and all the life difficulties that go with it, including with group counselling.

Having been on a personal journey of healing for almost 30 years, to grow out of his own complex trauma, Matthew can also identify and emphathise strongly with other sufferers of complex trauma and their struggles to find peace, meaning and connection.

As a Focusing Oriented Psychotherapist, Matthew is trained in helping people work with the mind as it is experienced in the body, an aspect of psychotherapy that has emerged as a key component in effective trauma therapy. Focusing has been incorporated in such new wave trauma therapies as Levine's Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Matthew is adept in explaining and leading experiential learning in this kind of mindful, body-oriented healing.

Matthew also brings a rich awareness of how culture intertwines with the healing process. He lived for 3 years in Japan, for 4 years in a Tibetan Buddhist meditation centre, and has worked extensively with and learned much from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including on the community of Palm Island. He has recently discovered “Dadirri” - the Daly River tradition of deep spiritual mindfulness and connection to nature.

Matthew likes to unwind by making strange semi-musical sounds on a Celtic whistle...

"Enjoyed Matthew's genuine care and passion, and his communication skills were amazing. His knowledge was evident by his very thorough responses to any questions." - Patricia Neumann, Team Leader Red Cross Australia

MA Gestalt Psychotherapy, Cert IV in Workplace Assessment & Training, PACFA Clinical Member

Natajsa is an experienced Clinical Psychotherapist with a private practice based in Brisbane. She has a background in leadership and consulting roles across community organizations and businesses in the private sector.

Natajsa specialises in therapy for complex trauma and attachment challenges. She works from an ecological perspective that recognises each individual’s experience and the influence professional, family and internal systems have. Her training as a Gestalt therapist also blends sensorimotor psychotherapy, somatic experiencing and poly-vagal informed therapy. 

Having a lived experience of complex trauma, Natajsa is passionate about the implementation of trauma-informed care and practice. Her therapeutic approach recognises the wisdom inherent in all human beings and focuses on seeing people as more than their "pathology". She holds the belief that with support people are capable of healing, growth and transformation. 

She is a keen student of philosophy and finds peace in her yoga practice.

Masters of Counselling, Grad Dip. Counselling, Dip. Somatic Psychotherapy, Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training, Masters of Commerce, Dip. Dru Yoga

Shirley is a somatic (body based) psychotherapist based at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast. With 25 years experience in working with clients in trauma recovery, her main therapeutic focus is supporting clients to re-engage with their traumatised body and to integrate their experience into their entire lived narrative. In her private clinic she also provides yoga based, self awareness programs to support clients to develop their emotional resilience and to re-engage fully with life. 

She co-founded Trauma Sensitive Yoga Australia in 2012 and has been committed to increasing the awareness of Trauma Informed Practice for Australian and NZ Yoga Teachers. An extension of this training is also a two-day training that introduces mental health clinicians to the benefits of incorporating somatic and simple yoga based interventions into their work with clients in trauma recovery. 

Shirley has a strong commitment to destigmatising the impact of trauma, through developing the qualities of sensitivity, understanding and compassion when working with clients in trauma recovery. .

B.Sc Sociology, BSW (Social Work), Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Cert. IV Training & Assessment

Heather has over 27 years of experience as a Social Worker and Clinical counsellor in a range of settings, such as the with the Victim Support Service and Employee Assistance programs. Heather has been in private practise for the past 8 years specialising in early childhood trauma, PTSD, loss & grief domestic violence and war veteran’s issues. Heather brings to her facilitator role with Blue Knot Foundation, extensive practice knowledge and expertise regarding counselling, mediation, consultancy and clinical supervision practice. 

Heather is a member of the Association of Contextual Behaviour Science and an accredited mental practitioner with the AASW (Aust. Association of Social Workers). She is passionate about assisting individuals to live the best life they can irrespective of early childhood experiences.

"Presenter was excellent - clearly has a passion and knowledge of the subject matter. Kept us all engaged." - Debra Tierney, Social Worker, Rockingham General Hospital

Bachelor of Social Sciences, Certificate Buteyko Method, (Moscow) MPACFA

Carola has worked as a counsellor/psychotherapist in private practice for over 25 years and as a case manager and counsellor in the human service industry for 14 years. Her roles included case management, client support and counselling. She has worked in many different programs and organisations with clients presenting with a variety of issues including long-term unemployment, homelessness, victims of crime and domestic violence, disabilities, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and has worked in the foster care area. Her special areas of interest are trauma, anxiety, panic disorders, grief and loss, and depression. 

BA (Law), LLB, Master’s (Couns Prac)

Rina’s background is in law where she spent five years working in South Africa as a lawyer in the National Defense Force. More recently, after spending several years living in the United Sates before relocating to Australia made a career change to Counselling.

Rina is now involved with the National Redress Scheme as Counsellor at Victim Support Service, a Redress Support Service Provider, providing counselling and support to adult survivors of child sexual abuse in their engagement with the National Redress Scheme and also operates a private counselling practice with a special interest in trauma. Rina’s approach to counselling is an eclectic and integrative approach utilizing client centered bottom–up approaches as well as cognitive approaches where appropriate. Rina is a registered clinical member of PACFA.

Graduate Diploma in Education (Adult/Vocational), Bachelor of Social Science, Certificate of Nursing, Migration Law

Joan has over 15 years’ experience working with individuals, families and communities affected by traumatic experiences and she has extensive experience in delivering workshops about the effects of trauma. Joan has worked with children, adolescents and adults - both individually and as family or otherwise connected groups who have experienced torture and trauma and/or are asylum seekers. Due to her professional experience, Joan is skilled at delivering workshops in the particularly challenging spaces where cultural competency is so important.

As a survivor herself, Joan believes in a holistic approach that is client centered and strength based, and she holds a strong interest in resilience and protective factors. Her work is particularly influenced by the neuroscience of how trauma impacts the brain and the nervous system during developmental periods, and ultimately our perceptions of the world, others, and our sense of belonging and safety.

In her role as a case manager of complex clients she conducted long term advocacy, coordination with other relevant stakeholders, held roles in management and program coordination, and has engaged in extensive community development with local communities.