About Rachel & Her Approach

A little bit about me…

Hi, My name is Rachel and I am an Occupational Therapist (OT), an APSATS Certified Clinical Partner Specialist Candidate (CCPS-C) and I am currently completing an additional Counselling Diploma. Over the past decade I have acquired experiences working as an OT in public adult mental health, ranging from acute psychiatric inpatient units in hospitals, community-based rehabilitation programs and community care coordination roles. I also have another role in helping to manage and support an allied health team. In both roles, I’ve been able to collaborate with many wonderful human beings and see them grow and evolve which is very meaningful and satisfying.

I draw upon all of my experiences and skills as an OT, a mental health clinician and an APSATS CCPS-candidate to provide practical and evidence based support for women navigating betrayal trauma. I am committed to bringing the highest quality therapy to my clients and am always learning, studying and striving to merge best practice with the unique real-life needs of my clients. Please read more about ‘my why’ for this work below.
Outside of work I am a mum of two, a wife/sister/daughter/friend, a dabbler in all things creative (code for lots of ideas and unfinished projects!), a magpie for herbal teas, and are a nature and travel lover.

My qualifications:

Registered Occupational Therapist (Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy)

APSATS Certified Clinical Partner Specialist - Candidate (CCPS-C) - view my profile on APSATS

Diploma of Counselling (in progress)

Member of Occupational Therapy Australia

Trainings include:

  • APSATS Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model Training (MPTM)

  • Trauma Informed Practices

  • Sensory Modulation

  • Narrative Therapy Intensives

My ‘Why’ for Healing & Hope for Her

I have witnessed first hand the invisibility of this type of trauma in our broader mental health systems and communities. I have learned that the trauma partners experience following betrayals is akin to the trauma of big life events such as losing a loved one.

My commitment to this work is fuelled by my observations, understandings and my recognition that betrayal trauma…

I bring a genuine understanding of the significant trauma partners endure upon discovery of betrayals. Partner betrayal is a particularly intimate and personal trauma; a significant and distressing attachment wounding. I know for healing to happen it does so in relationships… repairing and re-writing the attachment relationship with your partner (whether you stay together or not) and also in relationship with yourself and with the guidance and support of a therapist who truly understands.

My Approach

I believe and know that healing happens in relationships… particularly the relationship we have with our self. This process can include:

-      Building or rebuilding trust with our self

-      Connecting with our emotions

-      Understanding and re-storying our experiences

-      Creating boundaries to ensure our safety

-      Seeking therapeutic support that fits who we are

My intention is to cultivate a warm, safe, empathetic, and grounded approach to your healing. I recognise each woman will have their own healing path - no two are the same. I aim to work with you to make sense of, grieve, release, heal and rebuild (whether you remain in relationship with your partner or not).

I draw upon narrative approaches, guiding you to be the author of your life story. This involves connecting with your values, knowledge and skills. Understanding yourself and how you perceive yourself in relation to the betrayal trauma is crucial to your healing.

As an Occupational Therapist, I am dedicated to grounding your healing in practical actions. The tools, resources, or strategies we develop together are not only meaningful and purposeful but are tailored to your real-world environments, roles, responsibilities and individual identity.

If you’re curious about how I integrate Occupational Therapy into my practice, please click here.

‘Healing from betrayal trauma is an act of self-love and empowerment, requiring the courage to embrace vulnerability and trust the process of rebuilding.’

- Unknown