Helping find meaning during life's challenging times
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Welcome to Intrepid Counselling
"Intrepid" (Adj) : Fearless and adventurous, with a sense of confidence and spirit.
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"During life's challenges and times of transition a sense of adventure and wonder may be overriden by a sense of trepidation. The ethos of my practice is to help people become aware of or rediscover the intrepid spirit that exists within every heart, body and mind."
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Option for online using Zoom
I am a registered Occupational Therapist and qualified Counsellor with over 30 years experience working with individuals, families and groups in health care facilities, workplaces,
community settings, homes and over the phone.
Over many years of working in health and rehabilitation, I have developed a growing curiousity about the connection between physical pain, illness and psychological distress.
I am fascinated by the link between the mind and body. In 2007, I completed my counselling qualification. My compassion and empathy has developed through both personal life experience and my clinical knowledge. I spent several years working as a senior counsellor at PANDA, providing telephone-based counselling for mums and families experiencing antenatal and post-natal depression and anxiety.
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In addition, I offer Occupational Therapy capacity building assessment, therapy and training supports for NDIS participants focussed on psychosocial and mental health disabilities. Sessions are individually designed to work toward achieving participant's goals.
I have completed training in suicide risk assessment (ASIST), family violence risk assessment, trauma informed practice, infant mental health and perinatal grief and loss. I also have training in ACT (Acceptance and Committment Therapy). I draw from a variety of person centred therapy approaches including CBT, motivational interviewing, solution focussed therapy and mindfulness practices including meditation.
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I have participated in counselling, women's dream groups, and meditation retreats over many years. I am committed to regular yoga and mindfulness meditation practices. I have completed the Hoffman Process and an MBSR six week training program. I work from a biopsychosocial model.
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I am a mother of three including twins. I have a special interest in the attachment between mums and babies, and the value of early childhood learning. As a parent of three young adults, I am interested in the impact of technology and social media on anxiety and mental health.
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I am a full member of OT Australia and an active member of the Western Mental Health Professionals network. I seek my own regular supervision. I am registered to provide Focussed Psychological Strategies under Medicare's Better Access to Mental Health initiative. Clients with a Mental Health Care Plan can claim rebates from Medicare, or some private health funds may provide rebates.
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I am an NDIS provider for Capacity Building Supports for participants who are Plan Managed or Self Managed.
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Francene Howe
B.App.Sci (Occupational Therapy) La Trobe University
Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Human Services La Trobe University