About Bridget
Bridget is a compassionate and experienced Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) who has over 17 years of experience in the mental health field working with children, adolescents and adults.
Bridget has a particular interest in working in the perinatal and fertility space, and her passion lies in working with women’s wellness, in pre and post-natal mental health and the ongoing journey of motherhood.
Sessions with Bridget allow you to access a Medicare Rebate (with a Mental Health Care Plan) and she receives referrals from GPs to work with a range of mental health presentations.
Practice Vision
Bridget takes a client centred approach to walk beside you on your counselling journey.
Your goals and what is important to you is at the centre of the therapeutic partnership.
Therapeutic Style
Bridget is skilled in current evidence-based therapies, and works from a strength based, person centred approach. Her counselling approach is to view her client from a holistic approach, which is underpinned by an understanding of family systems, attachment and trauma informed care.
Professional Experience & Training
After graduating from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Social Work, Bridget moved to Ballarat to begin her career as a Social Worker and Counsellor within the Primary and Secondary Education sector. Within this area of work, she was passionate about developing and implementing group work programs with young people to work on their strengths and create a sense of empowerment and direction.
Bridget has also spent time working at the Department of Education and as a lecturer at a university level. Bridget is a skilled and trained Supervisor and has formally supervised students whilst on University placement. She offers supervision and mentoring to other Social Workers who are seeking AASW Mental Health Accreditation, and also offers formal clinical supervision to Social Workers, counsellors and those working with young people in the education system.
Bridget has Perinatal Mental Health specific training through reputable education providers such as the Centre for Perinatal Excellence (COPE), PANDA and the Seilini Institute.
Qualifications &
Professional Memberships
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) La Trobe University (Bundoora) - 2006
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) - 2011
Bridget now has over 12 years working in Private Practice.
· Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
· Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) – Approved Medicare Provider
· Australian College of Social Work (Clinical Division)
· Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) - Australia and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA)
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs), are recognised providers of Psychological Strategies (FPS) under the Better Access Initiative. They work with people across the lifespan, providing a unique contribution to their clients' mental health in their holistic approach. The advanced training that is expected of AMHSW prepares and provides them with the skills for workings with people with very complex presentations and co-morbidities.
Similar to Psychologists, Mental Health Social Workers are able to assist with assessment and treatment of psychological disorders. They are experienced in helping clients improve their emotional wellbeing by addressing psychological factors, while identifying and addressing any external stressors and issues that affect one's wellbeing, such as social connections, family structures and social systems.