Qualifications
Master of Social Work – University of Melbourne
PhD – University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Inclusive of Women’s History, Indigenous & Gender Studies – University of Melbourne
Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Mental Health – Odyssey House RTO
Associate Diploma in Welfare Studies – Caulfield Institute of Technology
Experience
Gloria utilises an eclectic mix of resources gathered through life and work experiences, study and reflection. She has experience working with a wide range of people across many different contexts. Gloria has worked as a counsellor advocate with victims of torture and trauma from war-torn countries; people with substance dependence and co-occurring mental health issues, victims of domestic violence and single parents, Aboriginal clients and the diverse LGBTQI+ community. She worked across a range of NGOs: public hospitals including mental health and palliative wards, AOD counselling services, self-help and women’s services. Gloria’s experience spans decades with detours into other areas such as teaching and academia. Since 2012 she has worked across NGOs and government roles with a passion for social justice.
Approach
Gloria is interested in the different models of healing from trauma and complex PTSD. She has explored trauma throughout her life through personal growth, study, research and reflection. Her practice is grounded in trauma theories and models of care including grounding, body mindfulness, emotional safety, connectedness and being able to integrate experiences. Gloria is interested in the relationship between trauma and mental illness. She is curious about the place of story as a means of healing both for individuals and as a community expression of values and struggles.
Gloria feels it is a privilege to accompany an individual on their journey of healing. Gloria understands the importance of trust and rapport in counselling. She is a warm, empathic person who has compassion for human struggle and vulnerability. As a client-focused counsellor Gloria seeks to understand the unique experience of every individual as their story unfolds. Her strengths-based approach wants to understand the coping strategies you have used. It is about exploring what has worked while discovering what works for you now. Gloria utilises techniques such as deep listening; insight; timelines of life histories; art therapy techniques to explore self through image; reflection upon dreams and journaling. Gloria has worked long-term with complex trauma and PTSD. Her professional development includes psychodrama and sociodrama, tapping as technique for trauma integration, art therapy, ACT and cultural competency.
