Meet Shakira

I am Shakira and welcome to Emerge Therapy. I am a Counsellor who chooses each day to meet with my clients with compassion. I describe my approach as Integrative utilising parts work, Energy Psychology, Somatic Approaches and a strong foundation of Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. I want to understand the strengths and resilience practices you have developed over time.

I chose to become a Counsellor back when I was 16 years of age as I felt a deep calling to help people. I have completed a Bachelor Arts (Psychology) in 2007 at University of Wollongong and a Post - Graduate Diploma (Counselling) graduating in 2014. I presently hold a dual role as a Mental Health Clinician with Young People at headspace and hold Private Practice for approximately 6 years. Prior to that I worked as a Child and Family Therapist for eight years at a Non - Government Organisation. I have strong clinical skills in assessment of suicidal ideation, anxiety and mood disorders. I am currently undertaking specialised training in eating disorders. A developing area of interest is assisting young people and adults with ADHD.

I am a Clinical Registrant with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (this is the highest level of membership).

I am a proud ADHDer (late diagnosed) and have lived experience with grief and loss, endometriosis and anxiety, because let’s face it, we all experience adversity from time to time.

When not working, I am at the beach enjoying time with my family, at a nice restaurant enjoying some delicious food or at the gym working out.