Hi, I'm Fiona
My earliest memory of wanting to “help” goes back to before I started preschool, when my favourite teddy, “Big Ted,” was sad and, to be honest, quite frustrated with his friend, “Little Ted.” I helped them both talk about their feelings so they could finish the latest elaborate cubby house they were building. Thankfully, my therapeutic skills have improved since then, but my heart for helping others remains unchanged.
Hi, I'm Fiona
My earliest memory of wanting to “help” goes back to before I started preschool, when my favourite teddy, “Big Ted,” was sad and, to be honest, quite frustrated with his friend, “Little Ted.” I helped them both talk about their feelings so they could finish the latest elaborate cubby house they were building. Thankfully, my therapeutic skills have improved since then, but my heart for helping others remains unchanged.
Between then and now, I have
- Provided practical and emotional support to individuals and families as they navigate a lifetime of photo memories
- Supported young adults through personal and academic challenges
- Helped families navigate change as they moved around the globe
- Produced mental health and wellbeing resources to support diverse and vulnerable families
- Facilitated discussions to increase awareness of the social and emotional needs of families and individuals adjusting to culturally diverse environments
Oh, and I also had the joy (and challenge!) of helping four lovable but decidedly opinionated dogs adjust to living in Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Acapulco, Mexico; and New Hampshire, United States. I understand pets need to feel safe in relationships, too.
While I have completed a Bachelor of Counselling and hold professional memberships with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association of Australia(ACA), I engage in a process of continuous learning to remain current with developments in the counselling profession and to ensure I provide a safe and ethical practice.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and help you find new ways to move forward in the areas that matter most.
In fact…how far back should we go…well, let’s jump back to my early 20’s, when I helped out a friend by answering the call to be a Dog Nanny to 4 very demanding, yet adorable, dogs in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. What was meant to be a 5 week job for a friend somehow turned into 10 years living and working in Mexico, New York, Boston, London and finally settling back in Melbourne.
While looking after the fur babies I started working on a research project for a Hollywood Writer and Director and then, after some adventures, found myself managing expatriate families globally for a Fortune 500 company, Goldman Sachs.
My ingrained fascination with order, systems, streamlining and a good-looking Excel Spreadsheet undoubtedly contributed to my success in the corporate world. I have always had a love and a skill at seeing the big picture, while also comfortably digging deep into the detail…yes, I have to admit, to my detriment at times!
Today you can find me happily sitting with photos, slides, negatives and film, some from over 100 years old, savouring the thought of what life was like then…and wishing I knew of the hopes and dreams the men and women in the photos had for their families to come. The very families I might be sitting with today, having a cuppa with and chatting about their photos and talking about their hopes and dreams for their families.
I was years behind with my photos. I was stuck and just didn't know how to sort it all out. Then I found you. I highly recommend Fiona. She's so calm. I need her Zen!
My ingrained fascination with order, systems, streamlining and a good-looking Excel Spreadsheet undoubtedly contributed to my success in the corporate world. I have always had a love and a skill at seeing the big picture, while also comfortably digging deep into the detail…yes, I have to admit, to my detriment at times!
Today you can find me happily sitting with photos, slides, negatives and film, some from over 100 years old, savouring the thought of what life was like then…and wishing I knew of the hopes and dreams the men and women in the photos had for their families to come. The very families I might be sitting with today, having a cuppa with and chatting about their photos and talking about their hopes and dreams for their families.