Background

Rhonda has a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) and commenced her career as an Early Childhood Teacher, spending 10 years working in a variety of early childhood services. She then branched out into early intervention, and has over 10 years experience working with children and young adults with learning difficulties, behaviour problems and disabilities.

Much of Rhonda's early intervention work involved the counselling of parents. As a result of her experience and expertise in counselling families, Rhonda undertook formal counselling studies, completing an Advanced Diploma in Systemic Therapy.

Rhonda established Inner Journey Counselling in 2006 and since then has helped many adults, children and couples to regain a sense of wellbeing and balance in their lives. Rhonda also undertakes counselling for the Cancer Council's 'Cancer Caring Professionals of NSW' program.

Rhonda's personal passion for meditation has seen the business evolve and expand through her meditation teacher training. Rhonda has found the techniques of meditation, relaxation and mindfulness extremely successful for all ages, but has seen great results for those experiencing depression, anxiety and stress. These techniques are now widely recommended by the medical profession for general health and well being.

Rhonda has run Happiness and Wellbeing workshops for the Women's' Health Centres on the Central Coast, as well as Relaxation and Strength Based Team Building sessions for the Benevolent Society.

Counselling Approach

Rhonda's counselling approach is positive in its nature and focuses on building a person's inner strengths.

“All you need is deep within you,
waiting to unfold and reveal itself.”

Specific approaches used include:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy consists of making changes to behaviour and thinking in order to make you feel better. Therapy also aims to improve your communication skills and how you get along with others.

A modified version of this technique is also used with anxious children. Through fun activities children begin to learn the relationship between their thoughts and their feelings. We look at such things as realistic thinking, fighting fear by facing fear, problem solving, social skills and relaxation.

Strength Based Approach

The foundation of my work with both adults and children alike is the principle of a strong self esteem and a feeling of self worth. With adults 'life coaching' techniques are also utilised to find those inner strengths and passions that give life meaning and enjoyment.

When it comes to children the better your child feels about themselves the more in control of their emotions they will be and the happier they will feel. Through a range of fun activities your child will begin to like themselves more. As their self esteem grows they will come to realise just how many talents and skills they have and how special they are.

Art and Play Therapy

Art and Play Therapy is used with both adults and children in specific circumstances. The option to use this medium of therapy is one of individual choice by adults, but often enjoyed by children, because they play their feelings better than they talk about them.

Art mediums such as paints, pastels, clay, dough, charcoal and crayons are used to create images/stories in a therapeutic setting. Another popular medium, especially with children (5yrs and above) is Sand Play. Here the adult or child creates 3-dimensional scenes in a tray using sand and a number of miniature figurines, i.e.: 3-D story telling.

Both art and sand play are powerful tools in enabling children and adults the ability to explore creatively what is happening in their life. Through this process of exploration the subconscious mind is given a form of self expression which allows the release of emotions. Healing begins at its own pace and readiness as new ways of looking at the world are found in the experience. The powerfulness of the experience is not only in the process but also in the discussion that follows when retelling 'the story'.

Positive Psychology

This approach is based on looking at what is already working in a person's life to make them happy, then expanding and developing these areas. It has been proven that regularly practicing a series of simple evidence based strategies increases a person's level of happiness and contentment in life.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy

This mindfulness based therapy is a compassionate and gentle approach which explores the notion that anxious and negative thoughts aren't necessarily the enemy, they are just not your best friend all the time.

Practices such as mindfulness and returning to the present moment are extremely helpful for adults and children experiencing anxiety and stress.

Meditation and Relaxation

Techniques such as meditation, relaxation and mindfulness are useful for individuals of all ages for general wellbeing, as well as those experiencing anxiety and stress.