Welcome to
The Lifestory Practice
Therapy across the lifespan
The Lifestory Practice provides a safe, welcoming space for children, adolescents, adults and families seeking mental health support. Our experienced clinicians offer trauma-informed, neuroaffirming care tailored to each person’s needs.
Our services include:
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Individual therapy for children and adults
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Family and couples therapy
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Art therapy and therapeutic groups
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NDIS therapy supports and early childhood interventions
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Child medical preparation
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Life coaching for personal goals and growth
We also deliver mental health presentations and practical education for workplaces and schools.
For therapists working alone in private practice, we offer services that help them stay connected and supported in their work.
Based in Aldinga, we are growing our team and services to improve access to care in our community and work closely with local GPs and allied health providers.
Aldinga's first dedicated mental health clinic
servicing Aldinga and surrounds
1A Old Coach Road, Aldinga Phone 7083 8777
Which therapist is right for me?
Different therapists bring different training and ways of working. There is overlap between their roles, so the best fit often depends on your needs, the therapist’s experience and how comfortable you feel working together.
Mental health social worker
Supports people with mental health concerns while considering the wider picture, including family, relationships and life circumstances. An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker has additional recognised mental health experience and may offer Medicare-rebatable therapy.
General psychologist
A fully registered psychologist who can help with mental health concerns through assessment and psychological therapy. Their areas of experience vary from person to person.
Clinical psychologist
A registered psychologist with additional qualifications and supervised practice in clinical psychology. They may provide psychological assessment and therapy for a range of concerns, including complex mental health difficulties.
Provisional psychologist
A psychology practitioner who is completing the requirements for full registration and works under supervision. They may already have substantial experience in mental health or related work; “provisional” describes their registration stage, not their ability to connect with and support clients.
Counsellor
Uses conversation and therapeutic approaches to help people work through challenges, understand their feelings and develop ways forward. Counsellors’ training and areas of practice vary.
Art therapist
Uses art making and the creative process as part of therapy. This can offer another way to explore experiences and feelings, especially when words are difficult to find. You do not need to be “good at art.”
Child life therapist
Helps children and families cope with healthcare experiences. Through play, preparation and age-appropriate explanations, they can support children facing medical procedures, illness or hospital care.
If you are unsure where to start, contact our team and we can help you find a practitioner whose experience suits your needs.
Our therapy approaches
There is no single approach that suits everyone. Each therapist has training and experience in a different range of therapies. We work with you to understand your goals and tailor support to your age, circumstances and individual needs. Your therapist can explain the approaches they use and why they may be helpful for you.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A structured therapy that helps people process distressing memories. It uses guided attention, often including eye movements or other forms of alternating stimulation.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, coping with distress, improving relationships and practising mindfulness. Therapists may offer DBT skills within individual therapy; this differs from a full DBT program.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Explores how thoughts, feelings and behaviours affect one another, then builds practical strategies to help with current difficulties.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
A structured therapy for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It helps them develop coping skills and process what happened, with a parent or caregiver involved where appropriate.
Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E)
A specialised form of CBT for eating disorders. It works on patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep eating difficulties going.
Child–Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Therapy for young children and their parent or caregiver. It supports their relationship while helping them make sense of stressful or traumatic experiences together.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Helps people respond more flexibly to difficult thoughts and feelings and take steps toward what matters to them.
Play therapy
Uses play as a way for children to express themselves, explore experiences and develop ways to cope.
Life story therapy
Helps people explore the experiences and relationships that have shaped their lives. It can support a stronger sense of identity and help them make meaning of their story.
Counselling
A supportive, collaborative space to talk through challenges, explore feelings and consider possible ways forward.
Art therapy
Uses art making and the creative process to explore experiences and emotions. Artistic skill is not needed.
Child life therapy
Helps children understand and cope with illness, medical procedures and healthcare experiences through play, preparation and age-appropriate information.
Narrative therapy
Explores the stories people tell about their lives and helps them recognise strengths, values and possibilities beyond the problems they face.
Motivational interviewing
A collaborative way of talking through mixed feelings about change and strengthening a person’s own reasons for taking a next step.
Schema therapy
Explores long-standing patterns in how people see themselves, relate to others and cope with difficult feelings.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A structured trauma therapy that helps people examine and shift unhelpful beliefs that developed after a traumatic experience.
Mindfulness-based interventions
Use present-moment awareness to help people notice thoughts, feelings and physical sensations with greater understanding and less automatic reaction.
Family therapy
Brings family members together to improve communication, understand patterns of interaction and work through challenges.
Couples therapy
Supports partners to understand each other, improve communication and work through relationship difficulties.
You do not need to choose a therapy approach before getting in touch. We can help you find a therapist whose experience and way of working suit what you are looking for.
Meet our Team
Practice manager:
Carrie
Admin officer:
Tyla
Admin officer:
Sam-Loiuse
Caretaker:
Paul
Clinicians:
About Samantha
Welcome! I’ve spent many years supporting both children and adults as they navigate their stories and find their way toward healing. My work comes from a place of genuine care, and I strive to create a space where you can feel safe, comfortable, and truly seen.
I am dedicated to supporting young children and adults through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. After studying NLP, counselling, psychology & social work, I have also become certified to provide:
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Trauma focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) (for adults & children)
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
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Play Therapy
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Life Story Work and
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Counselling
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I am in the final stages of completing my registration to provide Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Grounded in trauma-informed practice, I create a safe, supportive environment where every person’s story is heard, valued, and explored at a pace that feels right for them. Whether healing from past experiences, seeking clarity and connection, or building a stronger sense of self, I am here to walk alongside you with care and respect. What matters most to me is that you feel supported every step of the way.
Samantha is available on Wednesdays & Thursdays
About Sharon
Sharon is a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience supporting adults through a wide range of mental health challenges. She has worked across diverse clinical settings, including private practice, providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each person's unique needs and goals.
In recent years, Sharon has developed a strong focus on working with individuals who have experienced trauma. She understands the lasting impact that traumatic experiences can have and is committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive environment where clients can process their experiences at their own pace.
Sharon values building genuine therapeutic relationships and believes that healing begins with feeling heard, understood and accepted. She works collaboratively with clients to strengthen resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change that supports wellbeing across all stages of life.
Sharon is available on Monday & Tuesdays
About Caitlin
Caitlin is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Medicare provider for mental health treatment. She holds specialised experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, neurodiversity, trauma and PTSD, substance use disorders, and harmful coping behaviours - such as self-harm, anger management concerns, gambling, risk-taking and disordered eating. She is experienced working with both adults and adolescents, using a range of therapeutic modalities, such as:
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
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Narrative Therapy
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
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Trauma-Informed Practice
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - Enhanced (CBT - E) For Eating Disorders
Caitlin’s approach is grounded in empathy, empowerment, and collaboration, helping clients build the insight, self-compassion, and practical skills needed to move toward their goals and live in alignment with their values.
Caitlin is available on Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays
About Victoria
Hi! I’m Victoria, a Child Life Therapist with over 8 years of experience in a tertiary paediatric hospital, supporting children and families as they navigate medical experiences and build confidence through challenging times. My work comes from a place of genuine care, and I strive to create a space where children feel safe, supported, and truly understood.
I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based Child Life Therapy within the community:
• Medical preparation for procedures and hospital experiences
• Therapeutic and medical play
• Coping support for procedures (e.g. blood tests, vaccinations, imaging)
• Support with adjustment to chronic illness and treatment (e.g. medication compliance)
• Trauma-informed support for healthcare-related experiences
• Support for siblings and family members
My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, developmentally responsive care. I create a supportive environment where each child’s experience is respected and explored at a pace that feels right for them. Whether preparing for a procedure, processing a healthcare experience, or building coping skills, I work alongside families with care and collaboration.
What matters most to me is that every child and family feels supported, empowered, and understood every step of the way.
Victoria is available on Tuesdays
About Roisin
Roisin is a Clinical Psychologist who provides warm, collaborative, and evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is committed to creating a supportive and respectful therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and work towards meaningful change.
Roisin has extensive experience supporting individuals with a broad range of mental health concerns, with particular expertise in trauma and complex trauma. She has worked in child protection, family preservation, and family reunification services across South Australia and Tasmania, supporting children, young people, parents, and families navigating complex circumstances. Her experience also includes working with adolescents experiencing significant mental health difficulties, as well as adults in both inpatient and community mental health settings.
Roisin believes that effective therapy is built on a strong therapeutic relationship and tailors treatment to each person's individual needs, goals, and stage of life. She draws on a range of evidence-based approaches, including:
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
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Schema Therapy
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
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Motivational Interviewing
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mindfulness-based interventions
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and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Roisin is passionate about helping people develop resilience, gain insight into their experiences, and build practical skills that support long-term wellbeing and recovery.
Roisin is unavailable for new clients currently
About Naomi
Naomi is a neurodiversity consultant with a special interest in neuro-affirming practice and the intersection of neurodivergence and mental health. Throughout her career, she has worked with people across the lifespan in schools, universities, professional, and community settings, with a strong focus on helping individuals learn, grow, and thrive.
After many years working in education, Naomi undertook a Master of Social Work, expanding her ability to understand people’s experiences beyond diagnostic labels and within the broader context of their lives, relationships, and environments.
Naomi has previously worked at Autism SA, on Autism Connect (the national autism helpline), and at Amaze, where she worked as a Specialist Advisor supporting autistic people experiencing employment challenges. As a Neuroinclusion Training Facilitator with Amaze, she worked with a diverse range of organisations to build more inclusive workplaces and environments.
Drawing on professional expertise and lived experience of neurodivergence, Naomi creates a space where clients feel seen, understood, and accepted. She is passionate about strengths-based, neuro-affirming practice that recognises each person’s unique experiences, values, and capabilities. Naomi provides psychoeducation, emotional wellbeing support, and mental health support tailored to each individual’s needs.
Naomi’s approach is calm, compassionate, curious, and non-judgemental. She welcomes neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ clients aged 12 years and over, as well as parents, family members, and partners seeking greater understanding, connection, and support.
Naomi is available Monday to Thursdays
About Rima
Rima is a highly experienced Senior Social Worker and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years of clinical experience across primary health care, hospitals, mental health services, rehabilitation, employee assistance programs, workplace wellbeing, mediation, insurance, return-to-work services, and community settings.
Extensive experience in:
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psychological assessment
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counselling
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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family therapy
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couple therapy
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crisis intervention
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workplace mental health
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employee assistance programs (EAP)
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critical incident response
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psychosocial rehabilitation
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mediation
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and clinical supervision
Rima will be providing services on Telehealth for people who live in rural areas and who find it challenging to come into the practice on a Monday
About Sarah
Sarah is a Provisional Psychologist. She is passionate about improving access to high-quality mental health services for regional and rural communities and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's needs.
Sarah brings a diverse background in the disability and community sectors, with experience in behaviour support, support coordination, disability advocacy, project management, and bereavement services. She most recently provided psychological services through an allied health practice while completing her supervised training as a Provisional Psychologist.
Alongside therapeutic work, Sarah has experience administering a range of cognitive, adaptive functioning, and neuropsychological assessments, including the WAIS, WISC, RBANS, Vineland, ABAS, and MoCA. She values a collaborative approach, working alongside clients and their families to better understand their strengths, challenges, and goals. Sarah will also be providing ADHD and ASD assessments.
Sarah is dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where people feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their mental health journey.
Sarah is available Monday to Friday
About Kane
Kane is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor who has worked in counselling and community mental health since 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Counselling and a Master of Social Work. His experience includes supporting people affected by problem gambling, alcohol and other drug use, caring responsibilities, and a broad range of mental health and psychosocial concerns.
Kane works with adults experiencing challenges such as anxiety, low mood, stress, grief and loss, trauma-related difficulties, relationship concerns, and significant life transitions. He welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including neurodivergent clients, and seeks to understand each person within the context of their life rather than through diagnosis alone.
His approach is integrative, evidence-informed and person-centred. Rather than applying the same treatment to everyone, Kane works collaboratively with each client to understand what they are facing, what matters to them and what may be helpful. He places particular importance on the therapeutic relationship and aims to create a calm, respectful and non-judgemental space where people can speak openly, make sense of their experiences and explore meaningful ways forward. His practice is guided by humility, compassion, curiosity and respect.
Kane is available Thursday & Fridays
About Michelle
Michelle is our Creative Arts Therapist. Michelle specialises in neuro-affirming, trauma-informed care for children, youth, and women, helping them to heal, grow, and thrive.
When finding the words to explain their inner world can feel impossible, Art Therapy is an effective mode of healing that bridges this gap, allowing individuals to express their thoughts and complex emotions when they cannot find the words to speak aloud.
Michelle’s is currently offering individual Creative Arts Therapy sessions for young people navigating neurodivergence, emotional and developmental needs, complex life disruptions, or the impacts of domestic and family violence.
Guided by a child-led strengths-based framework, Michelle utilises a variety of creative modalities, including painting, drawing, sculpture, sensory materials, textiles, writing, movement, sand, and play to help children safely explore their inner world, understand their feelings, and build on their strengths.
Michelle is available Tuesday and Thursdays
Where you can find us
1A Old Coach Road, Aldinga
Phone: 7083 8777
Need help now?
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
13 YARN
www.13yarn.org.au
Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25) 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelpline.com.au
Call or email for an appointment or query at
The Lifestory Practice
Phone: (08) 7083 8777 0413 006 336
Email referrals, or enquiries
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