Ms Julie Messenger
Counsellor, Psychotherapist
Bluest Skies Perinatal Support
Paddington, Brisbane QLD 4064
In Person Consultations
Philosophy & Vision
I have worked with individuals impacted by trauma across a variety of settings and age groups since 2012. Initially my work was with populations struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Upon completing my Masters my work focused on working with children or clients who have experienced childhood trauma. As my career has progressed and I have continued to extend upon my skill set with a continued interest in working with attachment and childhood trauma, I am passionate about supporting parents in navigating these experiences and how they relate to the challenges in adjusting to parenthood.
I have additional interest areas in working with those who are navigating fertility treatments or have experienced trauma related to pregnancy, birth or parenting, which includes perinatal loss.
Background
I am an experienced counsellor and clinical supervisor with 10+ years experience working with childhood and complex trauma and 8 years working with children.
I am a mum myself who has also been through fertility challenges, and am now moving my practice into the field of perinatal mental health.
I work between Springfield and Paddington currently, with some telehealth, group work and home based support available.
I also work with the support of a golden retriever to offer animal assisted therapy depending on the reason for referral and location of service.
Services
Bluest Skies has 2 branches.
Perinatal support - Counselling for parents and parents to be through conception, pregnancy, birth and adjustment to parenting
Counselling and Animal Assisted Therapy - Counselling for families and individuals impacted by or at risk of experiencing trauma. Services offered with the support of Pirate, the Golden Retriever Therapy Dog.
Each service has its own website and social media, both services have the same contact details and are offered across our 2 spaces in Paddington and Springfield.
Quality Provision
I undertake external supervision regularly to ensure ongoing professional development and reflective practice, as well as ensuring the work with my clients is ethical and effective.
Additionally I engage in regular professional development at a minimum, as required for ongoing professional association membership.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor in applied science (Psychology) - 2009 - Deakin University
- Graduate diploma in public health (AOD) - 2011 - University of Queensland
- Master of counselling - 2016 - University of Queensland
Modalities
Animal Assisted Therapy - Art Therapy - Attachment Theory - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Creative Arts Therapy - EMDR - Internal Family Systems - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Play Therapy - Psychodynamic - Sand Tray - Sandplay Therapy - Solution Oriented - Strengths-Based - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I offer a warm, safe and non judgemental space, where humour and individuality is very welcome (sometimes accompanied by a therapy dog).
I offer a variety of therapeutic modalities and will work with you to understand what might suit you and your needs most.
With an attachment, trauma informed and family systems lens I will always try to understand how your experiences have led you to be where you are today and work with you to understand how they may be impacting you and how we can navigate these challenges together.
My intention is to provide you with a space where you can feel heard, seen and understood and hope to provide you with the skills to continue to navigate your experiences, relationships and journey moving forward.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia