Ms Julie Messenger
Counsellor, Psychotherapist
Bluest Skies Counselling + Animal Assisted Therapy
Springfield Lakes, Brisbane QLD 4122
In Person Consultations
Philosophy & Vision
I have worked in the field with individuals impacted by trauma for approx. 6 years, across all age groups and with a variety of presenting issues. My practice is set up to provide affordable counselling for those who may have experienced or be at risk of experiencing trauma. I have recently added Animal Assisted Therapy with my Therapy Dog into my current services.
Background
I am a Qualified Counsellor, registered through the Queensland Counsellors Association, QCA is a member service of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, a national regulatory body of counselling in Australia (PACFA).
I have completed a Bachelor in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Public Health (Major - Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs) and a Masters of Counselling. I have worked in the community sector since 2012, my experience is in the following areas:
- Addiction
- Complex Trauma (childhood abuse, neglect, sexual assault)
- Sexual Assault Counselling
- Adolescent issues
- Domestic Violence
- Homelessness
- Parenting
- Personality Disorders
- Mental Health
- Individual, Family or Group Counselling
- Case Management
Services
Bluest Skies Counselling is private practice counselling service for children, families and individuals impacted by Trauma. I have also recently included my therapy dog into my practice, and am available to provide Animal Assisted Therapy sessions. Sessions are available weekly or fortnightly depending on client needs and counsellor availability.
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 Special 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 - Creative Arts Therapy - Narrative Therapy - Play Therapy - Psychodynamic - Sand Tray - Sandplay Therapy - Solution Oriented - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I like to work creatively with clients, especially children and adolescents I work in a flexible and client centred way and adapt my adapt my therapeutic interventions to suit the age, need and goals of the client. I work from a psychodynamic, attachment and trauma focused framework which guides the way I deliver interventions and the direction of therapy.
Additionally I work with a family systems perspective which often requires involvement or consideration of additional family members (eg. parents, partners, children)
I am now also able to provide Animal Assisted Therapy Sessions by including Pirate, my Golden Retriever into sessions using the above approaches.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia