Meran McKenzie
Relationship Therapist, Counsellor
Meran McKenzie Counselling and Therapy
Northlakes, QLD 4509
In Person + Online Therapy
Philosophy & Vision
I am an experienced, professional and empathic counsellor with a touch of creativity.
My approach is person centred, collaborative and respectful. I offer a unique blend of traditional and creative therapeutic approaches from my over 20 years of therapy and counselling experience. I offer counselling for both individual and couples. My aim is to support and empower you when navigating relationship challenges including parenting stress, or the impact of neurodiversity, trauma or conflict. I am trauma informed and provide a safe space to explore and heal.
My expertise includes evidence based creative methods using music, creativity and sand tray that you may choose to engage with in addition to traditional methods of therapy and counselling. This blended approach offers you a way forward when words can be difficult to find and emotions run deep.
Background
I began working as a Music Therapist and have always been interested in working with adults (individuals or couples) who have relationship and/or mental health struggles. In 2008 I began working as a Counsellor after completing my Masters of Counselling and I was firstly working with an outreach program to support pregnant and parenting mothers in the community who had drug and alcohol issues. I moved on to work as a Mediator with separating parents and some Domestic Violence counselling. I have worked for over 20 years as a therapist and counsellor in non government services. I also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Guided imagery and Music (music psychotherapy) and have been in private practice counselling and therapy since 2011.
Services
My service provides relationship counselling for adults (couples or individuals). I provide support for people navigating relationship challenges including parenting stress or the impact of neurodiversity, trauma or conflict. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore, understand, build resources, and find a way forward.
Quality Provision
The service is committed to quality, professional standards and I am a current Level 4 member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as well as the Music and Imagery Association of Australia (MIAA). I am governed by their codes of ethics and required to maintain professional standards and regular professional development.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Music (Therapy) - 1987 - University of Melbourne
- Masters of Counselling - 2008 - University of Queensland
- Postgraduate Diploma Guided Imagery & Music - 2010 - University of Melbourne
- Sandplay Therapy - 2022 - Expressive Therapies Australia
Modalities
Attachment Theory - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Conversational Model - Creative Arts Therapy - Emotional Freedom Techniques - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Integrative - Marriage and Family - Motivational Interviewing - Neuroscience - Person Centred - Sandplay Therapy - Short-term Psychodynamic - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
- Music and Imagery Association of Australia
Practice Locations
Level 1, Suite 6/5-7 Discovery Drive
Northlakes QLD 4509
Free parking is available.
Appointments
Appointments are available on Monday Thursday and Friday from 9am -5pm. Saturday mornings are also possible from 9am - 12 pm.
Fees & Insurance
A free introductory 15 minute consult by phone is available. Fees are $190.00 and Private Health Fund rebates are available.
Payment Options
Payment can be made at the time of appointment. A Hicaps machine is available so Private Health rebates can by processed immediately.
Contact Meran
Please contact reception to make an appointment
A conversation with Meran McKenzie
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I chose to be a therapist and counsellor because I have a knack for connecting with people who are in distress and they come to me because I care.
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I am trained originally in Carl Roger's person centred framework. I use Emotion Focused therapy and an integrated approach informed by Gottman and other key research. My work is trauma informed and Neurodiversity affirming. I believe that we need to work at short term relief where sometimes we use CBT and practical strategies for self regulation. I also like to do deeper work where we look at family history and patterns of behaviour and how to understand the impact of trauma and heal underlying pain and choose more healthy patterns of behaviour.
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Relationships throughout the lifespan, midlife, and the journey towards full development of one's identity and post traumatic growth.
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I use Carl Rogers person centred approach and an integrated way of working that includes Emotion Focused Therapy, Gottman, Strengths based, trauma informed, Neurodiversity affirming and creative methods as needed. I use CBT and practical strategies to assist people in managing their distress at first and then proceed to deeper work and identifying patterns and issues that can be improved by learning how to make healthier choices.
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I believe the client needs hope and the beginning of a plan for future sessions at the beginning and that they often tell me this is progress.
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I have grown and found counselling/therapy support at key times in my life. Helping others is what I do and I learn from my clients all the time.
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I love being able to reduce people's distress and help them find hope and a way forward.
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I have days where I feel that I might have missed something, or where I am not sure what to do with a client. My rule is always listen first and then try some creative process to bring out what needs to be known.
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Loneliness is significant at the moment due to the false sense of connection online that is not direct person to person communication and true relationship building.
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I am inspired by Viktor Frankl 'Man's Search for Meaning'.