- Carl Rogers
Philosophy & Vision
I have lived experience in different roles, including being a family carer, and have worked with a diverse range of people. I have assisted many people through change processes. I continue to work within the aged care system. I will listen to you and provide a confidential, non-judgement, and safe space for you to clarify, explore, and work through your concerns. I follow person-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches and integrate evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, and Solutions-Focused therapies. I will collaborate with you to tailor your therapy to meet your individual needs. I work with teenagers and adults and have a particular interest in working with older adults.
Background
While I am fairly new to working as a counsellor, I have a wealth of experience in developing staff and providing career and performance counselling. For over two decades, I have successfully assisted people to manage the changes in their lives. I have worked extensively with people from diverse backgrounds including working with Indigenous and multicultural clients and staff, and those with disabilities.
Currently, I volunteer at an Aged Care Facility. This, combined with caring for my elderly parents, has led me to have a good understanding of the complex aged care systems in Australia, and caring for the elderly and those with cognitive challenges such as dementia.
Services
I enjoy working face-to-face with clients. However, I understand that is not always possible and will work via video if that is preferable. If the client is mobility-impaired, I can also consult with them in their home.
Quality Provision
I offer a free 15-minute consultation over the phone with prospective clients to check if we will work collaboratively and effectively. Where I am unable to provide a necessary service, I will refer the client to someone more suitable.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling (Mental Health) - 2024 - University of Southern Queensland
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) - 2021 - University of Queensland
Modalities
ACT - CBT - DBT - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Integrative - Interpersonal - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Person Centred - Solution Oriented - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I follow person-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches. I favour an integrated style of counselling that can be tailored to meet the client’s individual needs and goals. I mainly draw from evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solutions-focused therapy. I also provide psychoeducation and will provide you with relevant information and resources to assist you in the process. I have a keen interest in therapeutic lifestyle choices and mindfulness and how these can impact one’s mental health.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 2
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
Level 1, 18 Thynne Rd
Morningside QLD 4170
There is free parking available behind my Morningside office.
Appointments
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I work in a consulting room in Morningside, Qld, between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. I am available for telehealth and home visits on Thursday afternoons or other times by negotiation.
Fees & Insurance
My standard fee is $120 per hour. I also offer concessions for those suffering financial hardship. I offer a free 15-minute consultation over the phone to confirm that we can work constructively together and to answer any questions you may have.
Payment Options
Mastercard, Visa and Amex. Direct debit.
Contact Susan
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Susan Pegg
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Retiring from full-time work coincided with my father's health deteriorating. When looking for counselling options for him, I realised how few options were available for older people - especially counsellors who understand the aged care environment. On commencing my studies, I also realised that much of my work history included counselling people and that was an aspect of work that I enjoyed and found meaningful.
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Some of the key influences for me include Carl Rogers and his focus on person-centred care, as well as Victor Frankl and his emphasis on the search for meaning in life.
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I am particularly interested in the changes that people experience as they enter middle-age and more senior life stages. These are often not well articulated in society. Having said this, I am interested in anyone's journey through their life and have recently enjoyed assisting some adolescents cope better with that life stage.
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After conducting a comprehensive interview with the client about their life and context, I collaborate with them to develop a therapeutic plan for our time together. This is very much focused on the client's needs, expectations, values, and priorities. While my focus is on talking therapies, I also work with the client to identify any other lifestyle changes that might assist.
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I think that once the client feels they are being heard and that there is hope for the future, they will start to feel that progress is being made. I believe that progress will continue by building on those first small steps together until the client feels they are ready and able to continue without therapy.
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When I was suffering from burnout and depression, I sought therapy and the most important things I got from that experience was that I was having a normal reaction to abnormal events, and that I was not alone. I did learn some exercises that I continue using to this day, but the most important thing was having someone listen to my story and help me clarify what was going on. I hope to bring that clarity to others.
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I love seeing clients make connections and start to view their world a bit differently, particularly when they have an epiphany and realise they don't have to keep operating in ineffective or toxic ways. I really enjoy knowing that I can help someone improve their own life and outlook.
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Doesn't everyone? I know I'm not perfect and I will have days when I feel off or when I don't want to do what I know is good for me. And that's okay - for me and for my clients.
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I think that the toxicity of some social and mainstream media and how that's impacting people to view the world in more binary ways (us versus them) is a real problem that can lead many to view life more negatively than is healthy. It also helps alienate people and reduce their healthy social experiences. However, there is so much evidence showing that a poor social life and loneliness leads to very poor health outcomes including degenerative diseases such as dementia.
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What I find most inspiring at the moment is my voluntary work in an aged care centre. Knowing that my visits help lift peoples' spirits and listening to the stories the residents tell about their lives is very uplifting.