Maria has dedicated more than 16 years to supporting women, children and families experiencing domestic and family violence across crisis intervention, trauma-informed counselling and recovery services. Her extensive experience includes conducting comprehensive risk assessments, safety planning and therapeutic counselling, while working alongside clients through every stage of their recovery journey.
She has significant experience supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, First Nations clients, people living with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities and male clients. Maria is passionate about creating safe, respectful and empowering therapeutic relationships where people feel genuinely heard and supported to achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Maria supports people experiencing:
She has particular expertise in supporting victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, helping clients understand patterns of abuse, strengthen safety, process trauma and rebuild confidence through evidence-based, trauma-informed care.
Maria provides person-centred, trauma-informed therapy that recognises every person's experiences, strengths and goals are unique. She works collaboratively with clients to create a safe therapeutic environment where healing can occur at a pace that feels right for them.
Her therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Practice, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Maria continuously adapts her practice to meet the needs of each client while promoting safety, empowerment and recovery.
"My approach is warm, collaborative and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens through safe, respectful relationships where people feel heard, understood and empowered. Together, we work at a pace that feels right for you, building on your strengths to support meaningful and lasting change."
Yes. Information shared in sessions is confidential and handled in line with our privacy obligations. We will let you know in advance about the small number of circumstances where we are required to share information (for example, where there is risk of serious harm).
Both. Telehealth is available across Australia. In-person sessions are available in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
You do not need a referral to book with us. A Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP may allow you to claim a Medicare rebate for sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. If you would like one, your GP can prepare it for you.
Our session fees and current Medicare rebate amounts are available on our booking page. For some clients, seeing an AMHSW under Medicare may reduce out-of-pocket costs.
This is social work support delivered within a supervised practice. Medicare-funded clinical care is available with our Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. If you are looking for non-clinical wellbeing support, our Wellbeing Coaches sit in a separate service.
Yes. Our practice is trauma-informed and recovery-oriented. You are never pushed to share more than you are ready for, and we work with you at the pace that feels right.
Both can support people experiencing mental health challenges. Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare rebates may be available with eligible psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. A social worker often brings a particular strength in working with trauma, family and relationships, and in helping you navigate the systems and services around your situation. A psychologist often brings particular depth in diagnosis, assessment and structured therapy. We can help you think through which suits you best.
