Currently Accepting New Referrals
Located at Illawarra Therapy Suites, above the Fairy Meadow post office. The office is two flights of stairs up, with no lift. Contact for accessibility options.
focusing on supporting:
Trauma and Hardship Recovery
Emotional Resilience & Coping Skills
Young Adult & Neurodiversity Support
SERVICE PROVIDER FOR
Medicare Better Access
NSW Victim Services
NDIS
Workers Compensation
Private Health Insurances
Vibrancy is the spark within, the unwavering source of passion, purpose, and joy. Even in life's darkest corners, let it illuminate your strength.
About Me
Rachael Moore (AMHSW)
Welcome!
I'm Rachael (she/her), I'm a Therapist and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) with over 5 years of experience helping individuals recover and rediscover their vibrancy.
My Approach:
Mental health and trauma can impact every aspect of a person's life.
My approach to therapy is holistic, which means I believe in considering all aspects of your life — your thoughts, feelings, physical health, relationships, work/study, background, talents and strengths (etc.)— to understand how these elements contribute to your unique needs and wellbeing.Together, we'll create personalised intervention plans to achieve your recovery goals. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space to address the effects of trauma and mental health issues. By utilising and building upon your strengths, we will find a path towards healing and resilience.
My Therapeutic Modalities:
I employ a range of evidence-based psychological strategies to help you achieve your goals, including:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Schema Therapy
EMDR
Area of Focus
Trauma and Hardship Recovery
I offer a compassionate and holistic approach. I integrate evidence-based techniques such as Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT) and Schema Therapy. This collaborative method is tailored to meet your unique needs, helping you navigate the effects of trauma and hardship, develop effective coping skills, and rediscover your inner strength.
Emotional Resilience & Coping Skills
Coping skills and emotional regulation are essential for mental health recovery. Using evidence-based therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I help individuals develop these critical skills. Through mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, you’ll gain the tools to navigate difficult emotions, build resilience, and reduce stress. These skills are particularly effective for managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder.
Young Adult & Neurodiversity support:
I create a safe and affirming space for young adults and neurodivergent individuals to explore their identity, build confidence, and develop strategies for navigating a world that doesn't always understand them. My approach is compassionate and tailored to your unique needs and experiences.
Qualifications and Training
Formal Qualifications:
Accredited Mental Health Social WorkerMaster of Social Work
(Professional Qualifying)Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
Other Relevant Trainings in:
Dialectical Behaviour TherapyCognitive Behavioural TherapyAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Trauma-Focused ACTMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySchema Therapy
Services/Funding Options
Standard consult (50 min): $170
(Concession Rates Available)
Medicare Rebates
Provider
NDIS
Service Provider
NSW Approved Victim Services
Counsellor
NSW Workers Compensation
Provider
Private Health Insurance
Provider
Contact Me
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: 0473 851 653Illawarra Therapy Suites, Level 1,
Shop 3,27-29 Princes Highway Fairy Meadow NSW 2519
(Above Fairy Meadow Post Office)
ABN:15 541 755 643
Medicare Provider Number: 1666532B
Blog
Decoding the Alphabet Soup of a Name: What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)?
Navigating the world of mental health support can feel overwhelming. There are psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and a whole host of other professionals. Have you heard of Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW)? With 3000+ of us in Australia (and quickly growing) we play a vital part in the mental health landscape. This post will explain what we do and why we may match your support needs.
AMHSWs: A Unique Blend of Skills
AMHSWs are highly trained professionals who combine social work expertise with specialised mental health skills. We are clinical mental health therapists with a strong social justice focus. We don't just look at your individual struggles; we also consider the broader social and environmental factors that might be impacting your well-being.
What makes us cool?
Expertise in Complexity: We are trained to understand the complex interplay of factors that can contribute to mental health challenges.
Evidence-Based Approach: We use therapies and interventions that are evidence-based.
Focus on Empowerment: aim to empower you to achieve lasting mental health and resilience.
Medicare and Private Health Coverage: AMHSWs are registered Medicare Providers (or are eligible for it), We are also recognised by private health funds including Bupa, Teachers Health Fund and HCF.
What Do We Do?
AMHSWs offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
Assessment: We will work with you to understand your unique situation and identify any mental health concerns you might be facing.
Evidence-Based Therapies: AMHSWs are trained in a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, this may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). This means we can tailor their approach to suit your specific needs.
Support for a Wide Range of Issues: Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship problems, substance misuse, or family challenges, AMHSWs can provide support and guidance.
Holistic Care: We see that mental health affects all aspects of your life. We'll work with you to develop a holistic treatment plan that addresses your physical, emotional, and social well-being.
The Training Behind the Title
The "Accredited" part of AMHSW isn't just an alphabet soup title. It signifies at least 6 years of study and training. To become an AMHSW, we must:
Complete a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work. This provides us with a strong foundation in social work principles and practices.
Undertake two years of supervised mental health practice. This hands-on experience allows us to hone our clinical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Successfully complete a formal accreditation process. This ensures we meet the high standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
In a Nutshell
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are highly trained professionals who provide comprehensive mental health support. AMHSWs offer a unique blend of social work expertise and clinical skills, making us a valuable resource for individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges.
Learn more: https://www.aasw.asn.au/
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an effective therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. Initially designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. This versatility makes DBT a powerful tool in helping individuals build a life worth living.
What is DBT?
DBT is a specialised form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that helps individuals manage emotions and improve relationships. It focuses on four core components: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
How Does DBT Work?
DBT balances acceptance and change strategies, helping you accept your experiences while working towards positive change. This approach supports you in building a life worth living by addressing the emotional and behavioural challenges that may hold you back.
The Four Modules of DBT
1. Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, enhancing self-awareness and focus. This skill helps you develop a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and external experiences in the here and now, allowing you to stay grounded and centred.
2. Emotion Regulation: Emotion regulation helps you understand and manage emotions effectively, promoting positive emotional experiences. This module provides strategies to identify, label, and change emotional responses, reducing vulnerability to negative emotions.
3. Distress Tolerance: Distress tolerance builds resilience and coping skills for crises, reducing harmful behaviours. You learn strategies to tolerate and survive distressing moments without resorting to self-destructive actions.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Interpersonal effectiveness improves communication and relationship skills, helping you assert your needs and maintain healthy relationships. This module teaches skills for setting boundaries and resolving conflicts constructively.
Incorporating DBT into your counselling sessions can offer numerous benefits, helping you manage emotions and distress, improve your relationships, and ultimately build a life worth living.