Jacqui Christopoulos

I'm an Australian Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) with a Masters degree, recognised by Medicare as a provider of psychological interventions. I have over a decade of experience in a range of mental health settings, including extensive experience working with complex trauma in Adelaide, Melbourne and London (UK). In my work I have had the privilege of supporting people via 1 on 1 face to face therapy, group work and telephone mental health coaching utilising Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I have developed and facilitated Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) groups, as well as Drug & Alcohol relapse prevention groups based on the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) model. Having worked in a wide range of contexts over the years, I have supported clients experiencing physical injury, bullying, interpersonal issues, first episode of psychosis, severe trauma, neurodiversity, as well as asylum seekers, LGBTI+ and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. My style is non-judgemental, neurodivergent affirming, down to earth and friendly to create a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment. I also lay strong emphasis on evidence based interventions that lead to measurable outcomes for client wellbeing.

In addition to my academic qualifications in social work and psychology I have an honours degree in anthropology. I’m also a yoga instructor with a long time personal practice and am passionate about supporting my clients to utilise mindfulness strategies. I’ve witnessed and experienced the benefits that mindfulness techniques bring, fostering calmness and a sense of safety. Where appropriate, concepts of spirituality & prayer can be integrated into therapeutic discussions, particularly when working with experiences of significant loss and grief. Such concepts can be relevant for people of widely varied religious and spiritual backgrounds, holding unique meaning for each person which I often find valuable to explore.

I have been working in the remote therapy space for several years, my experience in communities and psychiatric facilities equips me to provide the highest level of care. I have found working as a remote therapist very rewarding, often I am placed with people who have been reluctant to seek help. I have had the privilege of helping to create a safe, professional space for such people to become more comfortable talking about their challenges. I feel that one of my strengths is an ability to engage clients, even those who have been reluctant or afraid to open up about their difficulties. I welcome the opportunity to connect with clients from diverse locations and cultural backgrounds. Providing therapy remotely allows me to maintain a work-life balance that keeps me energised and inspired, so I can give back more to my clients.