I am the Head of the CHC Counselling Centre as well as the Counselling Practicum Coordinator and lecturer at CHC.

My educational background consists of a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminology, and a Master’s in Sociology and Counselling.

Bio and Personal Info/Interests:

I have a passion for working with people. For many years I was involved in aspects of church leadership and managing different counselling centres. Prior to coming to work at CHC, I was working as a Counsellor in South Africa for over 15 years. I Immigrated almost 7 years ago to this beautiful country with my family and have been working at CHC since 2019. I have been married for 30 years and have 2 adult daughters. I have a passion for painting and gardening, and I equally love a good cup of coffee.

Personal Testimony:

I came to personal faith in Jesus Christ as a young child and this faith has been my strength and guidance most of my life.

Hi there, my name is Wayne and I am a current Bachelor of Counselling student. As a husband, father, and grandfather, I understand the importance of family and the challenges life throws our way. With over 25 years of experience as a mechanical and project engineer in construction, mining, and industrial sectors, I have also faced my own struggles with mental health, which inspired me to become a counsellor.

I provide a down-to-earth, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and be heard. My adage is to ‘thrive not just survive.’

In my spare time I love hanging out with my family and mates, especially when it also involves exploring the outdoors, four-wheel-driving and camping.

Hello, my name is Thivani Danthanarayana. I am currently studying for my Master of Counselling and am completing my placement as part of my training. My goal during this time is to continue developing my counselling skills, learn from experienced professionals, and support clients in a respectful and empathetic way. I’m passionate about creating a safe space where people feel heard and supported.

Hi, I’m Naomi, and I’m currently studying a Master of Counselling at CHC.

Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I experienced trauma, and struggled with depression and PTSD for years. Embarking on my own personal counselling journey, I experienced healing as I faced my fears, as I talked through the hard things, and as trusted others walked alongside me in the journey of life.

Now, as a counsellor, I would like to offer to others struggling the same care that I experienced. I seek to create a safe space for you to be real and vulnerable, and tell your story in all its beauty and pain. Walking alongside you, and using narrative therapy techniques, I encourage you to explore your story, and find new meaning to take with you into your future.

Outside of work, I am a wife – and having married into a large, close-knit family, am also blessed to be a step-mom to three adults and step-grandma to nine grandchildren. I love being outdoors, especially bushwalking, or you can find me with camera in hand, delighting in the wonders and intricacies of creation.

My name is Jessica and I am currently completing my Bachelor of Counselling, grounded in a person-centred approach that offers warmth, empathy and a non-judgemental space. I believe each client is the expert in their own life, and see my role as walking alongside them — gently facilitating what can be a lifelong journey of healing and integration. Highlights of my study so far have been learning about safety and stabilisation in trauma recovery, and domestic and family violence counselling, which have deepened my passion for supporting those impacted by complex life situations.

I’m excited to offer counselling sessions at the CHC counselling rooms, creating a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. Alongside this, I also have the privilege of working with women and children at Peggy’s Place, a long-term recovery refuge for those affected by domestic and family violence. Here I have been able to gain experience doing the gentle work of trauma recovery, taking a holistic approach and often utilising expressive therapies as my clients find hope and return to themselves. I look forward to bringing the insights I have gained into the human experience in my studies and working at Peggy’s, providing more general counselling sessions for individuals here at CHC.

My background in youth ministry, disability support, and coaching social skills for children and teens has shaped my commitment to walking gently with clients of all ages and cultures.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy spending time with my husband, toddler and our dog. I also love reading books from fiction to neuroscience, especially outdoors by the beach.

My name is Elyse. I am a Masters of Counselling student here at CHC. I have always been passionate about holistic health, personal growth and living life to the full. I am a registered nurse and it has been my experiences from my nursing that have led me to pursue counselling. I noticed that helping people with just their physical ailments was not enough to help them live their life to the full. This realisation called me to broaden my skills and led me to further study in counselling.

For people to flourish, I believe they need a support network around them which includes people that truly listen, are non-judgmental and will stick by them no matter what. I love that the counselling relationship incorporates these elements plus prioritises safety, healing and growth.

I would be honoured for you to trust me to work with you towards your goals of achieving a life lived more fully with healthy relationships.

Chelsea is completing her Bachelor of Counselling at CHC, after graduating from school and studying for 12 months at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Her aim as a counsellor is to support and empower you through trauma-informed and client-centred practices as you journey through life’s ups and downs.

Hi, I’m Beth. I’m currently completing my final semester of a Master of Counselling at CHC. I bring over seven years of experience working alongside individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges.

I have particular experience supporting clients to move toward greater clarity, connection and purpose, navigating issues such as conflict, relationship dynamics, emotional regulation, stress, trauma, sexual assault, and effective communication. I also have experience in domestic and family violence (DFV), supporting through family court processes, and co-parenting challenges.

Alongside biomedical science and coach training, my extensive lived experience has deepened my understanding of human survival patterns, emotional resilience, and coping mechanisms. I’m passionate about creating a safe, open, and compassionate space where you can explore what matters most, reconnect with your authentic self, and move toward healing and growth. I integrate a biopsychosocial approach to counselling—considering the whole person: body, mind, and spirit, as this allows for deeper transformation and sustainable change.

Outside of the therapy room, I’m a mum to three teenagers, enjoy playing outdoor soccer, and a water lover. My own self-care includes embracing adventures that stretch me beyond my comfort zone, helping me stay grounded and connected to who I truly am.