My Story

Cheryl is a clinical member of Pacfa, which ensures she keeps current and up to date with continued professional development. She studied in Australia achieving a bachelor’s degree in counselling and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation counselling. She has worked as a rehabilitation counsellor, assisting clients to rehabilitate back to work /family life from injury or disability.  Cheryl attributes her many years of work experience with lifeline as being the most beneficial in equipping her with the skills to assist people from all walks of life that struggle with life issues, such as, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship conflicts, trauma and other complex issues such as suicide. She strongly believes that it takes a lot of courage to place unconditional trust in a therapist, to work through issues in order to lead a more fulfilling and happier life. With this view, she works collaboratively with clients to create an open and safe environment, where thoughts and feelings can be expressed without fear of judgement and where individuals can feel seen and heard.

Prior to training as a therapist, Cheryl lived and worked in Southern Africa, immigrating to Australia with her family. She has experienced a range of life changing situations, from being a teen mum, to experiencing drugs and domestic violence, through to experiencing immigration, financial hardship and many successes. Cheryl’s life experiences have provided her with invaluable skills, coupled with therapeutic training, she has found this to be helpful when working with clients to move through barriers. Through the exploration of understanding one’s self, we can focus on desired outcomes to achieve a change in perspective, new insights, effecting beneficial change. The deeper understanding of personal awareness promotes alternative ways of being, allowing one to authentically express themselves. Cheryl is of the belief that everyone has the potential to find a sense of personal value and rise above areas of compromise, leading to a gratified life.