Counselor, Licensed Master Social Worker, Life Coach and Psychotherapist
Counselor, Licensed Master Social Worker, Life Coach and Psychotherapist
Hi, I’m Michael, a compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with over 15 years of experience in trauma-informed care, counselling, and psychotherapy. My journey in mental health is deeply personal, shaped by caring for family members with significant challenges and the loss of a loved one to suicide. These experiences inspire me to provide a safe, empathetic, and culturally inclusive space where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.
My qualifications include a PhD (Cand.) in Mental Health, a Master of Social Work (specialising in counselling for loss and grief), an MBA (Distinction), a Diploma in Psychology (with Merit), and certifications in mental health, organisational psychology, and leadership. Beyond my academic achievements, I’ve led award-winning mental health programs, which have supported thousands in Australia.
Why Choose Me?
* Lived Experience: Growing up caring for family members with mental health challenges, including the loss of a loved one to suicide, deeply informs my empathetic and trauma-informed approach.
* Extensive Qualifications: I hold a PhD (Cand.) in Mental Health, an MSocWork (specialising in counselling for loss and grief), an MBA (Distinction), a Diploma in Psychology (with Merit), and additional certifications in mental health, organisational psychology, and leadership.
* Proven Expertise: Over 15 years of experience in Australia’s mental health sector, leading award-winning services, which support individuals navigating complex challenges.
* Leadership & Advocacy: Board member for ASeTTS (Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors) and WA State Committee for Suicide Prevention Australia, and a member of the WA Mental Health Commission’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, actively shaping inclusive policies and advocating for marginalised communities.
* Public Speaker & Author: Published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, and a regular presenter at major conferences, including the WA Mental Health Conference and National Suicide Prevention Conference.
* Memberships: Full member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH), the Refugee Council of Australia, and the United Nations Association of WA.
* Culturally Inclusive & Client-Centred: Committed to providing person-centred, culturally inclusive, and impactful solutions tailored to diverse needs.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, or seeking personal growth, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll build a path toward resilience, healing, and lasting change.
- PhD (Mental Health) - Charles Sturt University in 2028
- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health - Australian Catholic University in 2023
- Diploma in Psychology (Merit) - Austin Peay State University in 2023
- Master of Social Work (Grief and loss counselling) - University of New England in 2020
- MBA (Distinction) - Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2014