I left the education system at around 15 years old because learning from books and classrooms never really worked for me. Later in life, I discovered that I had mild ADHD and dyslexia, which helped me understand why traditional education had felt so difficult.
After leaving school, I spent some time in and out of different jobs before entering the financial broking industry at the age of 18.
What followed became a successful career spanning more than 30 years with global financial broking companies, giving me the opportunity to live and work in seven different countries.
There were some incredible years during that time — years of pressure, ambition, travel, opportunity, success and experience.
But there were also some very dark years.
By the end of that chapter, I was dealing with untreated burnout, severe anxiety and depression, trauma, a mental breakdown and full-blown alcoholism.
The same industry that had given me some of the best years of my life also became part of the darkest period of my life.
I want to be clear, though: I do not write that from a place of blame. I fully accept responsibility for the choices I made and for where I eventually found myself. It was part of my story and, ultimately, part of what forced me to face my situation and change.
There were many difficult years between my first rehab and my second and final rehab.
After meeting some amazing people who helped me change the next chapter of my life, I was fortunate enough to volunteer at the rehabilitation centre where I finally became sober.
I also know what it feels like to talk to a stranger about your innermost thoughts, fears and experiences, because I worked with several therapists over a six-year period. They had studied many of the things I was struggling with, but my understanding today also comes from having personally lived through those experiences.
My time at the rehabilitation centre gave me something very important: genuine sobriety, a renewed sense of purpose and the opportunity to meet other people who were walking their own difficult paths. A few of those people have since become close and authentic friends.
After one month in my final rehabilitation programme, I was given the opportunity to stay on as a volunteer. I remained there for approximately 18 months, continuing to work on myself while supporting others.
After that period, friends encouraged me to study and use my life experience, communication skills and personal understanding in a way that might help others.
I went on to complete a Diploma of Counselling through the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors, together with Advanced Study Majors in Addictions Counselling, Grief Counselling and Relationship Counselling.
My aim is to bring together my counselling training and lived experience to support others.
I want to be very clear: I am not a psychologist or a doctor. I am not here to diagnose anyone, provide medical treatment or pretend that I have all the answers.
I am someone who has experienced some of the best and worst moments of life and has come through the other side with a better life, a clearer mind and a genuine wish to support others where I can.
I know what it can feel like to be lost, ashamed, exhausted, frightened or unsure whether life can really change.
I also know that change is possible.
Not overnight. Not perfectly. Not without help. But possible.
My aim is to offer a human, honest and grounded space for anyone who may need someone to walk alongside them for part of the journey.
If that feels like something you are looking for, we can begin with a conversation.