Out of Home Care Therapeutic Support

DOMIA Mind Body Connect believes that people hold the knowledge and tools they require to heal and reach their full potential. Providing a relationship of safety, empathy, and trust you will be able to reflect, grow, and transform. By implementing a client centered, relationally focused, and strength-based approach, you will feel supported, accepted, and safe during therapy.  

There are various approaches and theories that guide therapy and inform practice including the neurobiology of trauma, attachment theory, family systems theory, polyvagal theory, as well as play, sensory, and body-based interventions. At the heart of my practice is relational safety, with a focus on building resilience and upholding cultural sensitivity and curiousity. Your experience of therapy will be one that invites you to have a voice and choices in your healing journey.  

I am a registered Counsellor through the Australian Counselling Association and have worked in the Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) and child protection system of NSW for over ten years. I have a wealth of experience of trauma healing practices as well as significant knowledge of the complexities and challenges faced by children, young people, carers, parents, and professionals who work or are engaged in the OOHC and child protection system.  

Therapy for Foster/Kinship Carers

Over the years, I have walked alongside foster and kinship carers in various roles and understand the complexities of being a carer. Therapy provides a safe space to explore your journey caring for vulnerable and traumatized children whilst navigating the OOHC system and upholding your own family, work, and social commitments.  

I offer the platform for critical self-reflection and psychoeducation. This can look like and is not limited to: 

  • Reflecting and processing childhood experiences, trauma, grief, and loss 
  • Understanding stress responses, co-regulation, and the importance of connection for healing 
  • Psychoeducation regarding the impact of trauma, brain development and implementing trauma healing practices 
  • Exploring self-care practices  

Therapy for Children & Young People

Children and Young People in the OOHC system of NSW are the most vulnerable children in the state. Therapy will provide children and young people a safe space to be their authentic selves, experiencing unconditional positive regard and acceptance. Children and young people will be given power, control, and a voice. Their healing journey will be influenced by self-determination, empowerment, and connection.  

Therapy will incorporate bottom-up approaches and will be guided by a child’s developmental stage and trauma-based needs and behaviours. Therapy incorporates play and sensory based interventions that promote coregulation and mind, body connection. Trauma healing is holistic and understanding the child’s relational network, culture, identity, and story will assist in providing a strategic approach to therapy.  

Important Note: It is expected that carers will be involved in the therapeutic process when children and young people are engaged in therapy. This looks like sessions with the carer either individually or dyadic. Working collaboratively with carers and other important people in the child’s support network is important, and attendance at care team meetings can be arranged.