Meet Monica Karst
I am an accredited mental health social worker and the Director of Safe Haven Counselling, which is based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.
I use a range of therapeutic approaches to support individuals to overcome difficulties and live the lives they wish to have. Bringing together a trauma-informed and person-centred perspective, I focus on the unique individual needs of my clients. My clients leave sessions having focused on their current experiences, having responded to wounds from the past and able to go on to live the future they aspire to and deserve.
I am clinically trained in a range of evidence-based and emerging therapies, including EMDR and Havening Techniques®. Using these approaches, I have helped hundreds of clients move beyond the issues causing them distress. People often come to me wanting to go beyond traditional talking therapies and experience the transformative results that therapies based on neuroscience can offer.
My speciality is in supporting people to address their recent and past histories of trauma, particularly related to the recovery from experiences of violence and abuse. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families whose life experiences have shaped them in ways that limit their potential to live the life they wish. I also frequently support parents who have experienced pregnancy loss, grief and bereavement. Through this work, it’s my aim to help clients develop a positive view of themselves and enrich their capacity to be who and what they wish.
My social work career spans work in trauma services, hospitals, community services, prisons and not-for-profit organisations in a counselling and leadership capacity. I have become known for the warm and engaging manner in which I support people. I have the distinctive ability to help people define the emotional core of their lived experiences and find paths to real and life-changing healing. Utilising my training and practice wisdom in various techniques, I seamlessly bring together the rapidly developing knowledge of neuroscience with traditional and progressive therapeutic approaches.
I believe that trauma is a normal response to exceptional circumstances, however real and comprehensive healing can occur in a safe space. I would love to help you address the aspects of your life you are ready to let go and be the person you wish to be.
Areas of focus:
Recent and past trauma. PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Low self-esteem. Narcissistic Abuse Recovery. Confidence, self-belief and self-worth development. Sexual abuse and family violence related trauma. Stress. Relationship issues. Chronic health issues. Pregnancy issues, early pregnancy loss and bereavement. Grief and loss.