About Me

I am an Accredited Social Worker and the Director of Safe Haven Counselling, which is based in the eastern-suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.

Monica specialises in supporting people address their recent and past histories of trauma. She has worked comprehensively with people who have experienced violence and abuse and also with people who use violence to address the, often generational, cycles of violence and trauma. Monica is also passionate about supporting families who have experienced pregnancy loss, grief and bereavement. Through this work, Monica helps the people she works with to develop a positive view of themselves and enriches their capacity to be who and what they wish.

She has extensive experience providing therapeutic services, programs and practical support in an array of settings. She started her social work career working with people who have committed violent acts, working in both in prison and community settings. Monica developed a skill to separate people from their behaviours, to see the whole person and support them where they were. She has developed creative strategies to support people to focus on the life they wish to live and to find ways, both practical and therapeutic, to support this.

After working for eight years in the criminal justice system, Monica then went on to work in trauma services, hospitals, community services, prisons and not-for-profit organisations in a counselling and leadership capacity. She has become known for the warm and engaging manner in which she supports the people she works with. She has a distinctive ability to help people define the emotional core of their lived experiences and find paths to real and transformative healing. Monica has been trained and skilled in various techniques bringing together the rapidly developing knowledge of neuroscience together with traditional and progressive therapeutic approaches.

She views that trauma is a normal response to exceptional circumstances, however real and comprehensive healing can occur in a safe space. Monica has developed in-depth skills and knowledge in how to best support people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and also people from the LBGTQI+ community.

Areas of specialisation:

Recent and past trauma. PTSD. Anxiety, Depression. Low Self-Esteem. Confidence, Self-Belief and Self-Worth Development. Addictions. Sexual Abuse and Family Violence related trauma. Eating Disorders. Stress. Relationship Issues. Chronic Health Issues. Pregnancy Issues, Early Pregnancy Loss and Bereavement. Grief and Loss.