Grounded in Growth    Natalie McKenzie 
    Registered Play Therapist (RPT)(APTA)  
    Social Worker (Bch. SW. (Hons) (AASW)
Adult Counsellor
 Professional Supervisor 
Trainer and Group Facilitator
 

Welcome! 

It is a pleasure and privilege to introduce myself to you and welcome you to my passion and practice.

Firstly I would like to acknowledge and pay my respects to the Bundjalung people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we live here in the Northern Rivers, Northern NSW. I'd also like to pay my respects to all of the Elders past, present and future. 

I have been very fortunate to have lived in the Northern Rivers now for the past six years and to have worked in the Social Work and Counselling fields for over 20 years.

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) and a Registered Play Therapist with APTA (Australian Play Therapist's Association).

I have been employed in organisations and schools in a variety of roles and am very pleased and excited to be in the position to finally bring my skills, knowledge, learning and passion together to work privately in Lismore in Northern NSW and offer the following: 

* Tailored services and supports to respond to individual, family and community needs

* Provide evidence based Non Directive Child Centred Play Therapy for children (4-11 years) that is of a high standard and maintains focus on the child (including children who have a disability) 

* Provide parent and carer support and consultation in order to assist children and families through challenging experiences and times 

* Provide counselling and therapeutic interventions for adults catered to each individual person's needs and hopes and work holistically in order to best achieve their goals

* Develop and offer groups to children and adults based on identified needs (e.g. grief and loss, support, self compassion, etc) 

* Develop and offer training to Professionals e.g. Trauma informed practice

* Provide supervision to Social Workers and Play Therapists (and other professionals and students who it is agreed I am best suited to offering supervision to)

* Provide Play Therapy for children and Counselling/ therapeutic support and intervention for adults who are supported through NDIS  (please discuss this with me upon contact)

* Provision of Supervision, Adult Individual Counselling and therapeutic intervention and Parent Support and Consultation can be arranged via negotiation and discussion (and when appropriate) by telephone or Zoom. Play Therapy sessions must be held in person in the Play Therapy space. 

What I hope to share with you is a SAFE, COMFORTABLE SPACE, that is ACCESSIBLE, where you and your child(ren) and family are able to access THERAPEUTIC SERVICES tailored to your needs.
 
I am eclectic in my approach to working with people and have a strong belief in people's knowledge, resilience and ability for healing, when provided with the opportunity to work through experiences in safe ways and in safe spaces.

I am also very committed to providing best practice, so will make connection with relevant services and schools etc also, only if appropriate and agreed upon. Collaborative practice is extremely important to me in this way also and often creates the best results for clients. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to explore your options for support.
 
It isn't always easy to access help when we need to and I appreciate your courage in taking this step.

If you would like to find out more or to make an appointment please contact me on 0432172941 or via email nataliemckenzie1111@gmail.com 

I look forward to connecting with you. 

Natalie McKenzie