Education / Training / Approach

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In mental health settings, Social Workers and Psychologists often do very similar and sometimes complementary work. The key difference lies in our foundational training and practice approaches.

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Social Workers typically hold a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Social Work and are registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Those of us working in mental health care often pursue further training in specific therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, IFS, CFT, ACT, or EMDR. Social work is a values-based profession, grounded in principles of social justice and human rights, which means therapeutic work tends to be person-centred, strengths-based, and holistic.

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Psychologists, generally hold a Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology and are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Their training can be more focused on psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment.

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At the end of the day, while our professional paths may differ, we often work towards similar outcomes in therapy. What matters most is whether you feel safe, heard, and supported by your practitioner.

• Anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm

• Neurodivergent (ADHD and/or Autism) experiences

• Life transitions and identity concerns

• Workplace challenges, burnout and stress.

• Experiences of racism, discrimination, or marginalisation

• Navigating systems like the NDIS, the workplace, health, or legal systems

• Trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties

My practice is grounded in some foundational, as well as psychosomatic approaches - CBT, DBT, CFT, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing. This integrated and holistic approach help to personalise our work together, whether you're navigating anxiety, processing trauma, embracing neurodivergence, or adjusting to major life changes.

In general, we can focus initially with building interoception and self-awareness as to your neurobiological patterns and, how they are impacted with our day-to-day/environment/relationships i.e. noticing how dopamine, adrenaline and cortisol patterns manifest, and ebbs and flows within the body and your experience (i.e. a 'pendulum' model).

After we've gotten more of an understanding of your own patterns work, and your day-to-day, we can work towards building on what might already work with you when upregulating/downregulating.

We can then then apply/work with more neuroaffirming and psychosomatic modalities such as CFT, DBT and IFS. Some of which may lead us into parts of the deeper work around self - values, self-beliefs, family and societal perceptions, etc

Yes - if you are self-managed or plan managed.

As a clinical social worker, I am recognised as an Allied Health Professional under the NDIS.

If you're ever unsure about your specific funding arrangements, it's always best to check with your Support Coordinator or the NDIA directly.

No - you do not need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to book an appointment with me. This means you're always welcome to visit the GP for ongoing and additional support, however, no paperwork is needed for a referral and it's your choice as to whether you want to see your GP for mental health care related concerns.

Regarding cost/fees, I have structured them to be in line with what you'd generally otherwise pay out-of-pocket, even if through a MHCP.

Please send me an email (balancewithbec@outlook.com) or contact me via phone (0491 777 223)

I’ll aim to respond within 1–2 business days.

From there, we can either have a relaxed 15-minute chat to explore your needs and see if we’re a good fit.

Or, if you're ready to book, I can send you my intake and consent form, as well as privacy policy and organise a time.

Easy as that!

Payment can be made in advance via a secure credit card link, or afterward via invoice and bank deposit.