Vanessa Allen
Founder and Director of Evolving Minds
Vanessa Allen is the founder and Director of Evolving Minds Counselling, a space she created with the intention of providing a supportive and caring environment for children, adolescents and adults. With her background as a Mental Health Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Counsellor, Vanessa is dedicated to helping clients feel heard and valued.
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Vanessa is known for her empathetic approach and desire to empower clients to make positive changes in line with their values. She has worked with people from diverse backgrounds and of all ages, finding joy in witnessing their growth and resilience when overcoming challenges. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. At Evolving Minds, Vanessa fosters a nurturing environment where clients can explore their inner worlds, develop resilience, and achieve their personal goals.
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As a lifelong learner, Vanessa actively stays updated on evidence-based practices, constantly expanding her knowledge and skills. With her passion for teaching and presenting, she is also a gifted educator. At Evolving Minds, Vanessa channels her expertise into fostering growth and empowerment for her clients, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
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Vanessa's experience extends beyond private practice. She has worked in government and non-profit sectors, specifically in child protection and out of home care. This experience has equipped her to handle complex behaviors and presentations, including oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, ADD, sensory processing disorders, suicide prevention, self-harm and eating disorders. At Evolving Minds, Vanessa brings her comprehensive expertise to provide tailored to each individual.
Vanessa Allen is a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician with ANZAED and is listed on the Butterfly Foundation Referral Database. Additionally, she is a Certified RO DBT Practitioner. At Evolving Minds, Vanessa brings her specialised training to provide treatment for individuals with eating disorders.
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In her work with families, Vanessa takes a multidimensional and collaborative approach, recognising the importance of involving family members and key stakeholders in achieving the best outcomes. She is also trained in family counselling. At Evolving Minds, Vanessa fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where families can come together to address challenges, build stronger relationships, and navigate life's challenges.
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Call Evolving Minds Counselling on 02 8519 4197 or click on the button below to request an appointment.
Qualifications
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Master of Social Work
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Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science
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Graduate Diploma in Counselling
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Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma
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Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Management)
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Diploma in Human Resource Management
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Certified RO DBT Practitioner
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Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician
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Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
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Level Two Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method
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SIRA Provider
Facilitator of:
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Bringing up Great Kids
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Peaceful Kids
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Study without Stress
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Tuning Into Kids
Memberships and Professional Registration
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Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
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Australian Psychological Society (Affiliate)
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Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
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College of Psychotherapy
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ANZAED Credentialed Eating Disorder Mental Health Clinician
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Certified RO DBT Practitioner
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Butterfly Foundation Approved Clinician