Meet Counsellor Audrey McGibbon

As part of growing and developing the Therapy Focus team and providing more services to our customers, we have recently introduced the counsellor role. Counsellors work in confidential settings with individuals who are experiencing personal difficulties, to help them overcome their problems and to make appropriate changes to their lives. We sat down with Audrey McGibbon to chat about her journey to becoming the first counsellor at Therapy Focus.

Pictured: Audrey McGibbon

What led you to become a counsellor at Therapy Focus?

“Therapy Focus appealed to me as an employer and I knew that this role was exactly what I had been looking for.  The potential for growth and development as a therapist, and the enlightened approach that the Therapy Focus team are taking to diversify within the industry is unique.  I have been overwhelmed with the positivity and enormous welcome that I have received from every staff member, which has made me feel valued, and part of the team immediately.  That was only 2 months ago and, as part of the Joondalup team, I have already been involved in exciting new endeavours and innovative projects which work with other industry providers, so watch this space!”

What do you hope to achieve in the counsellor role?

“I hope to work collaboratively with Therapy Focus staff, customers and their families/carers, to provide person-centred and strengths-based counselling services that will facilitate self-knowledge and growth.  By creating a positive therapeutic alliance with customers, we can enable them to flourish and live their lives to the best of their abilities.  I can provide support in the following areas:

• Relationship and family issues
• Depression/low mood and anxiety
• Getting back to work
• Personal development (building self-esteem/resilience etc.)
• Coping with life/ transition/changes”

What did your career look like before you started with Therapy Focus?

“Originally from Scotland, I have travelled extensively, and have had the opportunity to live in many cities around Australia when my ex-partner was a member of the RAAF.  I have worked in a variety of industries including mental health, mining, oil and gas, banking, engineering and local government, but realised that I no longer wanted to work in finance and office management.  I was naturally drawn to the area of psychology and counselling as I have always been a “people person”.  I completed a 4-year psychology degree and worked in the industry for 5 years to gain experience.  I am currently studying toward a Master of Counselling, and in the coming months, I will be applying for provisional psychology registration, with the goal of becoming an AHPRA registered psychologist. This will allow me to advance my training and provide a wider range of assessments and strategies in supporting our customers to optimise their personal resources.”

Now for a fun question, what is something you are incredibly proud of and why?

“Apart from the wonderful human being that is my son, I am proud of being brave enough to attend university as a mature student, so that I could embark on a career that I feel passionate about.  When I started my degree, I thought that I would be isolated as the majority of students were younger, but to my surprise, they embraced me and included me in their groups and activities.  We helped each other navigate our challenges, and we are still in touch today, encouraging each other.  The experience of going through university at the same time as my son has been valuable, though he was grateful that we attended different universities.  This gave me an inside look at the challenges that our youth face today, which has made me a better mum.”