Hello, I'm Rossara

My journey
In my thirties, I took time off from my work as a journalist and dived deeper into inner work to heal from childhood traumas as I recovered from burnout and surgeries. In the journey of understanding myself on a deeper level, I recognise myself as a complex human who is a writer who wrestles with creative blocks, a seeker, a highly sensitive person, a serious individual with a quirky sense of humour, a curious student of life and knowledge, and a human who seeks comfort and wisdom in nature and books. But that is not all I am.
Embracing my complexity, struggles, strengths, and humanity is an ongoing journey as my life unfolds. Likewise, I see your journey as uniquely yours and you as a human being like no other. A person with the innate capability to heal, and reserves of wisdom and resources that has brought you thus far. 

The truth is, you and I have more to discover about ourselves. As a counsellor and coach, I see myself as a fellow traveller walking alongside you towards greater clarity and meaning. I think of myself as a facilitator in the process of you remembering your strengths and tapping into your inner wisdom. 
As a guide, I help you explore new ways to nurture yourself as you move towards where you want to be. When you work with me, we go on a journey of self-discovery, growing self-awareness and owning victories along the way. 
Why work with me? 
I have helped people in their healing from childhood traumas and move towards thriving. 
 
Anxiety is an issue close to my heart. I have helped clients learn to handle anxiety and be less afraid of it. 
 
As someone who has experienced burnout, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be. I’ve worked with clients to understand their needs better and how to meet them. I have helped clients get unstuck and find new directions or move forward in their careers.

Being a childhood trauma survivor myself, I can understand the vastness of challenges faced throughout life. Many of my challenges were not understood until I went through my healing journey. I’ve helped adults connect the dots so that they can move forward towards a deeper sense of meaning and freedom.
 
What we do together
I use an integrative approach that suits the client. As a counsellor, I take a “whole body approach” connecting the body and mind, with a holistic lens towards well-being. I’m also interested in what comes up for you when you watch an episode of your current favourite television show or read a new book. We would also explore thoughts because thoughts affect how we feel. 
My style is casual and conversational. I practice with a trauma-informed, humanistic approach to counselling. My approach is informed by neuroscience, mindfulness and Internal Family Systems. I am a Brainspotting practitioner and a Transactional Analysis practitioner. If you’d like to know more about these modalities do feel free to ask. It’s important to know that therapy is a collaborative process. You are encouraged to take an active role to help you reach the outcome you want. 
I do online and in-person counselling and coaching. If you’d like to be outdoors, we can do walk-and-talk therap (available on weekday afternoons).
 
The journey you and I will take
I meet you where you are at and focus on the here and now. In therapy, when you feel ready, we will explore childhood experiences. Getting to this stage typically brings breakthroughs to help you make sense of the present so that you can move closer to the future you want. 
I also help clients learn to manage stress brought about by life transitions and major changes like employment, relocation, perimenopause and health challenges. 
I help clients identify and unpack internal conflicts at the root of feelings of unease, isolation and uncertainty. 
I hold space for clients as they learn, unlearn and relearn. 
I facilitate the process as you reconnect to yourself and sense of empowerment. Transformation is a process and a journey. Getting the support you need is worthwhile because you are deserving of what you are yearning for.  

Qualifications and Additional Training:

  • Master of Counselling (Advanced) by Swinburne University of Technology 
  • Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
  • Transactional Analysis Practitioner 
  • Brainspotting Practitioner 
  • Frank Anderson’s Internal Family Systems Trauma Treatment
  • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) 
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP & CCTP-II)
  • Psychological First Aid (John Hopkins University)