About Tracey
Get to know me
Tracey Johnson
BACounselling, MGestTherapy, Certified EAP
My psychotherapy career began at Lifeline as a volunteer telephone counsellor in 2003. I enjoyed counselling so much I trained as a facilitator and later a supervisor. At the time Lifeline offered their volunteers many short courses in therapeutic modalities such as NLP, Art th
Tracey Johnson
BACounselling, MGestTherapy, Certified EAP
My psychotherapy career began at Lifeline as a volunteer telephone counsellor in 2003. I enjoyed counselling so much I trained as a facilitator and later a supervisor. At the time Lifeline offered their volunteers many short courses in therapeutic modalities such as NLP, Art therapy, Focusing and EFT Tapping. I did every course I could and also studied my Diploma in Community Welfare Work/Counselling.
In addition to traditional study, I completed courses in Reiki (Reiki Master) and Meditation.
In 2008 I suddenly started having anxiety and panic attacks. I couldn’t eat. I could barely swallow and I lost a great deal of weight. I was overwhelmed by everything. This experience forced me to stop and focus on getting myself well. I had spent so long learning how to help others. This was the time to put all my learning into practice, to help myself. I journaled, I did art therapy, Reiki and had therapy. I was diagnosed with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
It took a good 2 years before I could eating normally again. I found, through those years, a great deal of support came from my family, friends and animals - my dogs and my horses especially. I spent many hours just sitting with them, and allowing the relationship between us to help me heal.
This experience has taught me the importance of connection, self care, nature, expressive therapy, healthy relationships (especially with self), boundaries and giving ourselves time and space. Discovering and developing resources, support and a holistic approach with a somatic (body based) focus is worked for me.
I went on to complete a Bachelor of Counselling and Masters in Gestalt Therapy.
I have also completed training in
- Family Constellation Therapy
- Trauma Informed Sandplay Therapy and Symbol Work
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy/Mental Health.
- Therapy Dog Training
- Rise-Up Supervision Training
- EMDR Level 1
Currently enrolled in EMDR Level 2 Training
I volunteer for a charity Broken to Brilliant - supporting Domestic Violence Survivors.
Memberships
GANZ
Australian Counselling Association
Animal Therapies Ltd
