top of page

My Story

The social work profession is my foundation.

I am proud of the legacy of social work and what it has given to the community, to groups, to individuals and to me.

The foundations of social justice, critical thinking and seeing the world from  sociological, economic, spiritual, biological and psychological points of view sits with my way of being in the world.

I am an accredited mental health social worker.

To know more, please press on the labyrinth-picture.

Education

1984-1987

Bachelor of Social Work

I began with an Arts Degree at Monash University and enjoyed Sociology, Psychology and Dutch. As I did my degree I became more socially and politically aware, wanting to be part of the answer not the problem.

I applied to Melbourne University and was accepted in the Bachelor of Social Work Course.

I loved my second placement in the Royal Women's Hospital.

I received a Distinction for my final thesis which was all about having robust Policies and Procedures in Social Work hospital departments.

My career has covered inpatient public and private hospital social work, community public mental health, palliative care and the neighbourhood house sector.

2008-2011

Graduate Diploma Theology

I wanted to include spirituality as an important element of a person's being in my practice. I decided to complete a Graduate Diploma of Theology through the Combined Colleges of Divinity (University of Melbourne). 

2023

Level One EMDR

Every year I work hard to continue to learn and build my skills. 

I had the privilege of completing my Level 1 EMDR training last month which gives me the opportunity to offer this important therapy for people who have faced many levels of trauma.

Skills & Expertise

Big Tree

Over the last 30 years I have worked with many people and communities.
Places of employment:

  • Eastern Health (aged and adult community mental health)

  • Eastern Palliative Care (EPC)

  • Delmont Private

  • Anglican Homes for Elderly People

  • Greenvale Centre

  • Kara House

  • Neighbourhood House Sector

Skills:

  • EMDR

  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy ACT

  • Family-senstive practice

  • Trauma-informed care

  • Extensive knowledge & skills in psychiatric illness, treatment & recovery

  • Working with older people & their mental health,

  • Carer stress & burden

  • People of all ages who struggle with ongoing mental health issues. 

  • Community Development 

  • Social Prescription Advocacy

Petra is a fully accredited Mental Health provider through the

Australian Association of Social Work.

She is eligible to provide counselling and psychological services via Medicare.

Just ask your GP to arrange a Mental Health Care Plan.

Acknowledgement of Country

 Explore & Restore Counselling acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, who are the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people visiting this website.
Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.

Aboriginal flag.jpg
Copyright @2023
bottom of page