About the therapist
I’m Rachael, a Registered Clinical Counsellor who works with people navigating trauma, relationships, and the messy parts of being human.
I have over 15 years’ experience across domestic and family abuse, child, youth and family services, and complex mental health. I’ve also held leadership and management roles, and experience working in multidisciplinary teams alongside psychiatrists, GPs, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and naturopaths. That experience has shaped how I work with people in my practice; not as a diagnosis or a single issue, but as a whole person with a lot of moving parts.
My approach is trauma-informed, evidenced-based and grounded in real-life application. I draw from CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, and attachment-based work, which means I can adapt how I work to suit you rather than expecting you to fit into one model.
I focus on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, relationship patterns, and building a stronger sense of self-trust. Not in a “fix yourself” way, but in a way that helps you understand what’s going on and gives you practical ways to respond differently.
At Mixed Bag, you are the one in control. You don’t work for me, I work for you. We’ll build a plan together, check in regularly, and adjust as needed. My goal isn’t to keep you in therapy forever. It’s to help you build the skills and confidence to manage things outside of the room.
If at any point I’m not the right fit, that’s okay. I’ll help you find someone who is. Therapy works best when you feel comfortable with the person you’re sitting across from.
About the Space
Mixed Bag Therapy is based in a private residential setting designed to feel calm, comfortable, and non-clinical. I started Mixed Bag Therapy in February 2025 to create a space that feels genuine, safe, and actually helpful. Not overly clinical, not intimidating, just a place where you can show up as you are.
This isn’t a waiting room full of people or a busy office environment. Sessions are scheduled so that no other clients are on the property at the same time, which helps maintain privacy and creates a more relaxed experience. From the moment you arrive, the intention is that it feels safe, quiet, and low-pressure.
The space is set up to feel more like a living environment than a clinic. For many people, especially those who have experienced trauma or feel uneasy in formal settings, this can make a big difference in being able to settle and engage in the work.
Confidentiality is a priority. The setting, scheduling, and overall structure of the practice are designed to support discretion and a sense of safety at all times.
Mixed Bag Therapy is built around the idea that therapy doesn’t need to feel clinical to be effective. It can be grounded, human, and still do meaningful work.
Qualifications &
Registrations
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Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling) — Graduated from The Australian College of Applied Psychology in 2014.
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) — Graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2025.
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Rachael is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (PACFA Reg. 28336) holding Clinical Membership for over 5 years.
Mixed Bag is accredited and insured through the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) — Australia’s peak body for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Rachael is an Appointed Victims Services Counsellor by The NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice. Victims Services Counsellor Accreditation Number: A3863.
Rachael is registered and approved to provide health fund rebates from eligible providers. Please contact us and/or your Health Fund Provider for more information. Mixed Bag Therapy is registered to provide instant rebates through HICAPS.
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Rachael is committed to ongoing professional development, continually undertaking specialised training across a broad range of issues and therapeutic approaches. Some examples of additional training and certification include:
Privacy, Confidentiality, and Informed Consent in Therapy — Kris Roa Eise Education.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive and Informed Practice — ACON.
Certification in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Moran & Hayse.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) — Skills Training by Marsha M. Linehan.
Shame and Self-Loathing in the Treatment of Trauma — Janina Fisher.
Symbols and Sand Therapy — Sydney Centre for Creative Change.
Schema Therapy Training, Courses 1 & 2 — Hayse and Brockman.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy — Breif Therapy Institute of Sydney.
Safeside Suicide Prevention Pathway and Harm Minimisation Training.
Schizophrenia, Psychosis and the Recovery Model — Otsuka Australian Pharmaceutical Pty Ltd.
Currently Completing: PACFA Certified Clinical Supervisor — PACFA Endorsed and Accredited Training and Registration (TBC July 2026) George Street Psychology.
Booking a session with Rachael at Mixed Bag Therapy is simple and convenient. A complimentary 15-minute phone consultation is free for all inquiries!