My name is Eliza Rooney and I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (scroll to see what this is) and Counsellor. I am passionate about working collaboratively with people through processes of change that improve their overall health and wellness so that they can live a fulfilling, self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential.
My counselling style is gentle, empathetic and non-judgmental that provides an authentic, comfortable space for the people I support. I value really getting to know people and their life journeys and forming a solid relationship with them so they feel comfortable to talk freely with me about their concerns and struggles.
I am here to listen, be present, walk alongside and support you towards your dreams and goals for the future. My approach is strengths based that will empower you to recognise your own capabilities and strengths, and work with you to find your own solutions.
I am trauma informed which means I work hard to create a space for you of safety, sensitivity and trust. I understand that ‘symptoms’ are often responses to trauma where people have managed as best they could in extremely difficult circumstances. I acknowledge the vulnerability of opening up to someone so approach people with consideration and care and always embrace an attitude of hope and optimism that recovery and healing is possible.
My therapeutic interventions are formulated on the unique needs of each client as I assess each person on their individual situation and draw on the most clinically appropriate tools to meet that particular person’s needs.
People work with me on a variety of issues including:
- Trauma & trauma related mental health issues (eg. PTSD, Complex PTSD, Dissociation, Survivors of abuse)
- Anxiety disorders, stress and worry
- Burnout
- Depression & mood disorders
- Suicidal thoughts & self harm
- Grief & loss
- Concerns related to gender and sexuality
- Relationship & attachment difficulties
- Body image concerns & eating disorders
- Low self-esteem
- Personality disorders
I have experience working with people with complex mental health presentations aged 12 to 65 years with particular interest and knowledge of young people (12-25) and their families. My practice is grounded in core Social Work values of social justice, respect and professional integrity.
To be responsive to the diversity of people who seek support, I have developed broad skills and experience in a number of therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR).
If you are not sure if I am the right fit for you or what exactly you need support with, you are welcome to call or book in for an appointment and we can explore this together. If I am not the right fit for you I can recommend other options.
I believe in creating an inclusive and safe space for all people of all cultures and welcome people from the LGBTIQA+ community.
So what is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?
Great Question. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs), like Psychologists or Mental Health OTs, are registered providers with Medicare Australia. AMHSWs deliver evidence based psychological therapy and clinical social work strategies to treat various mental health concerns. While they work with individuals on the presenting psychological problems, they also recognise the broader impact of issues the environment may be imposing and can assist people in addressing these concerns.
Within the different types of mental health professions, individual clinicians tend to have their own areas of expertise and style of working, a lot of which overlaps with other professions. This is why it can be difficult to understand the difference between each profession (i.e the difference between AMHSWs and psychologists or AMHSWs and Mental Health OTs).
There are a number of different pathways to become an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Eliza completed a Bachelor of Social Work (honours class division 1) followed by 3 years of supervised clinical mental health practice. To maintain Accreditation in accordance with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Eliza is required to complete continuing professional development and meet set criteria on an ongoing basis.
Click below to find out more about what Accredited Mental Health Social Workers do.
“The past has no power over the present moment”.
Eckhart Tolle
A Healing Hand Counselling 