Founder: Shining Light Hypnotherapy and Counselling Lisa Hopwood is a proud Aboriginal woman living and working on the land of the Bundjalung Nation in Northern New South Wales and has a deep respect for culture. Lisa believes in integrating healing practices into her therapeutic work and the importance of acknowledging the impacts of intergenerational trauma and healing for First Nations Peoples. With extensive experience in Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol treatment, Lisa has developed a deep commitment to helping people identify and overcome the patterns that have held them back. Her qualifications in Mental Health, Social Welfare, Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Psychotherapy equip her to walk alongside clients on their journey from darkness to light, always focused on their individual needs and cultural contexts. She offers a unique and holistic path to healing for her clients by blending evidence-based therapeutic practices with traditional cultural elements. In her practice, Lisa combines the power of clinical hypnotherapy with culturally grounded techniques, creating a comprehensive approach to mental health and emotional well-being. Through clinical hypnotherapy, Lisa helps clients access their subconscious minds, allowing them to uncover deep-rooted patterns and behaviors that contribute to their challenges. This method is particularly effective in addressing issues such as anxiety, stress, trauma, and behavioural changes, as it enables clients to break free from negative thought cycles and embrace positive change. By weaving cultural elements into her practice, Lisa provides clients with a safe space to explore their emotions and experiences while respecting their cultural and personal values. This holistic approach not only addresses the immediate symptoms but also promotes long-term emotional and social well-being. Her person-centred approach ensures that each client’s journey is individualised, empowering them to reclaim their sense of agency and self-worth. By combining modern hypnotherapy techniques with traditional healing practices, Lisa offers a path to lasting transformation, helping clients achieve profound personal growth and a renewed sense of balance. To learn more about Lisa and her practice visit https://www.shininglighthypnotherapy.com.au/

Isaac is a proud Gamilaraay Jewish man, passionately advocating for the lived experiences of victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence. He specialises in both the healing process for individuals who experience violence and facilitates therapeutic approaches for individuals who use violence. Isaac is passionate about supporting underrepresented cohorts, Mob, CALD, people with disabilities, and the LGBTIQA+ community. With a commitment to equality and integrated healing, Isaac uses dadirri – deep listening, strengths based, community-person focused and trauma informed approach. Throughout his career, Isaac has worked in both non-profit and corporate organisations. His expertise spans strategic planning, clinical function oversight for national domestic violence initiatives, and leading recruitment, training, content development, stakeholder engagement, and program design. He has also implemented Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) and introduced decolonising frameworks for organisations seeking to foster meaningful cultural safety. As a cultural humility trainer, Isaac develops ally-focused group initiatives that promote positive self-image and accountability. He empowers organisations to adopt culturally informed practices, ensuring respectful and effective engagement with culturally specific communities. Isaac’s holistic approach to healing and advocacy underscores his dedication to promoting inclusive, trauma-informed, and community-led solutions.

Karl Rashleigh is a Narrative Therapist and Cultural Counsellor dedicated to bridging ancestral wisdom with modern therapeutic approaches. With deep connections to diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, he integrates cultural healing with Narrative Therapy to support individuals in reclaiming their stories and wellbeing. As the founder of Re-Dreaming Cultural Training, Karl specialises in Cultural Counselling, Narrative Therapy, Supervision, and Strength-Based Healing. His work fosters connection, resilience, and empowerment, creating safe spaces for individuals to heal and grow. Karl believes in the power of storytelling to heal, connect, and inspire, offering a grounded, culturally-informed approach to self-discovery and wellbeing.

Founder & Managing Director – Legacy Counselling and Consultancy Academic Co-Lead, First Nations Education & Engagement – University of Adelaide Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Tod Stokes is the Founder and Managing Director of Legacy Counselling and Consultancy, offering culturally grounded counselling and consultancy services to clients locally and across Australia. Tod provides both in-person and online sessions, ensuring accessibility, flexibility, and safety for all who seek support. Qualifications & Professional Background Tod holds a Diploma of Mental Health and a Diploma of Narrative Therapy, and is commencing a Master of Counselling. His professional development includes training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychological First Aid, and Trauma-Informed Practice. A highly experienced Indigenous Healing Practitioner, Tod has spent over 15 years working in the domestic and family violence sector, specialising in behaviour change programs for men. His outstanding contributions to the field were recognised with the Premier’s Heide Taylor Award for excellence in family violence prevention. Alongside his clinical practice, Tod serves as Academic Co-Lead, First Nations Education and Engagement at the University of Adelaide’s School of Psychology, where he lectures and helps embed Indigenous knowledge, values, and perspectives into psychology and counselling education. Counselling Approach Tod provides a safe, respectful, and empathetic space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported. His client-centred approach is collaborative and adaptable, combining evidence-based methods such as: Narrative Therapy Cognitive-Behavioural Strategies Mindfulness Practices Solution-Focused Therapy Each session is tailored to the client’s goals and lived experiences, supporting growth, healing, and resilience while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism. Areas of Focus Tod works with adults and young people across a range of issues, including: Stress, anxiety, and depression Relationship and family challenges Grief and loss Life transitions and personal growth Self-esteem and identity concerns His practice is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the diverse experiences of every client. Cultural Perspective As a proud Torres Strait Islander man, Tod brings a deeply rooted cultural understanding to his work. His connection to Culture, Country, and Community informs every aspect of his practice, guiding clients to explore healing and wellbeing through both modern and traditional frameworks. Tod’s approach reflects the strength, wisdom, and resilience found within Indigenous ways of knowing and being, while remaining open and inclusive to clients from all cultural and spiritual backgrounds. What Clients Can Expect When working with Tod, clients can expect: A collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship Practical tools and strategies for positive change Cultural safety and respect for individual identity Flexible options for online or face-to-face sessions Tod is passionate about helping individuals build resilience, rediscover their strengths, and move toward clarity, healing, and empowerment.

Clinical Counsellor | Certified Mental Health Counsellor | Transformational Coach | PhD Candidate Based on Kaurna Country, South Australia, with national focus. Bianca Stawiarski is a proud Badimia and Ukrainian woman whose counselling approach is deeply grounded in cultural integrity, connection to Country, and empowerment. A warm, compassionate and purpose-driven healer, Bianca supports people to heal on their own terms through a decolonised, culturally safe lens. Bianca specialises in supporting people both within Australian and globally, who have experienced complex trauma, with extensive experience in working alongside people who have been impacted by child abuse, domestic violence and those living with dissociative identity disorder. She is recognised for holding safe, grounded spaces where clients can explore even complex trauma experiences. She brings a wealth of lived and professional experience, holding a Master in Counselling Practice, Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, Diploma in Life Coaching, and certifications in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Aboriginal Narrative Practice. She is a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor and certified Mental Health Practitioner, and is currently completing a PhD exploring First Nations women’s empowerment (mental health) and entrepreneurship. Through her work, Bianca supports people who have felt unseen or labelled by Western systems. She walks alongside clients to reconnect them with their inner fire, embrace healing beyond the four walls, and step forward in strength and sovereignty. Her approach is guided by ancient Indigenous knowledges—ngardi guwanda (thinking, feeling, listening strongly), gudu-guduwa (coming together), and ngalimi yunggudya (giving to each other)—to create meaningful, lasting change. BilaEmpower Email: Bianca@bilaempower.org Visit: www.warida.com.au to learn about Bianca’s sovereign business, Warida Wholistic Wellness. To read some of her authored works, visit: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0083-1985 or https://batchelor.academia.edu/BiancaStawiarski Founder & Managing Director – Warida Wholistic Wellness Pty Ltd Co-Founder & Chairperson – BilaEmpower Ltd

Social Worker - Mental Health & Trauma Therapist Founder, Adaptable Therapeutic Support Jess is a passionate mental health therapist and social worker, dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for individuals healing from trauma and mental health challenges. With seven years of academic and professional experience, Jess holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science, a Master of Social Work, and is currently completing a PhD researching the impacts of trauma and colonisation on Indigenous women — with a special focus on resilience, survival, and strength. Throughout her career, Jess has worked across diverse mental health settings, gaining specialised skills and training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Jess' paternal family is Aboriginal from Wiradjuri Country. After discovering her heritage later in life, she continues to deepen her understanding, strengthen her connection to culture, and honour her identity through both personal growth and professional practice. A proud advocate for gentle, trauma-informed care, Jess believes that healing is not about rushing or "fixing," but about reconnecting with safety, strength, and self-compassion. Her approach is warm, flexible, and deeply personalised to each client’s unique journey.

Clinical Psychologist Natalie Roxburgh, a proud Wiradjuri Woman is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about helping people achieve good health and social and emotional wellbeing. Natalie has experience delivering culturally sensitive psychological services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in Private Practice and public mental health sectors. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, she has diverse clinical interests and has worked with a range of social emotional wellbeing concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, life transitions, grief and loss. In her practice, Natalie emphasises a compassionate and client-centred approach, creating a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings. She draws upon a wide range of evidence-based therapies including, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Family Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Based Techniques and EMDR.

Registered Psychologist & Board Approved Psychologist Supervisor McNeair Aboriginal Psychological Services Malgana woman, Shannon McNeair is an experienced and respected Registered Psychologist, an AHPRA board-approved supervisor for Provisional Psychologists, and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Through her newly established private practice, McNeair Aboriginal Psychological Services Pty Ltd (MAPS), she prioritises delivering psychological services to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). Shannon is known for her ability to engage well with Aboriginal children, families and communities. She has strong and professional experience providing psychological services to children with complex psychological and trauma histories. Shannon has a career as a psychologist for over 15 years; with the last 8 years at the Department of Communities in the remote Pilbara and Gascoyne areas of WA. In this role, she provided comprehensive psychological assessment and clinical services to children and families in contact with the WA Child Protection service. Her experience includes psychological assessment, intervention, consultation & treatment planning with adults, families, children and adolescents with psychological issues ranging from disabilities to significant complex trauma, mental health disorders, and challenging behavioural issues. Originally from Shark Bay (Gathagudda) in Western Australia, Shannon is based in Geraldton but can work remotely or travel to meet with Aboriginal clients face-to-face in their own communities. She services metro, rural and remote areas according to need. Now in private practice, she specialises in working with individuals, families, communities, ACCOs, community-based agencies and non-government agencies. Visit: https://www.mcneairaps.com.au/

Deep Waters Healing Rick is the founder and principal of Deep Waters Healing, deeply passionate about supporting people to live their lives to the fullest. His work centres on helping individuals heal from trauma, overcome unhelpful thought patterns, and navigate life's challenges. Whether through addressing trauma and other disorders or simply offering a listening ear, Rick is committed to being there for his clients. Rick's approach to therapy may differ from traditional counselling or psychology practices. This is partly due to his Aboriginal ways of working, combined with his extensive use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT fosters an equal partnership between therapist and client, emphasising that the client is the expert in their own life. Many clients find this approach helps them feel at ease. Rick is a strong advocate for brief-intervention work, believing that significant changes can often be achieved in just one or two sessions. While longer-term therapy can be valuable, he recognises that it isn't always necessary to reach a client’s goals. Understanding the importance of the therapeutic relationship, Rick also offers a refund if the first appointment doesn't feel right for the client. His expertise includes working with anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma/PTSD, management coaching, and professional supervision. Rick's clinical experience spans various settings, including employee assistance programs, BeyondBlue/Quitline, hospital emergency departments, disaster recovery, and drug and alcohol outreach. He is skilled in a range of therapeutic modalities, including ACT, CBT, hypnotherapy, and the 'Rewind' trauma technique. Before transitioning to social work, Rick spent 20 years in management roles across State and Federal Government, dealing with issues such as disaster response, intelligence, and security. Additionally, he has a decade of Navy experience, including serving in submarines.

Shirley Young is the Director of Two Worlds Consultancy (see information below) and is an Aboriginal woman from the Nukunu People in South Australia. Shirley previously worked for 23 years in the Public Service in a variety of portfolios such as child protection, out of home care, health and child adolescent mental health services in a variety of positions including leadership roles utilising high levels of consultancy regarding clinical and cultural practice that involved supervision of staff and the provision of services to the Aboriginal community. Shirley is currently a Social Work PhD candidate at Flinders University, holds a Social Work degree with Honours, Diploma of Narrative Approaches, Certificate 4 in Community Services, Certificate 4 in Workplace Assessment and Training, Introductory Certificate in Infant Mental Health and Introductory Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health along with an extensive history of ongoing industry specific training spanning her career of 28 years providing services to the community in South Australia. Shirley represents a variety of high-level working parties and advisory panels such as: • National AASW Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group • The Aboriginal Commissioners Review into the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and Aboriginal Children in Care Aboriginal Leadership Group • Aboriginal Oversight and Advocacy Authority to the Child Death and Serious Injury Review Committee • Australian Centre for Child Protection Aboriginal Leadership Group (ALG) Meeting. • UniSA Justice & Society Social Work and Social Science Program Advisory Panel • International Women’s Business Forum of South Australia • The South Australian Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council- Board Member • The Child Development Council- Board Member Two Worlds Consultancy (TWC) is an Aboriginal owned and led Social Work Consultancy service that contracts services to government, non-government and corporate stakeholders across South Australia and is a member of the AASW. Two Worlds Consultancy provides social work services including high levels of cultural and clinical consultancy, corporate writing, reunification services, therapeutic services to children & young people in out of home care settings, corporate training & development programs, clinical & cultural supervision to government and non-government staff across the state, therapeutic NDIS services, casual lecturing at Flinders and Uni SA to Bachelor and Masters Social Work students, group work activities and the creation and production of therapeutic resources for practice.

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker Yaleela Torrens Social Worker Pty Ltd Yaleela is a Gooreng Gooreng & Bundjalung woman living in Gladstone, Central Queensland. As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, EMDR Practitioner and Registered Play Therapist, Yaleela has spent the past decade working in the human services sector, primarily in the areas of; Crisis Intervention, Domestic and Family Violence, Early Intervention, Academia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and most recently, in Private Practice. As a mental health social worker, Yaleela’s framework for practice is centred on providing strengths-based, solution focused practice approaches underpinned by anti-oppressive and trauma-informed theoretical perspectives. Yaleela’s commitment to her social work practice extends beyond her clinical work as she also teaches in the Bachelor of Social Work course with CQUniversity. Yaleela maintains strong social and cultural ties to the Gladstone community and aims to build on the critical work of her ancestors and community for the betterment of First Nations peoples. Visit: https://yaleelatorrenssocialwork.com.au/ to learn more