Amanda Thornbury | Founder & Counsellor – Intrinsic Healing Space | Certified Practising Counsellor | Supervisor | Facilitator Amanda is the founder of Intrinsic Healing Space, a private counselling practice built on the belief that people hold an intrinsic capacity for growth, healing and change. This philosophy is reflected in the way Amanda works, not as the expert in another person’s life, but journeying alongside them as they build understanding, reconnect with themselves and discover what they need to move forward. Amanda is a proud First Nations counsellor, born on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country, with connection to Minang and Wotjobaluk Nations. Warm, curious and down-to-earth, Amanda brings authenticity and genuine human connection to her work, creating a space where people can arrive as they are without needing to have the right words or everything figured out. Deep listening is at the heart of Amanda’s practice. She understands the value of having someone truly listen, without rushing to respond, problem-solve or offer advice and takes the time to understand each person’s story and what matters to them. Her person-centred approach recognises each person as the expert in their own life, with Amanda journeying alongside them to build understanding, reconnect with their strengths and reclaim a greater sense of agency and direction. Amanda supports people experiencing workplace stress, burnout, anxiety, trauma recovery, overwhelm, loss of confidence and life transitions, as well as those times when life simply feels harder than it used to. With compassion and gentle curiosity, Amanda helps clients gain greater clarity, self-compassion and confidence in moving forward. Amanda’s practice is culturally grounded and holistic, bringing together evidence-based counselling approaches with Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Deep listening, storytelling, relationship and connection naturally inform the way she works, alongside an understanding of the importance of culture, community and Country to social and emotional wellbeing. Alongside counselling, Amanda is a We Al-li facilitator in Dadirri (deep listening) and culturally informed, trauma-integrated programs. Additionally she facilitates group reflective practice and provides cultural supervision. Across these roles, Amanda brings the same curiosity and relational approach, supporting people to deepen their awareness, reflect on their experiences and better understand the influences shaping how they show up in their work and lives.

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/

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.