Dr Merryl Sykes Counsellor

clinic location

Overview

Dr Merryl Sykes is a Level 4 registered Clinical Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association ACA and holds the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from James Cook University, Townsville and has undertaken research into early childhood teacher education and accreditation, child development and wellbeing. She was a presenter at the 2018 International Early Childhood Symposium and the 2018 Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference held in Melbourne. Merryl has an extensive background and experience in children and human services, specifically in the area of education having worked with children, adolescents and families from different backgrounds, presenting diverse issues. Merryl is a caring counsellor offering a comfortable, non-judgmental environment for her clients. She specializing in Adolescent and Family Counselling and Family and Psychological Therapy. Merryl holds degrees in: Master of Social Science (Human Services); Bachelor of Social Science (Children & Families Studies); Diploma in Children's Services; Diploma in Out-of-School Services Accredited Teacher and School Counsellor with the NSW Education Department; and Accredited Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and an Academic/ Clinical Counsellor with the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Merryl is also accredited as a Counsellor Supervisor providing practice supervision to accredited Counsellors and social workers. A Lecturer and Counsellor Merryl is employed as an Academic Supervisor with University of Newcastle Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Higher Education and Department of Community Services and Mental Health TAFENSW.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Society & Culture), Master Social Science (Human Services); Bachelor Social Science (Children & Family Studies)

Accreditations

  • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
  • Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)

Certifications

  • Diploma Children's Services; Diploma in Out of School Hours Care; Accredited Teacher NSW Department of Education/School Counsellor

Working Hours

This Week

Friday:9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Specialisation and Services

Area of Focus

  • Adolescents
  • Anxiety
  • Behaviour Problems
  • Cancer management
  • Career and Vocational Planning
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Depression
  • Family Therapy
  • General Counselling
  • Grief and Loss
  • Pastoral care

Modalities

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Family Therapy Gestalt
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Narrative Therapy

Patient Focus

  • Teenagers
  • Adults
  • Families
  • Older adults
  • Infants

Languages Spoken

  • English