Mr Dan Hales (He/him)Social Worker

I have over 21 years’ experience as a practicing social worker and in 2023 I qualified as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW). I also hold a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy through the Australian College of Applied Psychology, and I am a qualified yoga and mindfulness teacher with training in movement, dance, theatre and performance. My background: I have worked across multiple sectors including youth services, HIV / STI prevention as well as numerous roles in the SA arts sector, and with diverse communities including LGBTIQA+ folks, migrants and refugees and Aboriginal / First Nations communities. Much of my early career was project and community development based, including a 6-year stint in Northern Thailand working with various marginalised communities. I recommenced clinical work in 2021 with the headspace Early Psychosis program until I transferred in 2023 across to their general counselling team, where I continue to work today. I have also performed in various capacities in 4 x countries, numerous festivals, written 2 x shows, co-directed a semi-professional theatre company in Thailand and taught movement and performance to children and communities across SE Asia and Australia. My counselling and psychotherapy practice: I offer an approach to counselling and therapy that emphasises the quality of the relationship with my clients first and foremost. I aim to promote safety, choice and empowerment in my work with clients – my practice with clients is trauma-focused, as well as being informed by the core theories and values of social work (systems theory, strengths perspective, client self-determination, human rights and social justice). I am qualified to deliver therapy via the following therapeutic modalities - Schema Therapy (level 1), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy (levels 1 & 2), DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) skills, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Person-Centred Therapy and CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy). I have also received training and teaching in Polyvagal Theory, creative arts therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I am a keen mindfulness and yoga practitioner of 23 years, with qualifications in teaching both, including Yoga for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Body Image (through Sarah Ball). My communities: I am highly passionate about working with my own queer and neurodivergent community, including trans & gender diverse folks and HIV positive community members, as well as all people from diverse and intersecting cultural backgrounds and identities. In my ‘spare’ time I love to see family and friends, visit the theatre, dance my pants off at a music festival (WOMADelaide is my second home) or do something active outdoors. You'll otherwise find me travelling, camping, hiking, beaching, awe-hunting or occasionally throwing myself out of a plane (or on to a stage)!