I am a social worker based in Bellingen on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. I have worked in social work for most of my adult life, and I still believe that giving people space to express themselves and gain insight is the greatest healing gift there is.
I offer counselling, resilience workshops, mental health consultancy, training and supervision, in person around Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca, and online right across Australia.
Why it is called Tom’s Place
My father’s name was Tom, and his door was always open. He offered support, care and a compassionate ear to anyone who turned up, and he never asked for help for himself.
When I was eighteen he gave me the best advice I have had. “Always listen to people’s stories. Everyone has a story, and each story is valuable. You have to listen and find where the value is for you. Always listen with your heart.”
That is what this practice is built on. An open door, and someone who will actually listen.
Read the full story of Tom’s Place.
How I work
My approach is trauma-informed, solution-focused and person-centred. I start from the strength of your own lived experience rather than from a diagnosis, and I look for what is genuinely within your control to change.
In practice that means holistic, practical support: compassion and a workable therapeutic connection, alongside concrete strategies. I also walk alongside people navigating information, referrals and services, to find the right resources and support within our community.
I am committed to upskilling people to withstand the ever-changing landscape of modern life. Resilience is not a personality trait you either have or do not have. It is a set of skills, and skills can be taught.
Qualifications and experience
- Master of Social Work, Southern Cross University
- Bachelor of Communications, RMIT
- Accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
- Over ten years of experience in mental health and welfare coaching, program design and interventions
- Consulting work trusted across the government, tertiary and community sectors since 2014
Where I work
In person around Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca on the Mid North Coast, and online across Australia by Zoom.
Counselling sessions run Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Enquiries are answered Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What I offer
- Counselling – trauma-informed, one to one, in person or online.
- Workshops – Writing for Wellbeing, Adversity Skills and Laughter for Resilience, for workplaces and groups.
- Consultancy – program design, evaluation, training and supervision for organisations.
Start with a free 20-minute call
The best way to find out whether we are a good fit is a short conversation that costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Contact Alex and we will find a time.