Hi, I’m Jacqui, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Clinical Family Therapist and EMDR Therapist, and the founder of Better Mental. With more than 20 years of professional and clinical experience, I support individuals, couples and families to move through psychological distress, strengthen their relationships and create meaningful, lasting change.

I work with adults, adolescents, parents, families, pregnant and postnatal clients, and older adults. People often come to see me when they feel stuck in their lives or relationships, or are experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, grief, trauma, complex trauma, sleep difficulties or challenges with emotional regulation.

My approach is grounded, holistic, trauma-informed and person-centred. I begin with where you see yourself now, taking time to understand your experiences, relationships, daily life and what you would like to change. Together, we identify the barriers affecting your wellbeing and develop practical skills and strategies to help you move forward.

I have a particular interest in helping people understand and resolve the ongoing effects of complex trauma. This may involve working with difficult memories, emotional triggers and negative beliefs, while supporting greater emotional stability, self-compassion and a stronger sense of personal agency.

My work considers the close relationship between the mind and body, as well as the family, social and environmental systems surrounding each person. Depending on your needs, I may draw on EMDR, trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, art-based approaches, narrative practices and ADHD or autism-focused coaching.

I also enjoy supporting people through significant life transitions, including becoming a parent, experiencing loss, navigating relationship changes or entering retirement. Therapy may include psychoeducation, practical tools and opportunities to explore new perspectives, helping you respond to life with greater understanding, confidence and flexibility.

Before establishing Better Mental, I spent more than 15 years working across Queensland Health mental health services. My experience includes adult, older persons, child and youth, acute care, rehabilitation and disaster recovery services, along with leadership and clinical supervision roles. This broad experience continues to shape the responsive and collaborative way I work today.

I believe that each client is the expert in their own life. My role is to bring clinical experience, compassion and objectivity to the process while ensuring our work remains focused on what matters most to you. I aim to provide a space where you feel sincerely listened to, respected and supported to build insight, develop practical skills and create a life and relationships that feel more satisfying.

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Mental Health in Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Visual Arts. I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and AASW Clinical Supervisor, a clinical member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy and a member of the EMDR Association of Australia. Through Better Mental, I offer appointments in person at Bellarine Wellness Co in Queenscliff and in Geelong, as well as online.