Hi, I’m Ricky

I don’t expect you to select me as your therapist simply because of my fashion sense or sense of humour. So allow me to introduce myself.

Most importantly, I am qualified and registered! The terms ‘counsellor’ and ‘therapist’ are not protected in Australia, meaning anyone can use them. However, I’m happy to tell you:
I have attained a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from ACAP (Australian College of Applied Psychology).
I hold an active registration with PACFA as a Certified Practising Counsellor. Membership #27957
I participate in continued education through short courses, webinars, supervision and reading.
My effectiveness in this work is shaped by my own lived experience with depression, ADHD, and self-esteem issues. I’m open about this because I’ve found that my clients want someone who ‘gets it’.
Since finding myself at a low at 21, my life has been a real journey - of both the outer and inner kind.
I’ve travelled across the ocean to another country and the state lines of my own. Taking each step as an opportunity to learn and grow – shedding limiting beliefs and behaviours that prevented me from having the relationship with myself that I truly wanted.
Now in my late 30s, I’m in a much better place as I use my personal and professional experience to support clients on their own journeys.
I’m also a Youth Worker, so between multiple jobs, I’m kept quite busy. But I always find time for the gym and hikes. In fact, I’ve done both Mt Everest Basecamp and the Camino De Santiago where I walked 700km across Spain!
Occasionally, I’ll head to a festival, bush doof, or heavy rock / metal show. But that’s been happening less in my later years. I’m more than happy to hang out at home with a good book or doco.
A big value of mine is learning so I’m always up for new experiences, and travelling.
I also love to write. You check out my first book I released in 2014 which covers how I navigated my early life challenges. I’m currently working on a second title, Home, which will over the last ten years of my life.
My other creative project is my podcast, To the Brighter Side. I interview people about their lived experiences and personal growth.

If you’re going to let me into your life, it’s only fair I show you a bit of mine. Just as you’re more than the challenges you’re facing, I’m more than a therapist. So here’s to both of us showing up as our full selves.