Mental Health Therapist
Annie Monks (she/her) - Mental Health Counsellor, Relationship Therapist and Trainee Sexologist
Areas of interest/ specialty include: general mental health, body concerns, sexual trauma (EMDR Trained), shame, fear and anxiety, arousal and navigating heteronormative structures
Therapy sessions with Annie are non-pathologizing, relaxed and trauma informed. She has a background in Social Work and Art Therapy, and is currently studying the Master of Sexology and is EMDR Trained. Her previous work background has been in mental health and family and relationship therapy. Sessions are guided by what your needs are, using Somatic and Embodied Counselling practices, Narrative Therapy techniques in conjunction with Mindfulness strategies.
Annie aims to create an atmosphere where you can feel free to explore all areas of sex and sexuality, safely and without judgement. Her main areas of interest are attachment theory in relationship, moving through feelings of shame, body concerns, sexual trauma, fear and anxiety, arousal, navigating living within heteronormative structures. She is passionate about bringing pleasure, excitement and supporting you to be a fulfilled sexual being. Working with all people inclusive of their sexuality, relationship structures and gender expression, she welcomes everyone. While acknowledging systematic oppressions, and influences out of your control, Annie aims to help you find connection through self- empowerment, community, and spirituality.
Session cost: $180 (no GST payable) an hour for individuals and $220 (no GST payable) for couples. Online and face to face in Lismore, available after hours and on weekends on request.
Funding options: Medicare Rebates (under Mental Health Care Plan), NDIS
Therapist Identities: Annie is a queer, proud mixed-race cisgender women of Aboriginal, Italian and English heritage, based on Bundjalung Country.
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Sexology - Curtin University (expected completion Nov 2024)
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) - Southern Cross University (2019)
Bachelor of Social Welfare - Southern Cross University (2016)
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - PESI Online (expected completion Sept 2023)
Certificate in Somatic Sand Therapy - The School of Integrative Somatic Psychotherapy (April 2023)
Professional Affiliations: Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Diploma in Art Therapy - College for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy (2020)
Certificate in Narrative Therapy - Dulwich Centre (2018)
Core Skills in Family Therapy - Clinical Supervision Services (May 2023)
SAFE-T Training - Somatic Attachment Focused Expressive Therapies (2021)
Sex and Consent Workshop, Condom Usage Workshop - Positive Adolescent Sexual Health (PASH) Consortium
Sticky Stuff (Playsafe) - NSW Health
PEEPS Training - NSW Health