Sensational Kids’ Counsellors are a vital part of our mental health team. They work with children of all ages and their families to help develop skills that support their social and emotional wellbeing and provide strategies and support to help with emotional regulation and anxiety managment. All of Sensational Kids’ Counsellors are Masters level qualified health professionals and bring with them a range of evidence-based and practical strategies to promote and strengthen the mental health of our clients. Our Counselling team value the importance of enjoyable, confidental and meaningful therapy for children and work collaboratively with caregivers to ensure good transferrance of skills into school, home and the community.
Counsellors
BRENDAN ALLISON
-Diploma of Health, Bachelor of Psychology & Master of Counselling-
Brendan is a PACFA registered Counsellor with experience across multiple industries working with a vast array of people – from children, to the elderly and clients in custodial settings. Brendan graduated from Monash University with a Masters in Counselling after working with vulnerable children of immigrating and refugee families. He has also spent some time volunteering in combatting loneliness across Australia during the lockdowns through telehealth crisis supports.
Brendan utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach – using modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy along with play-based therapies and learning. As a strong proponent for play as a method of both communication and development Brendan has experience working with many issues experienced by adolescents – emotional regulation, communication issues, complex blended family situations and more. Brendan has a strong passion for creative activities out of the office and brings this to the way he engages and builds rapport with children. Brendan is based at our Kensington site.
Lorrae Taylor - team wellbeing support
-Bachelor of Psychological Science, Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced & Master of Counselling-
Lorrae is a PACFA registered Counsellor with a Master of Counselling from Monash University. Lorrae is currently undertaking her Master of Psychology (Clinical) and is registered as a Provisional Psychologist.
Lorrae has a range of experience working with children across multiple industries including education/childcare. Lorrae believes that therapy is a collaborative process and seeks to create a safe, inclusive space that is focused on an individual’s needs. Lorrae values integrating individual strengths and interests into each session to assist children/adolescents with their motivation and engagement towards their personal goals. Lorrae adapts each session to use a range of therapeutic approaches that are modified to suit the individual. This may include play-based therapies, mindfulness, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Lorrae works with a diverse range of children/adolescents from 4-18 years old. Lorrae is experienced and passionate about working with adolescents on a range of difficulties including mental health concerns, family challenges, self-esteem and school stressors.
Lorrae is based at our Cheltenham clinic.