Meet the team...
Mereki (She/Her)
Mental Health Social Worker
Mereki is a compassionate Mental Health Social Worker at Banksia, with expertise in a diverse range of presentations such as PTSD, ASD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, eating disorders, and parenting issues. Her therapeutic approach spans across the lifespan, offering tailored support in individual, couples, and family therapy settings.
With a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) and accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker with the AASW, Mereki brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. She is trained in various evidence-based therapies, including DBT, CBT-E, CBT, Drumbeat, Family Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, suicide prevention and risk assessment, Narrative Therapy and Mentalisation therapy.
Mereki's therapeutic style is characterised by her person-centered, warm, and gentle demeanor, creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore and heal. She is dedicated to continuous learning and is currently focusing on Internal Family Systems and Schema Therapy to enhance her practice.
Mereki is committed to inclusivity and supports First Nations people and LGBTQIA+ individuals, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment in her practice. Additionally, she offers consultations for individuals who may be unsure before their initial session, providing a reassuring approach to those seeking mental health support.
​
Beyond her professional role, Mereki is deeply connected to her community and values the impact of mental health care in the lives of those she serves. Her commitment to empowering individuals to embrace meaningful and positive changes reflects her holistic approach to well-being and healing.
Caitlin (She/Her)
Social Worker/Counsellor
Step into a space of understanding and transformation with Caitlin, a seasoned counselor ready to walk alongside you on your journey toward positive change. Caitlin's academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master's in Counseling (Advanced Practice), complemented by over a decade of hands-on experience.
Caitlin exclusively offers her services via Telehealth, ensuring convenient access to counseling from the comfort of your own space. Please note that an intake process is required to book an appointment with Caitlin. This process helps ensure that Caitlin can provide the most appropriate support tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Caitlin's expertise spans a wide range of areas, including anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, support for First Nations communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and relapse prevention.
Drawing from modalities such as brief intervention, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Caitlin tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual she serves. Her warm and empathetic demeanor creates a safe and inviting space where clients can explore their concerns with confidence and comfort.
As a proud member of both the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as a Level 2 Counsellor, Caitlin upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in her practice. Whether you're facing personal challenges or navigating complex family dynamics, Caitlin is here to offer guidance, compassion, and evidence-based solutions to help you thrive.
Zane (He/Him)
Group Facilitator
Zane enriches Banksia with his wealth of experience in group settings. From 2018, Zane has dedicated his work to supporting men in group settings, fostering a supportive and understanding environment. Zane's experience extends to Child Safety, where he focused on helping teens navigate complex challenges. Prior to this, Zane worked for over a decade as a tradesperson across Australia, bringing a unique perspective that combines practical skills with empathetic understanding, creating a holistic approach to his role.
In addition, Zane has worked in high school settings delivering health relationship programs, further showcasing his commitment to supporting young people in various aspects of their lives.
​
Driven by a passion for empowering young people, Zane is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work. Throughout his life in voluntary and paid positions, Zane has regularly facilitated groups, honing his skills in group dynamics and therapeutic support. His commitment to helping individuals find their best selves shines through in his compassionate and dedicated approach.
Peter (He/Him)
Administrator
Peter has worked for many years in management and administrative roles in community organisations and in government. He is a competent IT administrator with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and security of information. Peter works part-time for Banksia. He is responsible for management of Banksia's client information, invoicing and maintaining the website. Peter has a strong interest in environmental protection and has volunteered and worked for and been a board member for a number of conservation organisations in Queensland.
​
To contact Peter email: admin@banksiamhc.com