Our Team

Clinical / Accredited Mental Health Social Workers & Registered Counsellors

Recovery Solutions Counselling provides assessments and therapeutic interventions for trauma survivors, neurodiverse individuals, and those seeking support with relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Our Clinical / Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are fully registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers and uphold the AASW’s code of ethics.

Our Counsellors uphold the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) code of ethics, ensuring safe and professional care.

Our team has specialised training and experience in:

  • A wide range of therapeutic interventions
  • Biopsychosocial assessments
  • Autism assessments
  • Victims of crime assessments
  • Theraplay
  • Supporting survivors of family violence
  • Relationship counselling
  • Working with trauma survivors, veterans, and neurodiverse individuals


All team members are committed to regular supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based practices.

Meet The Minds Behind Recovery Solutions

Cassandra Cuttler

Founder & Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Cassandra is a deeply compassionate and highly skilled practitioner with over 17 years of experience supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. She understands that healing looks different for everyone and is committed to working collaboratively, tailoring therapy to meet each person exactly where they are on their recovery journey. Her approach is warm, non-judgemental, and empowering, creating a safe space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported.

Background & Experience

  • Over 17 years’ experience as a Mental Health Social Worker in public and private mental health settings
  • Formal qualifications include:
    • Bachelor of Social Work
    • Bachelor of Human Services
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
    • Postgraduate Certificate in Grief, Loss, and Trauma
    • Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Extensive experience supporting trauma survivors, veterans, first responders, and their families
  • Skilled in professional training, supervision, consultation, and critical incident responses

Areas of Focus

  • Trauma, PTSD, and adjustment difficulties
  • Grief, loss, and family violence
  • Major life transitions
  • Autism, ADHD, and neuro-affirming practice
  • Individual, couples, and family therapy

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) & Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness-based interventions
  • Schema Therapy
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Safe and Sound Protocol

Assessments & Group Programs

  • Comprehensive biopsychosocial, functional capacity, and autism assessments
  • Facilitator of therapeutic group programs
  • Provider of professional supervision, training, and consultation to mental health professionals and organisations

Sabrina Hallam

Group Program Coordinator and Co-facilitator

Sabrina has worked in human resources and health services since 2011 and is completing a Master of Counselling. Sabrina has a passion for working with individuals holistically.

Sabrina is one of our group facilitators. She is a certified facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy & the LEGO® Serious® Play® Methodology. Sabrina is fantastic with children, developing a strong rapport quickly.

Sabrina has engaged in professional development training in neurodiversity, play therapy, and holistic ecotherapy.

She has previously completed training as a family violence contact officer and Lifeline, engaging in peer support roles.

Sheena Gifford

Social Worker

Sheena is a qualified social worker with experience working with individuals and families, helping them overcome barriers within their lives and supporting them to improve their resilience.

Sheena has worked with a large variety of individuals, building positive relationships, supporting individuals with a range of mental health and social issues, and successfully assisting young people and their families to achieve their goals. Sheena works holistically, striving to deliver services informed by strengths-based theory, client-centred, trauma-informed and solution-focused perspectives.

In previous positions, Sheena has developed experience working with and supporting young people with disabilities and complex needs within the out-of-home care sector.

Sheena has completed training in positive behaviour management strategies, therapeutic crisis interventions and conflict management. Sheena is dedicated to learning and developing professionally.

Stephanie Lunt

Registered Counsellor

Stephanie is a compassionate and trauma-informed counsellor with more than nine years of experience supporting individuals and families through complex and challenging circumstances. With a strong background in community services, family violence support, and therapeutic practice, she is dedicated to creating safe, relational, and neuro-affirming spaces where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and thrive. Stephanie’s approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each client’s unique journey.

Background & Experience

  • Over nine years of experience in counselling, case management, and community services
  • Extensive work in therapeutic counselling, family services, educational support, and residential care
  • Skilled in supporting individuals and families impacted by complex trauma, child protection concerns, family violence, and systemic disadvantage
  • Experience working across statutory and non-statutory environments
  • Strong focus on rebuilding safety, trust, and connection within family systems

Areas of Focus

  • Complex trauma and post-traumatic stress
  • Family violence and intergenerational trauma
  • Child and adolescent wellbeing
  • Neurodivergent clients, including Autism and ADHD
  • Behavioural concerns, social exclusion, and emotional regulation

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Somatic therapy for complex trauma
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches
  • Polyvagal and attachment-based interventions
  • Neurodiversity-affirming practice for Autistic and ADHD clients
  • Expressive arts and play-based interventions

Programs & Facilitation

  • Experienced in facilitating group programs focused on trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and social skills development
  • Skilled in delivering family-focused interventions and psychoeducational support for parent-child relationships

Qualifications & Professional Development

  • ACA Registered Counsellor – Level 2
  • Graduate Certificate in Psychology (current, Edith Cowan University)
  • Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence Practice (current, Central Queensland University)
  • Graduate Certificate in Counselling (2024)
  • Diploma of Counselling (2023)
  • Certificate II in Community Services (2012)
  • Certified Complex Trauma Professional Training
  • Certified ADHD Clinician Training
  • MARAM Comprehensive and Intermediate Risk Assessment and Management Training
  • Mental Health First Aid

Referrals & Availability
 Stephanie is available for both individual and group counselling sessions, supporting children, adolescents, and adults. She is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based care and welcomes referrals from GPs, support services, and self-referred clients.

Pieta Marks

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Pieta is a highly experienced and compassionate practitioner with over a decade of dedicated practice supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging circumstances. With a particular focus on trauma, domestic and family violence, and perinatal mental health, she creates safe, empowering spaces for healing and growth. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and gentle therapeutic style, Pieta works collaboratively with clients to foster resilience, insight, and long-term wellbeing.

Background & Experience

  • Over 10 years of experience as a Mental Health Social Worker
  • Extensive clinical experience supporting survivors of abuse, violence, and trauma
  • Skilled in perinatal mental health, including prenatal and postnatal anxiety, depression, identity transition, and attachment concerns
  • Committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice
  • Experience across both short-term and longer-term therapeutic work

Areas of Focus

  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress
  • Domestic and family violence
  • Perinatal and parental mental health
  • Grief, loss, and life transitions
  • Eating disorders (including family-based therapy)
  • Support for neurodivergent individuals (Autism and ADHD)

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & CBT for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Family-based therapy for eating disorders
  • Safe and Sound Therapy
  • Mindfulness-based interventions
  • Strengths- and solutions-focused therapy

Referrals & Availability

Pieta works full-time in private practice and currently has capacity to take on new clients. She welcomes referrals and is available for both short-term and longer-term therapeutic work.

Vicki Meadows

Registered Counsellor (ACA Level 2)

Vicki is a skilled and compassionate counsellor with over eight years of experience in the community services sector. She specialises in abuse counselling, relationship therapy, grief and loss, and conflict resolution, bringing both professional expertise and warmth to her work. Known for her inclusive, trauma-informed approach, Vicki creates safe, culturally affirming spaces where gender diverse and neurodiverse individuals feel supported, respected, and empowered.

Background & Experience

  • Over 8 years of experience in the community services sector
  • Holds a Bachelor of Human Services and Diplomas in Counselling and Community Services
  • Currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
  • Strong background in the family violence sector and complex trauma
  • Experienced in working with children, families, and adults

 

Areas of Focus

  • Abuse counselling and family violence support
  • Relationship therapy and conflict resolution
  • Grief and loss
  • Complex trauma recovery
  • Support for gender diverse and neurodiverse individuals

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • Schema Therapy (Levels 1 and 2)
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Trauma-informed and holistic, client-led approaches

Programs & Facilitation

  • Trained facilitator in:
    • Bringing Up Great Kids
    • Engaging Adolescents
    • The Shark Cage Framework
  • Ongoing commitment to professional development in trauma-informed practice and mental health

Referrals & Availability

 Vicki currently works in private practice and welcomes referrals. She is available for both short-term and longer-term counselling, providing flexible, client-centred support tailored to individual needs.

Asher Baker

Mental Health Social Worker

Asher is a compassionate and client-centred practitioner who combines over a decade of teaching and social work experience to support individuals and families facing trauma, grief, and complex life challenges. She brings a warm, holistic approach that empowers clients to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and achieve long-term wellbeing.

Background & Experience

  • 11+ years’ experience as an educator and Clinical Social Worker
  • Master of Social Work, with extensive experience supporting vulnerable communities
  • Skilled in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families

Areas of Focus

  • Parenting support and family therapy
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Emotional wellbeing and conflict resolution
  • Support for survivors of family violence

     

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • Theraplay
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Healthy Relationships for Teens
  • Parenting Programs & Child Development Courses
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
  • Single-session therapy

Sabrina Hallam

Registered Counsellor (PACFA Member)

Sabrina is a compassionate and client-centred counsellor who has been working across human resources and health services since 2011. With a Master of Counselling and registration with PACFA, she combines professional rigour with genuine care, helping individuals, children, and families navigate life’s challenges. Known for her creative and holistic approach, Sabrina creates safe, nurturing environments where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.

Background & Experience

  • Over a decade of experience across human resources and health services
  • Master of Counselling and registered member of PACFA
  • Skilled group facilitator, particularly in children’s therapeutic programs
  • Strong focus on building trust, resilience, and social-emotional skills

Areas of Focus

  • Child and family counselling
  • Support for neurodiverse clients (Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD)
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Play-based and creative therapeutic approaches
  • Holistic and nature-based healing practices

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • LEGO® Based Therapy and LEGO® Serious® Play® Methodology
  • Play therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy
  • Somatic experiencing for trauma recovery
  • Holistic ecotherapy
  • Conflict resolution
  • Trauma-informed training and ongoing professional development

Referrals & Availability

Sabrina currently works in private practice and welcomes referrals. She is available for both individual and group work, offering flexible, tailored approaches to meet each client’s unique needs.

Sheena Gifford

Mental Health Social Worker

Sheena is a warm and empathetic social worker with extensive experience supporting individuals and families to navigate life’s challenges and build emotional resilience. She is passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and non-judgemental spaces where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Believing in meeting people where they are, Sheena helps clients explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace, fostering comfort and confidence in the therapeutic process.

Background & Experience

  • Qualified Social Worker with extensive experience in mental health and community support
  • Skilled in working with clients of all ages and diverse backgrounds
  • Experience ranges from supporting mild anxiety and depression to complex issues including PTSD, personality disorders, and co-occurring challenges
  • Additional expertise in working with young people with disabilities and complex needs
  • Training in positive behaviour management, therapeutic crisis intervention, and conflict management

Areas of Focus

  • Trauma and emotional dysregulation
  • PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms
  • Anxiety, depression, and other common mental health concerns
  • Personality disorders and co-occurring challenges
  • Psychosocial stressors and interpersonal difficulties
  • Disability support and complex needs

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Trauma-informed and solution-focused frameworks
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder training
  • Ongoing professional development in evidence-informed practice

Referrals & Availability

Sheena currently works in private practice and welcomes referrals. She is available for both short-term and longer-term therapeutic work, tailoring her approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

Sarah Weldon

Social Worker

Sarah is a qualified social worker focusing on building her existing skills and knowledge to implement exceptional, strength-based practice methods that maximise positive outcomes. Sarah has experience facilitating group programs and developing community programs. Sarah has co-facilitated our Lego-based therapy program and Thoughts Feelings Actions Group. 

Sarah has worked with NDIS participants to assist with social participation and everyday living. This included providing physical and emotional assistance in and out of the home. She has experience working with people who have physical and psychosocial disabilities. 

Sarah has previous experience working from the attachment theory approach, trauma-informed practices and child-focused interventions. Additionally, Sarah has experience working with intergenerational trauma and working from a cognitive behavioural therapy approach. 

Lorinda (Lori) Hetherton

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Lori is an experienced and dedicated social worker with over 18 years of practice in mental health, trauma, and community development. She has worked extensively across public sectors in NSW, ACT, and VIC, supporting individuals, families, and community programs. Known for her strength-based and trauma-informed approach, Lori fosters safe, supportive environments where clients feel empowered to heal, recover, and build resilience.

Background & Experience

  • Over 18 years of experience in counselling, assessments, and therapeutic interventions
  • Career across public health and community sectors in NSW, ACT, and VIC
  • Experience with individuals, families, and community programs
  • Skilled in working with people of varying abilities, providing integration support and facilitating learning programs

Areas of Focus

  • Acute and sub-acute mental health conditions
  • Trauma and intergenerational trauma
  • Substance use and co-morbidities
  • Chronic illness and psychosocial stressors
  • Personality disorders and complex trauma presentations
  • Disability support and integration

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Level 2 trained
  • Exposure Therapy
  • SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Mindfulness-based interventions

Qualifications & Professional Development

  • Bachelor of Social Work (Distinction)
  • Bachelor of Social Science (Youth)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Fundamentals & Co-occurring Conditions
  • Training in treating PTSD and Complex Trauma
  • Therapeutic interventions for Borderline Personality Disorder
  • AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) and Mental Health Assessment
  • Cross-cultural assessment and treatment expertise

Programs & Facilitation

  • Experienced in community program development and facilitation
  • Skilled in delivering integration support and learning programs for people of varying abilities

Referrals & Availability

 Lori is a full member of the Australian Association of Social Workers, Medicare-registered for Mental Health Care Plans, and listed with Victims Assistance in NSW and Victoria. She currently works part-time and offers remote services.

Simon Watts

Social Work Student

Simon Watts is a passionate and dedicated social work student with extensive experience supporting youth and individuals facing mental health challenges, childhood trauma, social exclusion, and behavioural concerns. He combines trauma-informed care, strengths-based approaches, and outdoor experiences to foster resilience, social connection, and mental well-being. Simon has a proven track record in facilitating programs such as Lego-based therapy, youth mentoring, community engagement initiatives, and outdoor activity based learning.

Simon’s approach integrates trauma-informed care, strengths-based practices, and his accreditations in social work, community services, therapeutic crisis intervention and Acceptance Commitment Therapy to deliver impactful and personalised support.

He facilitates Brick Club our Lego-based therapy programs for youth aged 8 to 15, using structured play to build confidence, emotional well-being, and teamwork while fostering a sense of belonging.

Recognised for his contributions to community services, Simon’s work reflects his commitment to challenging traditional systems and to innovative, evidence-based methods highlights his dedication to creating safe, empowering environments that promote recovery, resilience, and connection.

Simon Watts

Group Program Coordinator and Co-facilitator

Simon is a dedicated social work student with a strong passion for supporting young people and individuals facing mental health challenges, childhood trauma, social exclusion, and behavioural concerns. With extensive experience in youth mentoring and community engagement, he fosters resilience, social connection, and wellbeing through trauma-informed care, strengths-based approaches, and outdoor learning experiences.

Background & Experience

  • Social work student with experience in community services and youth support
  • Skilled in youth mentoring and community engagement programs
  • Strong interest in innovative, evidence-based approaches to recovery and resilience
  • Experience supporting children and adolescents with trauma, behavioural concerns, and social exclusion

 

Areas of Focus

  • Youth mental health and wellbeing
  • Childhood trauma and resilience-building
  • Social inclusion and community connection
  • Behavioural challenges and emotional regulation
  • Outdoor activity-based learning

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Trauma-informed and strengths-based frameworks
  • Therapeutic crisis intervention
  • Holistic, activity-based interventions

Programs & Facilitation

  • Coordinator and co-facilitator of group programs at Recovery Solutions Counselling
  • Facilitator of Brick Club (LEGO®-based therapy program for youth aged 8–15)
  • Experience in LEGO®-based therapy, youth mentoring, and outdoor learning programs
  • Focus on building confidence, emotional resilience, teamwork, and belonging through structured play and group engagement

Referrals & Availability

Simon is available in his role as Group Program Coordinator and Co-facilitator, supporting the delivery of Recovery Solutions Counselling’s Group Programs. He is committed to creating safe, supportive environments where participants can connect, learn, and thrive. You can learn more about the range of programs he helps deliver on our Group Programs page.

CONTACT US