Walking Beside You - Kerrie’s Approach

For more than 30 years, my work has centred on supporting people through moments of challenge, growth and change. What guides me is simple: every person deserves to feel safe, heard and genuinely understood. I aim to offer a space where you can exhale, feel supported, and begin to make sense of whatever is happening in your world.

My approach is warm, practical and collaborative. In therapy, I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and play‑based approaches - choosing what fits best for each person and their circumstances. With children and young people, I use creative, engaging ways to explore emotions, build skills and support confidence.

Please note, that for now my focus is on providing comprehensive psychological assessments for children and young people. My therapy and equine services will be coming to the Bega Valley soon!

Working with children and young people

Children and young people are at the heart of my work. My 16 years of working in schools has given me a deep understanding of the many things that shape a young person’s wellbeing - and the importance of working collaboratively to create a village of support around the young person.

I offer a space where children can be themselves, whether that involves talking, playing, creating, moving, being outdoors or spending time with horses. My focus is on helping children and young people understand their emotions, develop practical strategies, strengthen relationships and navigate the world around them.

Psychological assessment

I provide psychological assessment to help families and schools understand a child’s strengths, learning profile and individual needs. I have extensive experience with cognitive and learning assessments, Specific Learning Disorders, ADHD, giftedness, adaptive functioning and developmental concerns.

Assessment, to me, is more than scores or labels. It’s a collaborative process that brings clarity and direction. I work closely with families, and where appropriate, schools and other professionals, to ensure recommendations are practical, realistic and genuinely helpful in everyday life.

Psychology and horses

Horses have been part of my life since childhood, and I’m grateful to bring that passion into my work. As a certified Equine-Assisted Practitioner, I offer sessions where children and young people can connect, grow and explore alongside a horse.

I also coach riders in showjumping and horse archery throughout ACT and NSW, supporting those experiencing nerves, anxiety or a loss of confidence. Helping riders understand their thoughts and emotions, and rebuild trust in themselves, is something I deeply enjoy.

My psychological experience makes me a better coach, and my horses have made me a better psychologist. It doesn’t feel like two separate worlds to me; it feels like two parts of my life that naturally belong together.

A little more about me

Outside of work, life is shared with my family, horses, dogs and chooks. I love being outdoors, hiking and travelling through outback Australia — wide open spaces and time in nature keep me grounded, and they influence the way I practise too.

I don’t believe therapy needs to feel clinical or intimidating. Sometimes we simply need a safe place to make sense of things, understand ourselves a little better and find a way forward. Whether I’m working with a child, young person, adult, family or rider, my aim is always the same: to create a space where people feel welcomed, respected and supported to discover their strengths and take their next step.