Hi, I’m Kerrianne

Bairnsdale Councellor

I'm a qualified mental health social worker with more than 15 years' experience. I offer counselling in Bairnsdale and surrounding areas. I grew up here in East Gippsland and I work in Bairnsdale. Because I live and work in this community, I understand what life is like here, the distance from services, the pressure of rural life, and the things people don't always talk about. I bring all of that into the room with us.

Before I opened my private practice, I worked in hospitals, mental health services, bushfire recovery, family violence, disability and community health. That background means I look at the whole picture, not just your symptoms, but your life.

I bring my clinical knowledge into our conversations, but we always work through things together. I use my experience to help make sense of what's going on, untangle confusing symptoms, and talk through options with you in plain language. It's not about me telling you what to do. It's about you having someone beside you who genuinely understands the landscape, so you can make your own choices with more clarity. I start with what matters to you, build on what you already have, and my clinical training and evidence‑based approaches help you build practical skills that last.

A woman with brown hair and hazel eyes, smiling, wearing gold hoop earrings and a leopard print scarf, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) — helps identify and change thought patterns and behaviours that are getting in the way

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) — builds skills in managing big emotions, getting through hard moments, mindfulness and relationships

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — helps people figure out what matters to them and stop fighting thoughts that are pulling them down

  • Psycho-education — learning about how the mind and body work

  • Mindfulness

  • Relaxation strategies

  • Skills training

  • Interpersonal therapy — working on how someone relates to others

  • Exposure therapy — facing fears step by step

  • Problem solving

Therapies I use

Qualifications

  • AMHSW — Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

  • Medicare provider — Better Access to Mental Health Care

  • Developmental Psychiatry-Monash University

  • WorkSafe, TAC, DVA — registered provider

  • Victims of Crime — registered practitioner

  • FAS — registered provider.

Previously Worked In

  • Community Mental Health-LaTrobe Regional Hospital 

  • Trauma recovery — bushfires, complex trauma, family violence

  • Hospital social work-Bairnsdale

  • Community Health Sector — whole-of-life support

What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?

Logo of the Association of Social Workers (AASW) with text 'AASW Accredited Mental Health Social Worker'

An AMHSW is a university-trained health professional who has completed extra specialist training in mental health. AMHSWs are one of only three allied health professions that Medicare recognises for mental health support — alongside psychologists and occupational therapists. They look at the whole person, not just the problem. Kerrianne is a proud AASW.

30 hours of ongoing training every year

Bound by the AASW Code of Ethics

Real support.

Your Pace.

Your Goals.

Submit the inquiry form to discuss your objectives and determine how I can help.