Jeni started her business, The Complete Individual, in 1993, initially as a career counsellor but gradually becoming more involved in working with individuals and families in crisis using primarily Narrative and Solution Focussed Therapies. Over the years she has also undertaken a range of contracts in the design and delivery of adult education.
As a counsellor Jeni works with individuals and families both in her own practice and with Lifeline in a community service capacity. As a trainer she is particularly involved in training people in community services (primarily mental health) and counselling. Jeni’s formal qualifications include Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Social Science and Counselling, and accreditation in Adult Education and she has been a member of CAPA NSW since its inception. Since ethics and social justice are two areas in which Jeni is passionately interested, she has joined the executive as Chair of the Ethics Committee.
Before moving into her current area of work she was responsible for management at state and national levels in the corporate sector. On a personal level she has two adult daughters and two delightful grandsons.
Prior to my work in therapy, I had had numerous occupations which could roughly be categorised as:
- Working in the theatre world, from stage managing to production managing.
- Working in the corporate world in administration.
Then one day I decided I needed to get educated and, with encouragement, went for a dream: ‘Go to university and get an education!’ I studied at Macquarie University and received a B.A. with a major in Psychology. Then, at the Jansen Newman Institute, I completed a Graduate Diploma in Individual Psychotherapy and Relationship Therapy.
Since 2002, I have been in my third career path as a psychotherapist and counsellor. I have a background working with drug and alcohol related issues, and the issues associated with substance misuse. Currently, I work part-time as an Acting team leader for clients with a mental illness, in Aftercare’s Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs). I also have my own private practice in Wollongong, working with individuals, couples and doing group work. I’m continually blown away by the strength of people, when given the opportunity to find their own answers in the right environment.
And I really enjoy running yoga laughter groups, as I believe we can never laugh enough!
I’ve been a member of CAPA NSW since 2002, and have now been co-opted as the Membership Chair. This is another adventure, to support our membership so we gain the recognition as an alternative, professional group of registered psychotherapists and counsellors.
Sharon Ellam is based on the western shores of Lake Macquarie. Working in private practice with individuals, couples and families, she is known in the Newcastle/Central Coast area as having a particular interest in Childhood Anxiety. With an eclectic approach, but a strong emphasis on building resilient family systems, Sharon works with children and their parents as a single entity. With very young children, Sharon aims to effect change through re-focussing parental behaviours, and teaching them a child-specific ‘language’ to begin the process of teaching their child to self-calm and seek help.
With a background in Guiding and being a Brownie Guide Leader for many years, Sharon uses some of her old skills in communicating with the very young, facilitating playful learning experiences and ‘thinking outside the square’ to ‘translate’ many of the concepts of CBT for this age group.
In her previous life Sharon was a Registered Nurse, with specialities in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing. Having strong foundations with children and families in the health sense compliments Sharon’s practise as a Counsellor. Working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery for eight years also gave her a particular perspective in supporting and educating families affected by an abnormal pregnancy or birth. Female/Post-Natal Depression and assisting women who are struggling with an identity crisis after the birth of their baby is a particular interest.
Sharon compliments her practice by teaching piano. As well as paying the bills, combining Counselling with Piano Teaching is a strategic decision in managing her self-care which is another priority in her life.
Sharon was a founding member of the Regional and Rural Committee. She is passionate about facilitating members to connect and communicate to enhance their practice, and also gain support through sharing. She is equally passionate about assisting CAPA to be more inclusive in a practical sense for regional members of all membership categories. She lives life with a great sense of fun and flexibility. Studying music, laughing, gardening, painting, reading and ‘smelling the roses’ are some of her interests.
Following twenty five years in the public sector in a number of management and policy roles, I shifted to the corporate world in 1998. I now share my time between my corporate role and my private practice (Shire Psychology and Counselling) at Sutherland. I enjoy working with couples and individuals and especially like working with emotions in men.
In my interactions with practitioners and educators within our profession I am often deeply impressed at the professionalism, knowledge, skill and wisdom that I have encountered. I perceive that this wealth of talent and skill is not adequately recognised by politicians, the public sector and funding bodies. It is for this reason that I decided to use some of my experience and take on the role of Chair of the Professional Recognition Committee to try to gain appropriate levels of recognition for our profession.
On a personal level, I am married to Veronica, with three children who are all now bright young adults. In my spare time I am a keen bush walker and enjoy nothing better than holidays walking in wild places.
Academically, I have a degree in Geography and English Literature, a Masters Degree in Public Policy plus undergraduate qualifications and a Masters Degree in Counselling.
