About
Phoenix Place, located in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire (NSW), was established to help people of all ages: individuals, groups, couples and families. We offer Mothercraft Nursing support for parents with little ones, as well as broader parenting support and advice, specifically tailored to each unique family and situation. We also offer Play Therapy and counselling, to provide children and adults with the support they need to help get them back on their feet. Phoenix Place is a safe, non-judgemental space for self-expression and growth. Through a wide range of modalities and techniques, such as art, writing, sand and talking, we assist our clients to develop the inner strength and coping strategies they need to thrive.
About Kathy StirrupCounselling for Teens and Adults, Play Therapy for Kids, and Mothercraft Support for ParentsPlease Note: Kathy is NOT taking on new clients at this time – either counselling/Play Therapy OR Mothercraft
Kathy is the founder of Phoenix Place – a dream many years in the making. She has been working with children, adolescents and their parents for over 30 years. Having first trained as a Mothercraft Nurse and having worked with children in various capacities, Kathy has undergone training in childcare, gaining a Diploma in Social Services (Childcare) (2004). She has also trained in Counselling holding a Diploma in Counselling (2010) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy (2013). Kathy’s comprehensive skill set enables her to provide a boutique, holistic service for parents experiencing difficulties with their babies and young children (such as feeding and sleep problems), working alongside them to grow their skills and confidence. By strengthening their core skills, knowledge and confidence, Kathy also helps to strengthen the young family’s foundations, providing long term benefit for the individuals and the family group. She also provides compassionate, supportive therapy for children, teenagers, and adults for a wide range of difficulties (such as parental separation, anxiety, grief, and bullying). Kathy takes an integrative approach to therapy, utilising a range of approaches depending on the client and their situation, including the body based modality of Somatic Experiencing, and Sand Tray therapy. Kathy is registered through AHPRA and regularly attends professional development courses and seminars to further refine her skills and keep up-to-date with current practice. She holds a current First Aid Certificate, CPR qualification, and Working With Children Checks. When she’s not working, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, curling up with a good book, painting with acrylics or watercolours, and working on her garden. |
About Alexandra NewmarchPsychological Therapy for Kids, Teens and Adults, & IQ Tests for KidsPlease Note: Alexandra has very limited availability at this time
Alexandra works from a Client-Centred approach, and enjoys using a variety of techniques with clients, adapting interventions according to their changing needs, strengths, and interests. She especially loves using the expressive arts in therapy (like writing, sand, and art), and the lightbulb moment that happens when something a client’s been struggling with suddenly just clicks into place. She is endlessly amazed by the creativity and determination with which both small and grown-up people find ways to overcome their struggles and recreate their lives. Alexandra is also able to conduct IQ tests for children aged 6-16 (using the WISC-V), as well as offering the Conners-4 (an ADHD screener). She doesn’t do assessment or screening for ASD, nor does she generally provide a formal diagnosis of disorders, but is happy to talk through diagnostic criteria and options for assessment, and to explore with clients their sometimes complex thoughts and feelings around a previously made diagnosis and practical strategies around associated difficulties. Please email or text for more detail. When she’s not working, Alexandra enjoys hanging out with her husband and young kids, writing stories and poetry, throwing herself with great enthusiasm into various creative projects, and reading. |
Alexandra Newmarch is a Registered Psychologist with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Post-Graduate Certificate in Grief, Loss and Trauma Counselling, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Art and Play Therapy. She has completed workshops in art therapy, clay therapy, suicide intervention, pregnancy counselling, and working with complex trauma. Alexandra has worked with kids, teenagers, and adults experiencing a range of difficulties, including anxiety, anger management, behavioural issues, low self-esteem, grief, personality disorders, and family breakdowns. As a former Third Culture Kid herself, she is especially passionate about working with Third Culture Kids/Adult Third Culture Kids. She has previously worked part-time as a school counsellor at a couple of different schools in the wider Sydney area.*****
Although the particular modalities and activities used in session do vary depending on the client’s needs and interests, both Kathy and Alexandra always work from a person-centred, trauma-informed, neuroscience-based perspective. For more information, and to make an appointment, see our contact page.