Founder: Shining Light Hypnotherapy and Counselling Lisa Hopwood is a proud Aboriginal woman living and working on the land of the Bundjalung Nation in Northern New South Wales and has a deep respect for culture. Lisa believes in integrating healing practices into her therapeutic work and the importance of acknowledging the impacts of intergenerational trauma and healing for First Nations Peoples. With extensive experience in Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol treatment, Lisa has developed a deep commitment to helping people identify and overcome the patterns that have held them back. Her qualifications in Mental Health, Social Welfare, Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Psychotherapy equip her to walk alongside clients on their journey from darkness to light, always focused on their individual needs and cultural contexts. She offers a unique and holistic path to healing for her clients by blending evidence-based therapeutic practices with traditional cultural elements. In her practice, Lisa combines the power of clinical hypnotherapy with culturally grounded techniques, creating a comprehensive approach to mental health and emotional well-being. Through clinical hypnotherapy, Lisa helps clients access their subconscious minds, allowing them to uncover deep-rooted patterns and behaviors that contribute to their challenges. This method is particularly effective in addressing issues such as anxiety, stress, trauma, and behavioural changes, as it enables clients to break free from negative thought cycles and embrace positive change. By weaving cultural elements into her practice, Lisa provides clients with a safe space to explore their emotions and experiences while respecting their cultural and personal values. This holistic approach not only addresses the immediate symptoms but also promotes long-term emotional and social well-being. Her person-centred approach ensures that each client’s journey is individualised, empowering them to reclaim their sense of agency and self-worth. By combining modern hypnotherapy techniques with traditional healing practices, Lisa offers a path to lasting transformation, helping clients achieve profound personal growth and a renewed sense of balance. To learn more about Lisa and her practice visit https://www.shininglighthypnotherapy.com.au/

Founder and Managing Director of Legacy Counselling and Consultancy, Tod Stokes, is a Torres Strait Islander man with strong connections to Culture and community, he understands the healing power of Culture and works in a safe confidential manner. Tod holds a diploma of mental health and a diploma of Narrative Therapy . He is also Academic Co-Lead, First Nations Education and Engagement School of Psychology Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and currently a lecturer at the University of Adelaide and provides consultancy for services on Culture and Domestic violence, system change and conflict resolution. Tod was aware of the need to both upskill others on the work that he does with men, but also continue to provide a safe supportive environment for clients to change. In the past, he has had the honour to obtain awards for his work in this specialist role including The Premiers Heide Taylor award for work in the family violence sector working with men to address their violence. His passion and desire is to educate services and individuals to continue to provide change for men. His other passion is providing social and emotional support for men’s mental health. A highly experienced Indigenous Healing Practitioner, Tod Stokes works with individuals who carry the weight of trauma in their daily lives. As a trauma informed counsellor, Tod specialises with clients who have shown a propensity to use violence in their daily struggle with the rules and regulation imposed by mainstream society. Tod makes a huge impact in this role because he supports his clients to be more open with their emotions and to embrace their cultural roots. He helps individuals develop new coping strategies, and leading by example, encourages them to be effective communicators. By helping to break the cycle of violence and family dysfunction, and reconnecting people with their culture, Tod’s proudly creating a positive legacy for the next generation. With every individual he helps steer into healing, there’s a huge flow on effect, because it’s improving outcomes for their extended family and the broader community too. For more information https://www.legacycounselling.org

Founder and Managing Director: Warida Wholistic Wellness Pty. Bianca Stawiarski, a proud Badimia (Aboriginal) and Ukrainian woman, is a centred and purpose-driven healer, mental health and Indigenous Healing practitioner, facilitator, coach, international co-author, author, change maker and speaker. She is a PACFA Mental Health Practitioner and a PACFA Clinical Counsellor whose qualifications include a Masters in Counselling Practice, Diploma of Life Coaching, Post grad. Diploma of Counselling, Certificate in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and Bachelor of Aboriginal studies. Bianca is the founder of Warida Wholistic Wellness, and BilaEmpower. She's dedicated to healing through a First Nations lens, improving mental health, Indigenous Healing practices, and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Her approach integrates her innate Indigenous knowledge, knowledge of healing combined with entrepreneurship to empower women and communities. Bianca is recognised for her work in shifting away from western medical models of dysfunction, instead focusing on healing outside of four walls. Part of this approach embraces the ethos of: gudu-guduwa (coming together) through ngardi Guwanda (listening, feeling, thinking strongly), relationship, and connection. Bianca is also the co-convenor of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia's (PACFA) College of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Practices. Bianca's PhD candidate research with Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education explores whether a local community-led circular research model can positively contribute to the outcomes of women's empowerment programs for entrepreneurship. She hopes that the outcomes from her 'We hold our own Answers' research will empower First Nations communities to choose their own paths. An international multiple award-winning entrepreneur, Bianca's committed to creating community change. Visit: www.warida.com.au to learn about Bianca’s sovereign business, Warida Wholistic Wellness.

Rechelle is the Founder of Kaya Counselling and Consultancy, and a proud Aboriginal Noongar woman from Western Australia. She is a qualified Narrative Therapist with over 15 years of experience in the Aboriginal community-controlled sector. She is passionate about creating positive change through culturally sensitive counselling and coaching, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Rechelle has worked across diverse settings, including schools, healthcare, and corporate spaces, offering support and guidance on trauma, mental health related issues such as depression and anxiety, relationships, and personal development. Known for her compassionate, client-centered approach, she uses evidence-based techniques to foster growth and well-being. A respected professional and advocate, Rechelle collaborates with clients, community leaders, educators, and executives to develop programs that meet the unique needs of Aboriginal communities. She also delivers workshops on mental health, cultural competency, and social justice, committed to fostering healing, resilience, and empowerment. Rechelle also works with clients from all diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

“Central to healing and wellbeing is reconnecting men to Community, Culture and Country” – Rick Dadleh Rick Dadleh is the only male Aboriginal Narrative Therapist practising in Port Augusta. His expertise in Narrative Approaches and Aboriginal-led Healing practices helps his clients to fully understand their personal journey, and re-author their own stories. As founder of Red Earth Therapy & Recovery, Rick assists people to feel better about themselves and their lives by understanding their stories differently. His ultimate aim is to help Aboriginal men get healing, training and employment to reach their full potential in life. He works man to man, helping clients feel more in control, happy, and able to solve problems and build stronger relationships. Based in Port Augusta, and with extensive local knowledge, Rick is committed to positively impacting the welfare of Aboriginal men and the broader community through culturally safe services. Rick is a proud Kokatha man and a Port Augusta local. Contact Rick to learn more about Red Earth & Recovery and the work they are doing in Port Augusta.

Deep Waters Healing Rick is the founder and principal of Deep Waters Healing, deeply passionate about supporting people to live their lives to the fullest. His work centres on helping individuals heal from trauma, overcome unhelpful thought patterns, and navigate life's challenges. Whether through addressing trauma and other disorders or simply offering a listening ear, Rick is committed to being there for his clients. Rick's approach to therapy may differ from traditional counselling or psychology practices. This is partly due to his Aboriginal ways of working, combined with his extensive use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT fosters an equal partnership between therapist and client, emphasising that the client is the expert in their own life. Many clients find this approach helps them feel at ease. Rick is a strong advocate for brief-intervention work, believing that significant changes can often be achieved in just one or two sessions. While longer-term therapy can be valuable, he recognises that it isn't always necessary to reach a client’s goals. Understanding the importance of the therapeutic relationship, Rick also offers a refund if the first appointment doesn't feel right for the client. His expertise includes working with anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma/PTSD, management coaching, and professional supervision. Rick's clinical experience spans various settings, including employee assistance programs, BeyondBlue/Quitline, hospital emergency departments, disaster recovery, and drug and alcohol outreach. He is skilled in a range of therapeutic modalities, including ACT, CBT, hypnotherapy, and the 'Rewind' trauma technique. Before transitioning to social work, Rick spent 20 years in management roles across State and Federal Government, dealing with issues such as disaster response, intelligence, and security. Additionally, he has a decade of Navy experience, including serving in submarines.

Shirley Young is the Director of Two Worlds Consultancy (see information below) and is an Aboriginal woman from the Nukunu People in South Australia. Shirley previously worked for 23 years in the Public Service in a variety of portfolios such as child protection, out of home care, health and child adolescent mental health services in a variety of positions including leadership roles utilising high levels of consultancy regarding clinical and cultural practice that involved supervision of staff and the provision of services to the Aboriginal community. Shirley is currently a Social Work PhD candidate at Flinders University, holds a Social Work degree with Honours, Diploma of Narrative Approaches, Certificate 4 in Community Services, Certificate 4 in Workplace Assessment and Training, Introductory Certificate in Infant Mental Health and Introductory Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health along with an extensive history of ongoing industry specific training spanning her career of 28 years providing services to the community in South Australia. Shirley represents a variety of high-level working parties and advisory panels such as: • National AASW Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group • The Aboriginal Commissioners Review into the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and Aboriginal Children in Care Aboriginal Leadership Group • Aboriginal Oversight and Advocacy Authority to the Child Death and Serious Injury Review Committee • Australian Centre for Child Protection Aboriginal Leadership Group (ALG) Meeting. • UniSA Justice & Society Social Work and Social Science Program Advisory Panel • International Women’s Business Forum of South Australia • The South Australian Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council- Board Member • The Child Development Council- Board Member Two Worlds Consultancy (TWC) is an Aboriginal owned and led Social Work Consultancy service that contracts services to government, non-government and corporate stakeholders across South Australia and is a member of the AASW. Two Worlds Consultancy provides social work services including high levels of cultural and clinical consultancy, corporate writing, reunification services, therapeutic services to children & young people in out of home care settings, corporate training & development programs, clinical & cultural supervision to government and non-government staff across the state, therapeutic NDIS services, casual lecturing at Flinders and Uni SA to Bachelor and Masters Social Work students, group work activities and the creation and production of therapeutic resources for practice.