Hi, I’m Susana.
Years ago, I found myself searching for answers to my own mental health struggles.
Like many people, I wanted more than coping strategies. I wanted to understand why I felt the way I did and how I could create lasting change. Along that journey, I discovered that while understanding the mind was important, some of the deepest healing came through reconnecting with my body, understanding my nervous system, and learning to relate differently to my thoughts and emotions.
That journey became the foundation of A Return to Self.
It inspired me to develop an integrative approach that combines evidence-informed counselling with body-based practices (such as yoga, Pilates, and Qigong), nervous system education, mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed practices, and somatic therapy. My aim is to help people understand not only what they’re experiencing, but why, so they can create meaningful and lasting change.
Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds through my work in mental health, disability, and community care. I’ve worked alongside individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence, chronic illness, disability, and significant life transitions.
I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Every person’s story is unique, which is why I tailor each session to the individual sitting in front of me. My role isn’t to fix you or tell you who you should become. It’s to walk alongside you as you reconnect with the clarity, resilience, and inner wisdom that already exist within you.
Relevant qualifications & professional development:
My practice is informed by both lived experience and ongoing professional training.
- Diploma of Counselling
- Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (currently studying)
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Embodied Processing Level 1 Certification
- 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
- Pilates Teacher Training (100 hours)
- 50-Hour Medical Qigong Teacher Training
- 100-Hour Advanced Somatic Healing Through Yoga
I am committed to ongoing professional development and continue to deepen my knowledge in counselling, neuroscience, somatic approaches, trauma-informed practice, and nervous system regulation.
Above all, I believe healing happens within the context of a safe, trusting relationship. My intention is to offer a compassionate, collaborative, and grounded space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported, allowing us to explore your experiences at a pace that feels safe and meaningful.
With love,
Susana.