About Me

Experience

Accredited Specialist Clinical Social Worker

From a young age, I was always drawn to being of service to others. After experiencing childhood adversity and sexual violence, it became my personal mission to break the cycle of dysfunction and create a career that made a positive difference in how to work with and support people from all walks of life. I identify as an Indigenous Australian, coming from a long linage of Palawa people. My family history consists of intergenerational trauma, which has resulted in incidences of family violence, imprisonment, mental health and problematic substance use issues. Becoming a Social Worker has allowed me to analyse and critically reflect on the connection between personal and societal influences. Being able to comprehend how and why trauma is transmitted through generations, has created a true sense of compassion towards myself and others. Through developing an in-depth understanding of notions surrounding critical thinking, human rights and post-traumatic growth, it became clear that no one could be immune to life tragedies. By acknowledging the power of deconstructing people’s trauma stories, it was not surprising to uncover the universal connection of suffering that makes us all simply human.

My background as an Allied Health professional and personal lived experiences, has allowed me to develop a successful innovative small business as a critical, person-centred, private practitioner predominantly under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. I work collaboratively with peer support workers and other community-based services to achieve my client’s goals and personal aspirations. I specialise in providing Advanced Trauma-Informed Care from a multidimensional approach, which recognises people’s inner and outer worlds to achieve holistic wellbeing. I employ integrative psychotherapeutic methods, interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness-based embodiment practices, as well as psychosocial education tools, to assist with facilitating a gradual healing process which helps free the body and the mind from debilitating symptoms of trauma. I believe in the power of creative expression and movement to assist with reconnecting to the spiritual, emotional and mental self, in order to relieve stress and improve body awareness. My therapy assistant dog Lunar, who is in training to become a fully accredited PTSD service dog for the people I support, accompanies me during sessions with my clients, as a way to offer comfort and companionship during difficult conversations and personal struggles. I tend to utilise eco feminist psychological principles and anti oppressive ideologies to guide my practice, as a way to look at the bigger picture that surrounds my work within our system. Focusing on the outer world causes and consequences of trauma, has brought attention to structural problems that require social change efforts, advocacy and leadership.

I am passionate about supporting women and men who struggle with emotional distress as a result of trauma. However, I am particularly interested in exploring the impacts of sexual violence on the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our communities, which I feel is a largely unaddressed, crisis of epidemic proportion. This tends to be specific to women who experience disability, psychosocial disability, mental health issues, indigenous people, non-English speaking, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

I have over 15 years’ experience in supporting people with disability both voluntarily and professionally. Starting as a peer support person at 14 years old, I have worked alongside young men with Downs Syndrome, before facilitating an inclusive dance school with the assistance of my mother in our rural community based in Tasmania, Australia. During my senior secondary certificate, I majored in sociology and psychology, as well as in the performing arts. This allowed me to develop a career as a disability support worker, whilst I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work, working within residential and learning and lifestyle centres.

During my undergraduate degree, I travelled internationally, where I spent time volunteering in Kenya supporting children with disabilities and internally displaced people in rural and remote communities. I also volunteered with several organisations, including Headspace and United Synergies as a peer mentor, Young Buddies refugee support group as a community educator and advocate, as well as being an active campaigner for social and environmental change initiatives. My global travels led me to live in Sweden, volunteering with refugees and working as an Equine Therapy assistant, as well as with young diverse families.

After graduating from my Bachelors, I commenced a career within clinical and community based mental health services, before pursuing a Masters in Advanced Social Work at the University of Melbourne. My continuing professional development training and drive to excel in my chosen field, led to studying a Post Graduate course with Harvard Medical School in Global Mental Health and Trauma Recovery. I am continuing to pursue my passions as a therapist and advocate, whilst I complete a Doctorate of Philosophy, aiming to become a professor and global practice leader.

Education

Doctorate of Philosophy

The University of Melbourne

Current

Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery

Harvard Medical School Post Graduate Program

Courses: Global Mental Health Principles and Practices, Global Mental Health Action Plan, Human Rights, Trauma and Dignity, Neuroscience of Trauma, Attachment Theory, Stress and Resilience, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Science and Culture Clinical Toolkit, Children, Culture and Trauma, At Risk Groups Mental Health and Well Being, The Damages of Racism, Gender Based Violence, Post Disaster Trauma Recovery, International Development, Psychological Characteristics and Leadership, Cultural Competence, Research in Refugee and Asylum, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Empathy and The Role of the Emotional Bond.

Master of Advanced Social Work Practice

The University of Melbourne

Courses: Advanced Trauma-Informed Care, Disability, International Child and Family Welfare, Implementation Science Theory and Practice, Research Thesis.

Bachelor of Social Work

The University of the Sunshine Coast

Courses: Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Justice, Welfare and the State, Ethics and Professional Practice, Trauma, Bereavement and Crisis Intervention, Understanding Cultural Diversity, Health, Society and Culture, Indigenous Studies, Research Thesis.

Diploma in Sexual Therapy

Australian Online Courses

Courses: Advanced Certificate in Sexual Therapy, Advanced Certificate in Psychology/Counselling, Advanced Certificate in Mediation/Negotiation

Volunteer Experience

Pricing

I am able to offer both face to face appointments, either within a persons home environment, in the community and/or at my office which is located in South Melbourne. I am also able to offer Phone, Zoom and/or telehealth appointments if required across Australia.

I have created an innovative role to be able to work flexibly and connect with diverse population groups experiencing distress. I would like to work closely with all support persons, care givers and family members to ensure the person receives the best possible outcomes through organising regular care team meetings and trainings.

I am open to doing a ‘Meet and Greet’ with a client to ensure we are a good fit and will also need to complete a full psychosocial assessment before commencing my role, which will take approximately two hours.

If you have any questions or enquires, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

Monday to Friday, 9am-7pm — Outreach and Therapuetic Supports

Pricing and Line Item Numbers

$190.00 per hour Therapeutic Support

15_056_0128_1_3 Assessment, Recommendation, Therapy or Training (including Assistive Technology)

$190.00 per hour Therapeutic Social Support

09_008_0116_6_3 Innovative Community Participation

$190.00 per hour Psychosocial Recovery Coaching/Support Coordination/Specialist Support Coordination

Group work and social activities

Prices provided in advertisement of group sessions

04_210_0125_6_1 Community, Social and Recreational Activities

Report Writing & Assessments

$190.00 per hour

Clinical SUPERVISION

$190.00 per hour (limited spaces available for monthly sessions)

consultancy and staff training

Please contact me directly at support@keelywalsh.com for further information, outlining your specific requirements.

******* PLEASE NOTE I AM NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW CLIENT REFERRALS. CURRENT WAIT TIMES ARE BETWEEN 6-12 MONTHS. ******** EXPECTIONAL CASES MAY BE CONSIDERED.