Denise Andrade

Denise Andrade grew up in Sydney, NSW, she, and her family relocated to Coffs Harbour, NSW, for a sea change where she completed her university education, Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, and then went on to complete her Master of Professional Psychology at University of New England in Armidale, NSW.

Denise has worked and lived in a variety of settings across NSW and QLD. The various sectors include, school psychology roles in primary and high school settings (Government, Catholic, and Independent schools), which provide support for young people aged 4 to 18 years old. Denise also has experience working with adults in disability support, occupational rehabilitation, Lifeline, and Private Hospitals (Aurora and Ramsay Health).

Denise acknowledges the limited health care that is available in regional and rural areas. She views telehealth as the way of the future and a method of minimising this gap in mental health. Therefore, most of the therapy at Journey to Light is completed via telehealth.

Denise really enjoys her job and takes pride in her work. She is interested in all aspects of psychology but has key focuses on adolescents (13 to 18 years old), educational and developmental psychology. Denise aims to help each client gain clarity on their life journey, to motivate positive change and live their life to their full potential.

Therapy provided at Journey to Light is client centred, non-judgemental and is tailored to each client’s needs. Therapy at Journey to Light is evidence-based and may include, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Strengths-Based approach, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Relaxation.

There are many changes that occur in teenage years, Journey to Light helps teenagers navigate through some of these concerns. Journey to Light can help with:

Mental Health concerns including anxiety and depression
Grief and loss e.g. a close friend/ family member going through a terminal illness and assisting with the transition
Friendship Skills
Problem Solving
Assertiveness
Emotional regulation such as anger/aggression
Stress Management, this may be particularly helpful for your child in their senior levels of study.

I look forward to working with you