Gay McKinley

Graduate Diploma of Counselling
Completed: 2004

Specialisation: Counselling and Communication

Study mode(s): Sydney Campus

Professional membership(s):
Clinical Member of CAPA NSW

Fieldwork placement: Lifeline and Petrea King Quest for Life Centre

I am still telephone counsellor with Lifeline Sydney and used that experience for half my fieldwork placement.  I was a support person at a five day residential at the Petrea King Quest for Life Centre for the remaining half of fieldwork requirements.

Experience at ACAP:
I studied one year full-time including a Summer School module.  The learning environment was challenging, fun and professional.  With few exceptions the trainers were very good, providing real life experiences to add to the theory.  The flexibility of the modules was the deciding factor for me in choosing ACAP. 

How has study at ACAP benefitted you personally and/or professionally?

Professionally ACAP is well recognised; personally it was incredibly powerful in growing one's self-awareness.

How have you used your ACAP qualification?
Further study and private practice.  I am also a volunteer face to face counsellor with Lifeline.

In private practice: Yes

Business name and details:
Gay McKinley Counselling and Psychotherapy
The Glebe Quarter
Suite 5, 198-206 St Johns Road Glebe 2037
Phone: 0409 986 740
Email: gay@mckinleycounselling.com.au
Website: www.mckinleycounselling.com.au

Description of services:
Working in the corporate healthcare industry for more than 20 years, I developed a real interest in the treatment of depression and ways to foster psychological and spiritual well-being.  One of my strongest beliefs is that every person is unique.  I therefore work closely with my clients to select the most appropriate and self-empowering approach for each one.  I also believe that the only way to deal with whatever pain one is experiencing, is to go through it; at the same time often the difficult or unwelcome things that happen to us in life can also provide the greatest learning for us.  I counsel individuals and couples in a number of areas including:

• Dealing with depression
• Living with loss
• Using anxiety
• Relating effectively
• Loving oneself
• Digging under anger

Because counselling is different for every individual and effective therapy depends on a strong and genuine connection, I offer a free, no obligation initial consultation.