About Me

As a registered counselling psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, many of my clients come to me after struggling with their challenges for months, or sometimes even years. I understand that it takes great courage to seek support, and finding someone you feel safe, comfortable, and connected with is essential. Creating that sense of security is a priority for me — I know how important it is when sharing sensitive and personal experiences. With over 35 years of experience as a health professional and educator, I have supported many patients and clients with care, compassion, and respect.

I also believe strongly in working collaboratively with other health professionals — including General Practitioners, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Psychologists, and Counsellors — because a holistic approach to care can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes.

I provide counselling for individuals of all ages as well as couples, and offer hypnotherapy to support clients who want to quit smoking or vaping, lose weight, manage pain or IBS, overcome OCD, phobias, and more. I draw on a range of evidence-based techniques to help facilitate meaningful, lasting change. At the heart of my work is building a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship, tailored to your unique needs. I believe that with patience, understanding, and the right support, we can work gently together toward a positive and empowering way forward.

Dr Karen Stanley (PhD)       

Education, Training and Accreditation include:

• PhD in Health Education (2016)
• MSc in Management and Leadership (2004)
• Registered Nurse (1990 - 2023)
• Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy – The Australian College of Hypnotherapy
• Diploma In Counselling, (1991)
• Certificate of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) – The Australian College of Hypnotherapy
• Certificate in Life Coaching – The Australian College of Hypnotherapy
• Quit Smoking Therapy Specialist - The Australian College of Hypnotherapy 
• Weight Loss and Hypnotic Gastric Banding Therapy Specialist - The Australian College of Hypnotherapy
• Certificate in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - The Australian College of Hypnotherapy 
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and Level 2
• Havening Technique Course

Publications:

Stanley, D, Stanley K & Sudheer, B. (2020). Bullying and Threats to Belonging: Cultural Challenges in Rural and Remote Nursing Practice. Nursing Primary Care. 4(1): 1-7.

Stanley, D & Stanley, K. (2018). Being a member of an interprofessional team. The Road to Nursing. Cambridge University Press, Port Melbourne, Australia.

Stanley, K & Stanley, D. (2018). The HEIPS Framework: Scaffolding inter-professional education starts with health professional educators. Nurse Education in Practice. DOI: 10.1016/j.epr.2018.11.004.

Stanley, K. (2016). ‘Reflection and Emotional Intelligence to support Clinical Leadership’. Book Chapter in D. Stanley, Clinical Leadership: Innovation into Action (2nd ed). Pearson. Australia.

Stanley, K., Dixon, K, Warner, P., & Stanley, D. (2016). Twelve possible strategies for enhancing inter-professional socialisation within higher education. Journal of interprofessional care. doi.org/10.3109/13561820.2016.1159186

Stanley, K., Stanley, D. (2016). Mindfulness Meetings. Australian Nurse Teachers Society E-Bulletin, 8 (2), 35-36.