Maria Sarina is our Director and Head Counsellor
In this capacity Maria is able to oversee the entire organisation and also support and encourage team members to set into leadership roles as the Friendship Centre grows.
Efi Krimizis is our Assistant Director and Counsellor.
As an excellent counsellor with many years experience coupled with vast entrepreneurial skills. Efi's role in as a director brings wealth of knowledge and expertise in her role to transform the Friendship Centre into a boutique counselling service providing the highest level support to clients.
Sharon Mills is our Head of Team Leaders
As the team grows we are quick to appoint new team leadership. These leaders oversee a smaller team of counsellors fortnightly to be able to provide the support our counsellors need to be effective counsellors in practice.
Sharon's keen eye for detail and ability to encourage and support these team leaders is a crucial part of the Friendship Centre.
Val Korabel is our Head of Administration
Val has been one of the most endearing counsellors we have had and she has been able to use her natural gifting for structure, organisational skills and stellar communication skills to be able to make sure that the entire Administration of the Friendship Centre runs effectively and smoothly.
Sharon graduated with a Bachelor Award of Counselling through Stirling Theological College. Sharon is passionate about helping marginalised young people and believes everyone has a story that deserves to be heard, walking alongside them to help heal and reach their goals.
Jeannie is a graduate with a Diploma and BA in Counselling. Her interest comes from lived experience of family trauma, anxiety, and depression. Her other lived experience includes over 30 years in customer service and retail, which Jeannie argues is both traumatising and provides ample transferable skills. Jeannie practices a range of cou
Jeannie is a graduate with a Diploma and BA in Counselling. Her interest comes from lived experience of family trauma, anxiety, and depression. Her other lived experience includes over 30 years in customer service and retail, which Jeannie argues is both traumatising and provides ample transferable skills. Jeannie practices a range of counselling modalities online and face-to-face in the South-West Sydney area.
Maria is the founder and director of the Friendship Centre. She has a BA Social Psychology/Social Research, Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Community Services and an Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies. Maria's passion is to help as many people as she can. She designed a model that would provide FREE counselling to whoever needs it. S
Maria is the founder and director of the Friendship Centre. She has a BA Social Psychology/Social Research, Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Community Services and an Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies. Maria's passion is to help as many people as she can. She designed a model that would provide FREE counselling to whoever needs it. She is keen to apply a holistic approach to helping her clients and uses a vast array of therapy techniques to make sure that she is exhausting all her skills to help the person right in front of her. Maria speaks English and Spanish.
Julia has a Diploma in Community Services Work and is a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. For the last ten years Julia has worked as a school chaplain in both primary and high schools. As part of her role she has provided whole school support following critical incidents, as well as small group and individual support to young people, pare
Julia has a Diploma in Community Services Work and is a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. For the last ten years Julia has worked as a school chaplain in both primary and high schools. As part of her role she has provided whole school support following critical incidents, as well as small group and individual support to young people, parents/carers and staff facing a wide range of issues including grief and loss, anxiety/depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, self-harm, school refusal and relationship issues. Julia has a heart to walk with people on their journey of self-discover and to help them reach their goals.
Areej has completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology from Charles Sturt University and done my undergrad from overseas. I have been accepted into the Brain and Mind sciences program at University of Sydney for the following year. So far, I have developed knowledge of how to conceptualise clients problems from the standpoint of a profe
Areej has completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology from Charles Sturt University and done my undergrad from overseas. I have been accepted into the Brain and Mind sciences program at University of Sydney for the following year. So far, I have developed knowledge of how to conceptualise clients problems from the standpoint of a professional helper and develop interventional strategies based on a theoretical conceptualisation. I am always striving to learn, grow and gain more knowledge
Divina has graduated with a Master's in Counselling from The University of Queensland and is a Level 2 accredited counsellor by the Australian Counselling Association. She is a compassionate counsellor that remains calm yet focused on creating a safe space for clients to explore their needs. She practices from a solution-focused, person
Divina has graduated with a Master's in Counselling from The University of Queensland and is a Level 2 accredited counsellor by the Australian Counselling Association. She is a compassionate counsellor that remains calm yet focused on creating a safe space for clients to explore their needs. She practices from a solution-focused, person-centred, mindfulness and narrative framework. However, she remains open and curious to tailor therapy to meet the needs and goals of her clients. She is passionate about supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, stress, mindfulness, to name a few. Moreover, she enjoys working as a Telehealth counsellor as she saw the number of people that reached out for support from the comfort of their own home.
Nuria is a warm and empathetic Counsellor, Meditation Facilitator, Mental Health First Aider, and experienced youth mentor. She is passionate about assisting and supporting clients working through relationship and parenting issues, body image and food addiction, codependency, trauma, grief, and depression and anxiety, to name a few. She i
Nuria is a warm and empathetic Counsellor, Meditation Facilitator, Mental Health First Aider, and experienced youth mentor. She is passionate about assisting and supporting clients working through relationship and parenting issues, body image and food addiction, codependency, trauma, grief, and depression and anxiety, to name a few. She is passionate about working with adults, youth, children, couples, and the Spanish and Latin American communities. She advocates for a person-centred holistic approach and firmly believes in the healing capacity of all individuals. Nuria speaks Spanish and English.
Efi has graduated with a diploma of counseling and is a member of the Australian counseling Association. Her background includes teaching dancing, singing and visual arts, which has given her a wealth of experience in human relations. Efi is compassionate, light hearted and encouraging. Her mission is to provide support to clients facing
Efi has graduated with a diploma of counseling and is a member of the Australian counseling Association. Her background includes teaching dancing, singing and visual arts, which has given her a wealth of experience in human relations. Efi is compassionate, light hearted and encouraging. Her mission is to provide support to clients facing challenges, some include, life transitions, anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. A person centered approach and therapies are tailored to each person’s needs, facilitating positive change and new- found strengths. Efi is fluent in Greek.
Enette is a graduate of Master of Counselling from a reputable Theological College. She helps people work through trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. She is passionate about facilitating a safe place where clients can free to explore issues, gain strength and discover hope. She also integra
Enette is a graduate of Master of Counselling from a reputable Theological College. She helps people work through trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. She is passionate about facilitating a safe place where clients can free to explore issues, gain strength and discover hope. She also integrates a broad range of therapeutic models. Enette can offer counselling in both English and Filipino.
Kay has graduated with a Diploma of Counselling and currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling. With over 4 years experience working in the mental health field she is passionate about supporting young people suffering with mental illness and personality disorders. Kay is also particularly interested in supporting couples and families.
Sarah graduated as a Counsellor / Psychotherapist in 2020. Originally from the UK has lived in Australia for over 25 years. Having experienced many personal challenges myself including self-doubt, depression and personal isolation, I readily feel empathy for others. I love working with my clients to unravel their personal challenges and
Sarah graduated as a Counsellor / Psychotherapist in 2020. Originally from the UK has lived in Australia for over 25 years. Having experienced many personal challenges myself including self-doubt, depression and personal isolation, I readily feel empathy for others. I love working with my clients to unravel their personal challenges and help them overcome them - giving them a greater sense of peace, personal freedom and joy. I feel everyone deserves this. I use several approaches including Process Oriented Psychology and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I feel blessed to work with people in this way.
After gaining a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Silvia gave up a career in teaching to pursue her passion for helping others and completed a Diploma of Counselling and Communications. Her interest in mental health stems from a lived experience of post-natal depression and an insatiable curiosity about what shapes a person’s personality. H
After gaining a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Silvia gave up a career in teaching to pursue her passion for helping others and completed a Diploma of Counselling and Communications. Her interest in mental health stems from a lived experience of post-natal depression and an insatiable curiosity about what shapes a person’s personality. Her practicum in aged care, where she continues to volunteer, developed a further interest in dementia and mental health in the elderly. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Silvia is a fluent Spanish speaker. She has worked as an interpreter and is a qualified NAATI translator, able to provide counselling in Spanish.
Silvia has a Master in Counselling and works confidently with individuals across all age groups and from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her passion is to help young people, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, self-harm, relationship issues, domestic violence, cross-cultural issues, and life transition. She also has over 10 years of involvement in church ministry and pastoral care.
Annie has a post graduate Diploma in Counselling as well as a Masters In Commerce. Annie focuses on trauma-informed, strength based and person centred counselling and has more than 6 years of experiences in working as a domestic and family violence specialist. Annie has extensive experiences in how family dynamic can impact different form
Annie has a post graduate Diploma in Counselling as well as a Masters In Commerce. Annie focuses on trauma-informed, strength based and person centred counselling and has more than 6 years of experiences in working as a domestic and family violence specialist. Annie has extensive experiences in how family dynamic can impact different forms of domestic relationship and is passionate about parenting and promoting children’s well being. Annie can speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Areebah has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of New South Wales and a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from Torrens University. Currently, she is completing a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science (Advanced) at Monash University. Her passion is to support and foster positive change in people seeking men
Areebah has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of New South Wales and a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from Torrens University. Currently, she is completing a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science (Advanced) at Monash University. Her passion is to support and foster positive change in people seeking mental health care in a way that aligns with their needs. Areebah values cultural diversity. She speaks English and Urdu fluently. Volunteering at the Friendship Centre has increased her drive to chase her goal, which is to deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions to young children with various mental health problems
Anna has a background in Occupational Therapy and Special Education and is currently completing a Masters in Counselling. Anna believes that every person has the right to happiness and fulfillment and can benefit from support, encouragement and accountability in reaching one’s goals. Anna has expertise in the area of chronic illness and d
Anna has a background in Occupational Therapy and Special Education and is currently completing a Masters in Counselling. Anna believes that every person has the right to happiness and fulfillment and can benefit from support, encouragement and accountability in reaching one’s goals. Anna has expertise in the area of chronic illness and disability, yet is committed to helping people of all backgrounds achieve emotional and relational wellness. Using a holistic approach that respects identity, culture and background, Anna loves helping clients discover their inner resilience in challenging times to develop stronger self-worth and identity.
Mel is currently completing her Masters in Counselling at Excelsia College, with a background in Primary Teaching and a lived experience of Autism and neurodiversity. Living on the South Coast, Mel is deeply connected to the natural environment and thrives on creating, growing, encouraging and connecting. She believes that every individ
Mel is currently completing her Masters in Counselling at Excelsia College, with a background in Primary Teaching and a lived experience of Autism and neurodiversity. Living on the South Coast, Mel is deeply connected to the natural environment and thrives on creating, growing, encouraging and connecting. She believes that every individual has many skills and resources that have brought them to this moment, and using client- centred and trauma-informed therapies, will support and encourage as you prepare to step into your future.Mel especially loves working with children and their carers.
Natalie is currently studying her Graduate Diploma of Counselling through Torrens University and has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) and a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). Natalie has spent ten years working in Early Childhood Education and Care. She is passionate about helping all people, in particular those who struggle with anxiety and depression. Natalie is passionate about creating a safe and supportive space for all and aims to use her empathy and experience to help people feel empowered to create authentic change.
Pauline completed her BA in Anthropology (Hons) at the University of Sydney. She also completed her Graduate Diploma in Counselling at Torrens University and is now finalising her Masters in Counselling. She has spent over 12 years supporting the welfare of people from all walks of life, but has particular experience with asylum seekers, CALD groups, and people who have been through the criminal justice system. Pauline respects clients as the experts of their own lives and supports their journey with compassion and safety. Favouring person centred and trauma informed approaches, Pauline believes that all people can heal.
Josh is a Bachelor of Science - Psychology student at the Oklahoma Wesleyan University (USA). Joshua is taking the active role of screening and allocating referrals to the team and providing support to the Friendship Centre team. Josh brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of why people behave as they do and he is a fantastic addition to our team.
Josh is an international soccer player and is keen to work with young people and children, he believes that a wholistic approach to humanity (body, mind and soul) provides the best possible outcomes for all people.
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