Grounded Practice
About
My Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I work at a pace that feels safe and respectful, with attention to choice, consent, and the therapeutic relationship.
I recognise that people come to therapy with complex histories, strengths, and coping strategies that have developed for good reasons. Together, we focus on understanding patterns, building skills, and making sense of experiences in ways that support wellbeing and meaningful change.
I work in a non-judgmental and reflective way, mindful of the impact of trauma, power, identity, and systems on mental health. Where appropriate, I integrate structured approaches such as EMDR, cognitive and behavioural strategies, and interpersonal work within a relational framework.
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Cultural Safety and Inclusion
I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. I recognise the ongoing impacts of colonisation, systemic racism, and intergenerational trauma.
I am committed to culturally safe and responsive practice, including ongoing reflection on power, privilege, and systems. I welcome and affirm people of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures and am committed to providing a safe and respectful therapeutic space for people from LGBTQI communities.
I also work with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and neurodivergent people. Any access needs, cultural considerations, or adjustments that support engagement are welcomed and encouraged for discussion.
Jennie Charlton
General Manager and Mental Health Accredited Forensic Social Worker
My work has spanned community, health, forensic, and organisational settings. I have extensive experience working with people affected by trauma, including those with histories of child abuse and neglect, involvement in child protection and foster care systems, disability, domestic and family violence, and sexual assault. I work with teenagers and adults, and my practice is informed by a strong understanding of trauma, risk, consent, identity, and the ways broader social and structural factors shape personal distress.
I work in ways that are inclusive and affirming of people of diverse genders, sexualities, and relationship structures. I am committed to providing a respectful and safe therapeutic space for people from LGBTQI communities, recognising the impacts of stigma, discrimination, and minority stress.
I have specialist training in Aboriginal-specific assessment frameworks in mental health and fostering and am committed to culturally responsive and reflective practice. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and am currently in the final stages of EMDR accreditation.
Alongside my professional background, my work is informed by lived experience of caregiving within mental health, family violence and trauma, complex grief and loss, and the impacts of substance use within these contexts. I also bring an informed understanding of the ripple effects of child sexual abuse and offending within families and communities. I do not share personal details of lived experience within therapy; rather, this perspective supports my capacity to work with sensitivity, nuance, and care in complex and emotionally charged situations.
In addition to clinical work, I provide supervision, consultation, and workforce development to social workers, allied health practitioners, and organisations working in complex and forensic contexts. I bring a practical, ethical, and reflective approach to this work, supporting sustainable practice, professional integrity, and sound decision-making.
My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches and shaped by values of collaboration, respect, and transparency. I aim to provide a safe, thoughtful space where people feel heard, supported, and able to work towards meaningful change.
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and AASW-approved Social Work Supervisor with over 20 years’ experience as a qualified social worker, and a long career working across complex human service systems.