Hi there!

I'm Shirlz Andrews - a professional and a graduate student.

I offer therapeutic and photographic services.

I am someone who cares about people and has a wide range of skills and experience. I am practical but also imaginative, and I understand both the overall situation and the small details. People say I have a calm and grounded presence. I grew up in Africa, lived in the UK for ten years, and have been in Australia since 2012.

About

  • Hi. I’m Shirlz (or Shirley).

    I am based in Shepparton, Yorta Yorta/Bangerang Country, in Northern Victoria, Australia.

    I am a Holistic Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I trained with Metavision Institute, and also studied Guided Drawing with The Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy. I am currently doing Process Oriented Psychology Diplomate training with ANZPOP.

    I have around 20 years of experience working internationally and cross-culturally within the humanitarian sector. Recently, I worked at a sub-acute residential mental health service, and provided support to individuals and communities impacted by suicide. Currently I facilitate trauma focused counselling, groupwork, and advocacy to refugees and asylum seekers.

    I love the creative arts and I studied acting with London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

    Holistic practice really interests me … how dreams and dream-like experiences can offer us wisdom and guidance, hence the name ‘In a Dreamland’.

    Photography is a huge passion of mine, and provided me with a professional globe-trotting career. Developing an eye for detail is proving very valuable when providing process oriented therapy.

    I adore dogs! They teach me both unconditional love and how to fiercely hold boundaries.

    I strive to provide a spacious, warm, and safe enough environment to explore the light and dark places in your life.

  • Refugee Torture and Trauma Counsellor

    Primary Care Connect

    June 2022 to present

    Postvention Suicide Worker

    Standby Suicide Support

    April 2021 to Dec 2021

    Mental Health Program Worker

    Wellways

    Aug 2019 to July 2022

    Psychotherapist (private practice)

    In a Dreamland

    Aug 2016 to Dec 2023

  • Master of Counselling

    The Metavision Institute

    2020 (Postgrad diploma)

    Sensorimotor Guided Drawing

    Institute of Sensorimotor Art

    2020/2021

    Processwork Diplomate training

    ANZPOP

    2020 to present

    Business Administration Diploma

    Pitmans

    1999 - 2000

  • AMEP teaching assistant

    TAFE Nambour, Qld

    Jan 2017 to Dec 2017

    Counsellor (student)

    South Shepp Community House

    Jun 2019 to Dec 2020

  • Organised

    Patient

    Communicative

    Empathetic

    Collaborative

    Creative

    Sensorimotor guided drawing

    Conflict facilitation

    Process oriented psychology

Services

  • Therapy

    My training comes from the fields of transpersonal psychology, body psychotherapy, social change, spirituality, and Jungian dream analysis. From this process-oriented approach, we explore deeper meanings of experiences and symptoms, whilst uncovering underlying reasons that might be fueling the experiences. I try to companion you to find what lights you up from the inside.

    Process oriented psychology

  • Photography

    Dogs are cute, funky, brave, fashionable ... sometimes muddy, salty, wet and smelly. At other times, they're pampered, groomed, have a belly full of treats and are hanging out at a Pets and People Portraits Session. They are loved, adored, admired and fun. They bring smiles, giggles, cackles and jaw-drops into our worlds. Dogs from all areas of the world are great listeners and often they "just know". They are our treasured companions, little rascals, guard dogs, and fur babies ...They are all humble givers of love and laughter! I try to capture them in beautiful lighting.

    Pets

Contact

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly!