Social worker and youth specialist
Raised in Geelong, I have been involved in the local community for as long as I can remember. Being involved in church youth ministries from my early teenage years, I grew a passion for working with young people as they faced life’s transitions. Once I graduated from high school, I took part in an internship in youth ministry and studied theology, acquiring a diploma in Christian Ministry and Theology through Harvest Bible College.
During this time, I began to reflect on my desire to partner with people on life’s journey and subsequently chose to undertake a Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University. Throughout my studies I had the privilege of working with a diverse range of people all across Australia, including children and youth, asylum seekers, refugees and Aboriginal Australians. I learned about the resilience and creativity of individuals to reach their potential through the most trying of circumstances. As a result, a love for social justice and human rights became engrained within me, and I incorporated that into my practice, with the desire to give people space to tell their story and find meaning within it.
I believe that when individuals are able to identify their strengths and have the skills to navigate life’s ups and downs, they impact the wider community for the better. With this in mind, I completed a Masters in International and Community Development, focusing on the way stigma keeps young people from accessing support and the impact of spirituality within community contexts.
I am able to assist youth and young adults with a variety of issues using creative play therapy, sand play, symbolism and tapping into unconscious. Each session is a safe space for an individual to share their story and explore ways to heal and grow. I explore zones of regulation with my clients and teach emotional intelligence which can be used to identify emotions and help form a language for a child’s family to communicate with each other.
Qualifications
- Masters in International and Community Development, Majoring in Community Development – Deakin University (2018)
- Bachelor of Social Work – Deakin University (2015)
- Post graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play – Deakin University (2019)
- Diploma in Christian Ministry – Harvest Bible College (2014)
- Certificate 4 in Christian Ministry and Theology – History Makers Bible College (2011)
- Certificate 3 in Christian Ministry – Vetamorphus (2009)
Training
- Internship, Youth and Schools Coordinator, Urban Seed, Norlane (2017)
- The Salvation Army, ‘Hope for Life’ Suicide Support and Bereavement Training (2015)
- Restorative Justice training, International institute for Restorative Practices, (2015)
- Student Social Worker, YMCA Youth Services Katherine NT (2015)
- Cultural Training (Indigenous clans in Katherine, NT)
- Student Social Worker, Anglicare NT (2015)
- Student Social Worker, New Hope Refugee Centre (2014)
- Working effectively with Mental Health (CHCM301B)- Alphacrusis College (2013)
- Youth Ministry Internship- Barrabool Hills Baptist Church (2009)
Community experience
- Cofounder and director of mental health non profit Hope Movement
- Certified nanny in the Geelong region for eight years
- Youth leader at various churches for nine years
- In depth work with community groups in Norlane, Central Geelong, Werribee and the Northern Territory
- Guest speaker at local schools to educate students on leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, identity and mental health
- Available to conduct for group work with children, youth and adults of all ages
- Trained to conduct Shine, Strength and Mental Health 101 curriculums
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Work (AASW)
Services Rachel Provides
Call Rachel now on 0422 177 193 for a free 10 minute consultation on how she can help you, or book online here.
Blogs by Rachel Morris:
Anxiety Does Not Define You
By Rachel Morris |
“I can’t cope right now…” “I feel shaky…” “I can’t breath…” “Why is my heart pounding so quickly? “What’s wrong with me? These are just some of the thoughts that go through our mind when we have an anxiety attack. We all feel some form of anxiety in our lives. It can come up when…
10 ways to self soothe when you feel agitated
By Rachel Morris |
There’s a good chance you have felt agitated in the last week. Stress, anxiety – maybe even annoyance at a family member who just keeps getting under your feet! Isolation has amplified our emotions, and it’s hard to cope with the highs and lows. We all try and cope with these emotions in our own…
[BOOK REVIEW] Anxious Kids by Dr Jodi Richardson and Michael Grose
By Rachel Morris |
When a child first comes to counselling, their parent or guardian inevitably wants an answer to the question, “What can I do to help my child?” We love this question, because it highlights the family’s commitment to doing the hard yards with their kids. Sure, the child will learn new skills and strategies in individual…
Five Ways I Found Youth Mentoring Helpful
By Rachel Morris |
The idea of having a ‘mentor’ is not always popular among teens. Visions of awkward meetings in sterile environments, where an out-of-touch elder badgers a teen to come up with a 5 year-plan, come to mind. I am happy to say that those times are far-gone. We now understand that mentoring can help a teen…
5 Ways I Found Youth Mentoring Helpful
By Rachel Morris |
The idea of having a ‘mentor’ is not always popular among teens. Visions of awkward meetings in sterile environments, where an out-of-touch elder badgers a teen to come up with a 5 year-plan, come to mind. I am happy to say that those times are far-gone. We now understand that mentoring can help a teen…
7 Benefits To Having Your Teenager Attend Counselling
By Rachel Morris |
“Counselling? You’re kidding! You mean I have to lay on a couch while some shrink asks me how I’m feeling?” If you’ve ever talked to your teenager about the possibility of seeing a counsellor, it’s highly possible this is how they responded. Don’t be shocked if this happens–we know that therapy isn’t discussed very much…