About
Ange - Therapeutic Arts Facilitator, Registered Counsellor and Founder of Middle Mess Therapeutic Arts
Hello, my name is Ange, welcome to my therapeutic arts practice.
​
I am a gen X 'newly' post menopausal woman. I recently turned 51 and would describe my forties as tough, confusing and bloody messy!
​​
About 5 years ago, in my late forties, I had a hysterectomy after struggling for some time with ridiculously heavy periods which was impacting my ability to function in all areas of my life. I had zero knowledge or insight about perimenopause and the symptoms that were creeping in, or what the hysterectomy might mean with hormones and menopause, I was clueless. ​
​
Post menopause came for me at 51 after hot flushes, night waking, brain fog and word finding difficulties had moved in hard.
​
As a survivor of childhood trauma and sexual abuse living with c-ptsd, I also noticed some emotions resurfacing that felt distressing and heavy even though I had done alot of healing and personal work. It was like my resilience in coping with stress and things I could normally handle was taking a nose dive. I knew I couldn't keep going on feeling this out of control, unbalanced, unhappy and feeling like I was failing my family.
​
I began to educate myself about perimenopause, menopause and midlife shifts and learnt that the way I look after myself, physically, emotionally and spiritually needed to look different in this era.
​
Serving midlife women is something I am SO passionate about. ​My formal studies in counselling and holistic integrated creative arts therapy allows me to provide the safe space and techniques but bringing my own lived experience of menopause challenges means that I can more easily understand how symptoms might be impacting my clients emotional and mental well-being.
​​
I am Mum to two gorgeous and spicy teenagers, one who has a severe intellectual disability.
​
I have two dogs, Jack Russell x Foxy's who are wild.
​
I indigo dye and block print, creativity helps me work through stuff!
​
​​
I invite you to turn up as you are and I will do my very best to help you feel welcomed and comfortable.​
​
​​
​​
Ange x​
​
​​
My
Therapeutic Approach
My therapeutic approach is person centred, creative and holistic : mind/body & nervous system focussed. I create a warm, safe and supportive environment where you feel valued and understood. Together, we’ll explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences in peri/menopause and midlife and I integrate creative and mindfulness techniques into our work together. Through these practices, you’ll have the chance to learn coping skills and ways to reduce stress that can be used in practical ways.
I have been told that I 'bring the calm' to sessions and it's something I am grateful to do in my work, to sit alongside you, be a steady presence and hold space for you.
Qualifications
Diploma of Counselling
AIPC - Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
Professional Memberships
Member
ACA Australian Counselling Association
Member
Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy Practitioner
Mind Body Education
IICT International Institute Of Complementary Therapist's
Member
Professional Development
Advanced Study Major - Expressive Therapies
AIPC - Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
Trauma Informed Coach Certificate
The Centre for Healing
Creative Counsellors
Other
First Aid Certificate
First Aid and CPR
Australia Wide First Aid
Empowering Women through Menopause
Canopy Health Education
Holistic Counselling Practitioner
Health and Harmony College
Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate
In the Community
Trained Youth Mentor
Raise Foundation
The Embody Lab
Current Study
Traumatic Stress Certificate
Trauma Research Foundation - Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk
