About Lori Hetherton
Lori Hetherton is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. She has over 18 years of experience as a counsellor working in mental health in both public and private sectors in Victoria, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory.
Lori Hetherton’s qualifications include:
· Bachelor of Social Work, Charles Sturt University
· Bachelor of Social Science (Youth), Australian Catholic University
· Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Lori’s therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from modalities such as: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Relaxation Strategies, Narrative Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy.
Counselling Approach
Lori provides a supportive and safe environment with a focus on strength-based counselling towards improving overall health, wellbeing and recovery. Counselling should help you to feel heard and understood, and to offer space to explore challenges and discover new skills to build a deeper connection to yourself.
Initially, Lori will ask questions to get to know you, guide you through the process, and collaboratively work with you to achieve your goals.
Lori has a special interest and comprehensive experience working with individuals who have had challenges with (but is not limited to):
Anxiety and/or depression
Challenges of daily life (work, financial stress)
Chronic conditions (including Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Long Covid, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Health and wellbeing
Grief and loss
Managing stress and overwhelm
Mental health (diagnosed or undiagnosed)
Personal growth
Relationship difficulties
Substance use
Supervision
Transitions and adjustment difficulties
Trauma (including PTSD)
What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) distinguish themselves through their training and expertise, as well as a rigorous educational background that includes a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work. This is then complemented by a minimum of 2 years of supervised clinical experience in specialised mental health roles.
Only after successful completion of this accreditation process, can a social worker be known as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) and be able to register with Medicare for rebates through a Mental Health Treatment Plan provided by a GP. They may also provide therapy or support through NDIS, TAC, VOCAT and other third-party providers, such as private health insurance bodies.
AMHSW’s are well-equipped to handle treatment of psychological disorders and can aid clients in enhancing their emotional wellbeing by addressing psychological factors. Whilst also identifying and addressing external stressors and issues affecting one’s overall wellbeing.
When looking for a counsellor, it is important that you find a practitioner who is experienced and able to meet your needs, whether it is a Psychologist, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker or a Registered Counsellor.
