MEET OUR THERAPISTS

Australia

sharalyN drayton

Therapist

At ARISE Counselling Solutions we bring many years of both professional and life experience to our work.  Before starting ARISE Counselling Solutions in 2010, Owner and Senior Therapist  Sharalyn Drayton had been working in the field of addiction for 20 years and is Australia’s first APSATS (Association Partners Sex Addiction Trauma Specialist) Certified Clinical Partner Trauma Specialist and Supervisor having trained in the USA with Dr Barbara Stefans.

She is also an IITAP (International Institute Trauma Addiction Professionals) Certificated Sex Addiction Therapist, and a trainer, author and registered supervisor.

Sharalyn also holds qualifications in Clinical Pastoral Counselling and Drug and Alcohol Work and has worked in a number of leading Sydney hospitals.

Australia

Michael Rooney

Therapist

Michael is a Clinical Psychotherapist, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT). Additionally, he is a Brainspotting Practitioner and is undergoing training as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. He makes extensive use of Pia Mellody’s Model of Developmental Immaturity as a guide to understanding and explaining the connection between adverse childhood experiences, relational trauma and current life issues.

He helps people whose lives are unmanageable due to the impact of sex and pornography addiction to heal their pain so they can develop healthier relationships with themselves and others

Australia

Lisa Chapman

Therapist

Lisa has been working in the field of addictions, trauma and relationships for 24 years.  She runs a private practice in Sydneys Northern Beaches.  For many years, she combined this with being part of a clinical team in a private treatment centre and a not-for-profit organisation. 

After working closely not only with those suffering from addiction but also with their families, she was eventually drawn to couples work.  Lisa says It has become a passion. The courage I witness, day after day, of husbands/wives/partners and other extended family to embrace honesty, transparency and trust to create more emotionally intimate and safe relationships never ceases to take my breath away.  Its an honour to facilitate that process.

Lisa holds a Bachelors Degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada and a post-graduate Diploma of Counselling.  She trained in couples therapy with The Couples Institute in Menlo, California and is ERCEM (Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model) with Carol Jeurgensen Sheets.  Lisa is also a certified Brainspotting Practitioner which she uses in her work with trauma.  

New Zealand

Andrew Connelly

Therapist

Andrew specialises in transitions, spirituality, spiritual and sexual abuse, sex addictions, clearing anger, parenting, contemplative spiritual practices, debriefing and community development.

The thing I love about counselling is the privilege of engaging deeply with people and supporting them to identify their strengths, values and motivations and move towards their goals and dreams in life. I believe we only have one shot at this life and we need to risk making the most of it.

Australia

Steve Stokes

Therapist

Steve has been working in the Addictions and Mental Health Field for 30 years and currently runs his private practice – Steve Stokes Counselling and Consulting.

Steve is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). He specialises in Developmental Trauma Treatment and Complex PTSD and Affect Regulation and its relationship to all Addiction Treatment. Steve specialises in Sex Addiction Treatment, Sex, Love and Avoidance addiction Treatment and co-occurring addictions and underlying Developmental Trauma.

Singapore

Aarti Chidambaram

Therapist

Trained as a clinical therapist, Aarti works extensively with Developmental Trauma and Attachment Wounds. Having achieved significant success working with individuals, both children and adults, suffering from Trauma, victims of Relational Abuse, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Mood Disorders, etc. she found her true calling in helping people heal themselves from the inside out.

Australia

ANDREA MURRAY

Therapist

Andrea is a qualified professional counsellor helping those struggling with both everyday problems or confronted by more difficult issues. There may be a new situation in your life that you’re finding confronting and overwhelming. My goal is to work with you for the best outcome for your situation now.

New Zealand

Lisa Taylor

Therapist
Lisa Taylor is a counsellor specialising in betrayal trauma, sex addiction and group facilitation. She works in private practice and also with the UK-based “Naked Truth Project.” Drawing on her own experience as the wife of a sex addict, Lisa runs workshops for women and couples whose lives have been impacted by betrayal trauma and pornography/sexual addiction.

Lisa has a Masters in Counselling, is a certified clinical APSATS-model practitioner (CCPS) and researcher on the intersection of domestic violence and sex addiction. She has also authored several books on partner trauma and sex addiction including the award-winning Beyond Betrayal.