Helen Collingwood
Helen Collingwood,
Accredited Social Worker
Helen is a compassionate and highly qualified Child and Family Therapist dedicated to empowering individuals and families through life’s most complex challenges. Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from James Cook University, she brings both academic rigor and deep empathy to her practice.
Areas of Interest:
With extensive experience in crisis intervention and trauma recovery, Helen has experience in addressing:
- Domestic/family violence dynamics
- Childhood trauma
- PTSD and dissociative disorders
- Risk assessment and prevention
- Neurodivergent-affirming care
- Working with NDIS participants with a range of disabilities
Trauma-Informed Approach
Helen employs evidence-based modalities including:
- EMDR Therapy: For reprocessing traumatic memories (currently expanding skills for complex PTSD and addiction-related trauma)
- Polyvagal Theory: Regulating Nervous System Responses
- ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy): Building psychological flexibility
- Strengths-Based Frameworks: Focusing on client resilience
Play Therapy
Helen creates safe therapeutic spaces for children 4-14 through:
- Non-directive play therapy
- Art/music expression techniques
- Body movement and breathwork
- Mindfulness adaptation for young minds
- Social anxiety support strategies
Holistic Philosophy
Her practice emphasises:
- Social justice advocacy in mental health
- Biopsychosocial-spiritual integration
- Collaborative goal-setting
- Culturally sensitive interventions
- Continuous professional development
Helen remains committed to helping families heal through scientifically grounded yet compassionate care, believing strongly in every individual’s capacity for growth even in adversity. Her work particularly focuses on creating tailored pathways to resilience for both neurotypical and neurodivergent clients.
