Valerie is passionate about resolving conflict in a calm, professional and caring manner and has been working with families and businesses through difficult times to keep them out of court for over a decade. She will take the dive into the unknown with you and help you to navigate what may lie ahead.

Her combined study in psychology, family therapy, interpersonal communication and business experience, along with a desire to help people in crisis, had led her to work as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Family Therapist, Child Inclusive Practitioner and Collaborative Coach for people who are separating, have extended family situations or work related issues. Having a crucial but difficult conversation that leads to resolution can be critical to moving on with your life or resolving important relationships.

Her understanding of the complex psychological issues associated with separation, family issues or work environments, gives Valerie an insight into the personalities and dynamics in the mediation room. This enables her to deliver timely, balanced and thoughtful agreements.

Valerie works with a range of professionals including, lawyers, financial advisers and counselors to ensure the best outcomes are achieved. She is also accredited by the Attorney General’s office to issue 60I Certificates.

Currently, Valerie also coaches and assesses candidates for National Mediator accreditation at the College of Law and supervisors/mentors new mediators. Prior to this she managed complex cases as a FDRP at Relationships Australia.

Before studying psychology, Valerie spent over fifteen years living in London and Asia. She worked for the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, forming business alliances and mediating international business arrangements between chamber members.

Valerie has experience in navigating expatriate relocation separations, where one or both parents are living overseas, or where cultural considerations need to be taken into account.

Valerie has two kidadults and understands first hand the emotional, practical and financial challenges of separation and has consistently rated by the Doyles Guide as a “Leading Family Law Mediator” since 2020.

Qualifications

Clinical Masters of Family Therapy - La Trobe & The Bouverie Centre
B.A (Sociology) - UNSW
B Psych, (1st class Hon) - Monash University
Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution, (FDRP) - Relationships Australia
Certificate in Child Inclusive Practice - Children Beyond Dispute
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training - Relationships Australia
Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) under Federal Attorney General
Accredited by the Federal Attorney-General to issue 60I Certificates

Memberships

Australian Association of Family Therapists
Board member of Collaborative Practice (NSW) Inc.
Australian Mediation Association
Professional member of Australian Association of Family Therapist
Resolution Institute
Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals
Central Sydney Collaborative Forum
Australian Academy of Collaborative Professionals
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals