Brittany Archer
‘she/they’
Social worker, PSYCHOTHERAPISt, COUNSELLOR and social justice rep.
At Little Window on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.
Qualifications
Member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Bachelor of Behavioural Science, University of Queensland
Master of Counselling, University of Queensland
Master of Social Work, Griffith University
Hi there. I’m Britt. It’s really nice to e-meet you.
As a counsellor and psychotherapist, my greatest desire is to create a space where every person I see feels so heard, valued, respected and safe that expressing their authentic selves and reality is an enriching experience. I strongly believe that the relationship between a person and their therapist is the most pivotal piece in creating meaningful change. Because of this, I work from a place that is relational, relatable, and warm, and am also happy to bring some laughter and light into the space when needed.
Sometimes when we experience difficulty in life, it can feel like there’s something innately ‘wrong’ with us. I’m a big believer that with any struggle we face, we are having a valid, human response to that challenge, whether our response comes out physically, emotionally, behaviourally, or psychologically. The different ways in which we cope are often based on the resources that we have been afforded. I don’t think there are objective ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to cope, but rather that the ways in which we cope either do or don’t align with our own values. To me, therapy is about bringing to light what those values are, and developing resources to cope in ways that work for you to bring you closer to those values.
Every person I speak with has a wealth of skills and knowledge that they bring to the table that they use to cope with life every day. As such, my style of working is very collaborative as I believe that people are the experts in their own lives. My hope is always to stand beside a person as we step forward into exploring an issue or experience that is challenging you, using the mix of what we both know to make sense of it and explore new ways of being. I do this using a mix of Narrative Therapy, Strength-Based Approaches, Solution-Focused, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, creative therapies and other approaches I think will work for you.
Whilst I’m interested in whatever experience you are wanting to bring to the table, some areas I am passionate about are:
Bereavement, grief and other types of loss
Chronic health issues and disability
Trauma and complex trauma
Adolescent and young adult experiences
People who have experienced physical or sexual violence
Adjustment to big life changes
Relationship issues
Sexuality and gender
Anxiety
Depression
Identity and self-esteem
Couples therapy
When I’m not in the therapy space, I’m reading, analysing movies, cuddling with my dog or spending time with loved ones.
Being able to sit with someone in this space is a privilege I take seriously. It’s an honour to get to hear your life and experiences, and I know it’s not always easy to bring these things to light. It’s a precious thing I hold with great care and I’m endlessly grateful to those who chose to share with me.