Counselling & Social Work
I’m Anne – a mother, artist, astrology student, holistic therapist / Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, art circle facilitator.
I'm passionate about how we integrate and recover from trauma and mental health challenges particularly with healing approaches that centre holism and the transpersonal.
I’ve worked with women and mothers as a professional social worker for almost 20 years. This has included supporting women and folks in their recovery from pregnancy/ birth/ postnatal challenges (birth trauma / perinatal depression and anxiety); childhood sexual abuse; domestic and sexual violence; childhood developmental trauma and attachment trauma. I also work with folks looking to recover from and manage generalised anxiety and depression.
Therapy Approach
My approach to counselling and therapy is shaped by various modalities and theories for healing. These include, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness based cognitive behavioural approaches, anti-oppressive, feminist and anti-racist theories, polyvagal theory, somatic, creative arts, and trauma-informed approaches to psychotherapy. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
My counselling approach is also informed by holistic frameworks of healing that centre the transpersonal and spiritual aspects of life. I have a particular interest in, reclaiming traditional women’s knowledge and wisdom; traditional womb healing practices; reclaiming women’s rites of passage (menstruation/ pregnancy/ birth/ mothering/ menopause); feminine/ Earth-based spirituality (shamanism/animism/Indigenous frameworks); traditional folk herbal medicine; plant medicine (including entheogen and psychedelic medicines) the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness; yoga; astrology and ancestor reverence practices.
Professional Qualifications & Training
Bachelor of Social Work – University of Queensland (2006)
Diploma Visual Art – TAFE (2025)
Qualified Doula – Australian Doula College (2011)
Advanced childbirth education training – Birthing From Within.
Eight Seasons Journey – School of Shamanic Womancraft (2018). Women’s mysteries school.
For more about my professional experience working as a social worker and counsellor in the community sector please see here.
You can view my Australian Association of Social Workers listing here or my Psychology Today therapist listing here.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Level 1 (2024)
Reiki Level 1 (2024)
Blueknot Complex Trauma Training – Three Phased Approach: Safety and Stabilisation – 2022
Working With Dissociation Training – Dr Catherine Hynes – 2021
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Training – 2020
Birth Trauma Skills Workshop – Amanda Donnet & Rachel Bushing 2020
Newborn Mothers Postpartum Professional Training 2019
Janina Fisher, Transforming Trauma-related Resistance and Stuckness training, 2019
Creative Ways of Making Space for the Baby, Part 1 & 2 – Jenny Blyth of Birthwork
Perinatal Non-Directive Counselling Training – Australian Psychological Society
Birth Story Listening Course: “Understanding the causes and solutions for emotional birth trauma” – Pam England, Birthing From Within
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescence – Russ Harris
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Two day Advanced Workshop – Russ Harris
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Two day Introductory Workshop – Russ Harris
Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training – Grant Sara
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault from a Feminist Perspective – Brisbane Rape and Incest Survivors Support Centre (BRISSC)
Applied Suicide Intervention Training – Living Works
Counselling Appointments
Book your session or a free initial call
Anne Castles, BSocWk
ABN: 72 648 150 387
Medicare Provider Number: 494 282 3X
AASW Member Number: 439847
I pay my respects to the Turrbal and Jagera people, the First Peoples with an ongoing connection to the land I create and offer my work from in Meanjin (Brisbane). Always was, Always will be Aboriginal Land.
info@annecastles.com.au