Stef Barber

Qualifications / Professional Associations:

• Liberal Arts Degree – Utrecht University Utrecht

• Graduate Diploma in Psychology – Macquarie University

• Master in Forensic Mental Health – UNSW

• Completing Master in Counselling and Psychotherapy – ACAP University College

Summary Professional Experience:

Stef has over 13 years of experience in counselling and working within the criminal justice system. She has worked for both government and non-government organisations, in custodial and non-custodial settings, as well as helping people transition back into the community after a custodial sentence. She has worked with violent, sexual, drug and alcohol offences and specialised in AOD counselling.

Stef was the only AOD counsellor working with clients on remand in custody in Australia, for four years, but advocated for other services to start this work as well. She has presented at multiple conferences such as the Re-integration Puzzle Conferences, NADA conferences and ANZ Addictions conference.

Stef has been doing counselling within the insurance space for the last three years, leading a team of Telehealth counsellors across Australia. She supported clients mental health and wellbeing, whilst they were physically recovering from workplace injuries, car accidents or chronic physical conditions.

Stef is currently working towards clinical counselling registration. She is passionate about helping those with complex issues to remain out of custody, working from a trauma-informed approach.