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Mission Statement & Therapeutic Approach

My mission is to foster healing, resilience, and emotional well-being by integrating trauma-informed counselling with mindful movement practices. I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, individualised care that supports children, adolescents, and adults in safely exploring, understanding, and expressing their emotions.

​Grounded in a holistic and person-centred philosophy, my approach blends evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, Yoga, and Pilates to promote healing of both the mind and body. I believe that true, lasting transformation happens when we nurture the connection between emotional awareness and physical regulation.

 

In my practice, I draw upon trauma-informed principles to create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgemental space where people can show up exactly as they are. Whether through creative play, talk-based therapy, or movement-led sessions, I tailor each interaction to meet the unique needs of the individual or family. My goal is to empower clients to build emotional insight, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion, while strengthening their sense of agency and connectedness.

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I specialise in supporting neurodivergent individuals and those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional dysregulation. I also welcome families navigating complex life circumstances—or simply seeking support and connection in a warm, respectful environment.

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At the heart of my work is the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. Through a blend of therapeutic modalities and mindful movement, I support clients in cultivating self-awareness, resilience, and the capacity to thrive in their everyday lives.

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About me 

I'm Mara Gomes, a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker, fitness educator, and trauma-informed practitioner with a passion for holistic wellbeing. I bring a unique blend of expertise that bridges the psychological and the physical, honouring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. With nearly two decades of experience across diverse settings, my work is grounded in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to ethical, person-centred care.

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​Over the years, I have supported individuals across the lifespan—from children and adolescents to adults and families—through a wide range of challenges, including trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional dysregulation, anxiety, grief, relational difficulties, and complex mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and co-occurring diagnoses. I believe that healing takes place in safe, empowering environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and respected—spaces that honour both their vulnerabilities and their strengths.

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Driven by a lifelong love of learning, I have completed more than 50 professional development courses in areas including clinical mental health, child and adolescent therapy, trauma and attachment, family intervention, neurodiversity, and therapeutic movement. My approach is informed by evidence-based frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, developmental psychiatry, attachment theory, and relational family therapy. I also draw on my background in fitness and movement to enhance body awareness, resilience, and regulation strategies—especially in young people and those recovering from trauma.

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Whether I'm working with families in crisis, guiding parents through emotional coaching, or facilitating a Pilates or a Zumba class that promotes joy and embodiment, my goal is always the same: to meet people where they are and walk alongside them as they move toward healing, connection, and wellbeing.

Qualifications

Formal Education

  • Master of Social Work – James Cook University, 2021

  • Double degree in Business & Psychological Sciences – James Cook University, 2019

Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Training​

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2025

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Enhanced Practice. (23 Sep)

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 101: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) 101 (22 Sep)

  • Play Therapy Training 200hours - PlayStrong Institute. (Ongoing)

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2024

  • Family Therapy Foundations – La Trobe University

  • Clinical Supervision – University of Melbourne (24 Oct)

  • Introduction to Infant Mental Health – University of Melbourne (6 Nov)

  • Developmental Psychiatry Course – University of Melbourne (12 Dec)

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2023

  • ASD Assessment Fundamentals and Co-occurring Conditions – University of Melbourne (17 Apr)

  • Tuning Into Kids Facilitator Training – University of Melbourne (15 May)

  • Trauma & Attachment with Children & Families – Australian Childhood Foundation (24 July)

  • Eating Disorders Core Skills – National Eating Disorders Collaboration (5 Sept)

  • Bringing Up Great Kids Facilitator Training – Australian Childhood Foundation (27 Oct)

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2022

(Queensland Health / Evolve Therapeutic Services)

  • Establishing Suicidal Intent

  • Depression

  • CBT for Eating Disorders

  • Professional Relationships in Mental Health

  • Mental State Examination

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2021

  • Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Centre of Excellence, 2021

(Queensland Health / Evolve Therapeutic Services)

  • Qc9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment

  • Dual Diagnosis

  • The QUEST – Caring for Young People with Trauma, Abuse and Neglect

  • Trauma-Informed Care

  • Responding to Complex Trauma

  • Brief Interventions: Alcohol and Other Drugs

  • AOD Assessment

  • ASSIST

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • Micro-counselling Skills

  • Motivational Interviewing: Spirit and Core Skills

  • Motivational Interviewing 2 – Change Talk

Fitness Training and Professional Development

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2025

  • Yoga teacher Training, 200hours - Yoga Renew (0ngoing)

 

2024

  • Training Special Populations Level 1 & 2, Fitness education online, Australia

  • Pilates Pregnancy and Post-natal, Louise Taube, Australia

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2023

  • Boogie bounce instructor, Boogie Bounce, Australia

  • Pre and Post Natal Barre, Barre Certification, Australia

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2019

  • Powertamp instructor, Emma Newham Fitness, Australia

  • Barre instructor, Barre Certification, Australia

 

2018

  • BODY PUMP® international instructor, Les Mills group, Australia

  • SPRINT International Instructor, Les Mills group, Australia

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2015

  • Cert III and Cert IV In Fitness, Sand Goanna, Townsville, Australia

  • Personal trainer, Sand Goanna.

 

2014

  • Zumba Step Instructor Certification, Zumba® Fitness, Cairns, Australia

 

2013

  • International Bokwa Instructor Certification (Level I), Bokwa® Fitness, Lisboa, Portugal

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2012

  • Zumba Gold, Zumba Glutes and Zumba ABS, Zumba® Fitness, Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Zumba Sentao Instructor Certification, Zumba® Fitness, England

  • Zumbatomic/Kids Instructor Certification, Zumba® Fitness, England

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2011

  • Pilates Instructor, Promofitness, Manz, Portugal

  • Zumba Toning Instructor Certification, Zumba® Fitness, Sydney, Australia

 

2010

  • Zumba Basic and Zumba Circuit Instructor Certification. 

  • Indoor Cycling Instructor Certification, Fitness Brazil, Santos, Brazil

  • Brazilian Body workout Certification, Fitness Brazil, Santos, Brazil

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2009

  • Pedagogical methods and techniques for fitness education, Institute of Employment and Vocational Training, Aveiro, Portugal

 

2007

  • Team Management, Customer Service and FISH Training Course, Vivafit, Oeiras, Portugal.

 

2006

  • Fitness Sales and Circuit Training Course

  • IFAD Sport and Wellness School, Loulé, Portugal

  • International Fitness Instructor Level II Certification

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