Rhiannon Derrig

Experienced Relationship Therapist and Sexologist

Rhiannon’s qualifications are a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. As part of her ongoing professional development Rhiannon is also a student sexologist, currently completing a Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) Psychosexual Therapy.

In addition to private practice, Rhiannon has also worked as a lecturer teaching counselling subjects to students completing their Bachelor of Counselling.

Key areas of interest and expertise for Rhiannon involve relationships and relationship therapy. Rhiannon helps individuals as well as couples to identify patterns in communication styles that perpetuate dysfunction and miscommunication. She is passionate about exploring with clients how social, cultural and economic factors impact wellbeing both individually and within relationships. Rhiannon strives to promote mutual understanding between individuals in order to challenge cycles of conflict and re-establish trust as well as positive methods of interaction.

In addition to relationship issues, Rhiannon’s areas of expertise and experience are broad and include anxiety, depression, financial/employment stress, grief and loss, trauma, life stage challenges and communication issues.

Rhiannon also has particular interest and expertise working with clients experiencing sexual health concerns. Rhiannon previously worked as a sexual health counsellor in a sexual health clinic in Sydney, gaining broad experience in a number of areas relating to sexual health and wellbeing, working with a diverse range of client backgrounds. She has extensive experience providing psychoeducation to clients on sexual expression, pleasure, negotiating safe sex practices and consent, and improving interpersonal communication skills within relationships.

Rhiannon is respectful of all consensual forms of sexual expression and strives to provide a practice that is inclusive of all identities. She is knowledgeable about racial trauma, gender diversity, and trans and non-binary issues. She sees self-esteem, security and sexuality all as integral components of overall wellbeing to which every person is entitled.

Rhiannon’s experiences have given her a passionate dedication to fighting against social injustice and the inequalities faced by minority groups within Australia. Rhiannon is dedicated to empowering individuals who have had to overcome violence, discrimination or hardship. She works from a trauma-informed framework and has a particular interest in helping trauma survivors overcome their experiences so that they are able to thrive and enjoy healthy relationships and healthy sexuality, both with themselves and others.

As well as her work as a counsellor, Rhiannon has taught university subjects to health science and nursing students in the subjects of interpersonal communication and communication and diversity.

Rhiannon takes a holistic approach to therapy, inviting her clients to collaborate and tailor the approach to their own needs. She brings an integrative set of skills drawn from her experience in clinical counselling and as a university educator. She She is non-judgemental, inclusive, and dedicated to empowering clients to collaborate with her as part of their journey.

Rhiannon has experience working from an evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach, incorporating other styles of intervention such as methods from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness strategies and Psychoeducational tools. She aims to identify individual and relational strengths and positive coping strategies with her clients.

Rhiannon is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and abides by the Code of Conduct for Non-registered Health Practitioners.

Phone: Sydney (02) 9331 0756 
e-mail: enquiries@confides.com.au
Address: Suite 517, 185 Elizabeth St Sydney