About Me
I believe that my clients have the desire and the capacity to grow towards fulfilling their true potential, and that they are the experts on their own lives. I am accepting and understanding of each person’s reality. I'm open-minded and non-judgmental. I will be active and direct to work with you to break patterns that are not working for you, and bring you closer to your partner. Here is what my clients say about working with me and their counselling experience.
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I’ve worked with many couples who haven’t been able to communicate effectively for a long time. What you need right now is clarity. I’m here to walk alongside you to find the path.
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In addition to ongoing professional supervision, I am committed to clinical professional development, including clinical training through the Gottman Institute, where in addition to Level 1 and 2, I have completed Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I have also completed specialised training in the Gottman Method to Treating Affairs and Trauma, and am a Gottman Leader for the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Program.
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The Gottman Couple Therapy model is underscored by a strong evidence base and extensive long-term research in the Institute's 'Love Lab' which has observed couples' interactions since the 1970's. This comprehensive model can predict divorce with 91% accuracy, clearly distinguishes happy/unhappy couples, and it has developed a realistic therapy approach to shift couples' behaviours and experiences from dysfunctional to functional. With my research background, the Gottman Model built on a strong scientific base, is particularly appealing to me.
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Originally from South Africa (I speak Afrikaans too), I've also lived in New Zealand, before coming to Australia over 15 years ago. I hold advanced post-graduate research degrees in which I observed and surveyed couples: My PhD in Psychology focused on couples' conflict and attachment; I have also completed a Masters in Psychology focused on couples' conflict styles and relationship satisfaction. I hold a Diploma in Counselling, and have done specialised training in online counselling, Relational Life Therapy (Terry Real), Imago couples therapy, sex therapy, addiction and working with groups.
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Dr Karin du Plessis
PhD (Psychology) MA (Psychology)
BA (Psychology) DipCouns, MACA,
Member of the College of Supervisors
I am a Registered Counsellor and member of the Australian Counselling Association (Level 2, Membership number 17474), a member of the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA), and also a member of the Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN). I am also a clinical supervisor, Member of the (ACA) College of Supervisors, and have completed supervision training accredited through the Australian Counselling Association.
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In my practice I uphold the ethical and professional conduct framework of the Australian Counselling Association, the Victorian Code of Conduct for General Health Services, and this service is provided on what are the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation.
I also do occasional academic/research work as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Victoria University and have over 20 years' experience as a health and mental health researcher. My research career involved developing an in-depth understanding of a diverse range of health and mental health issues (e.g., couples' conflict and attachment, substance use, help-seeking behaviour, neurodevelopment, suicide prevention, work health and safety, financial literacy), as well as patient and family experiences in living with a chronic life-threatening disease.
Full details about my career, training, professional development, education, and peer-reviewed publications can be found at:
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