Sally Thomson

A trauma and attachment informed counsellor and art therapist who is competent in offering EFT, IFS and Art Therapy modalities, client led and adapting the service provided to the needs of each individual client. Career combines long held interest and experience in healthcare with a love of the visual arts. Helping to improve mental health and the quality of life of others through person-centred care.

Past experience has provided transferrable skills in communication, presentation, organizational skills, teamwork, self-reflection, and analytical skills developed through nursing training, pharmaceutical industry, medical fundraising, sales, education, marketing and management roles.

Art Therapist & Counsellor in Private Practice - Kangaroo Valley Art Therapy & Counselling - Kangaroo Valley and Nowra, NSW

(2021-06)

Operating from the Medical Centre in Kangaroo Valley and Junction Street Medical Practice in Nowra, seeing clients both 1:1 and in groups. Worked with trauma, disability, couples, individuals with anxiety and depression, anger management, domestic violence and with high needs children.

• Recipient of Kangaroo Valley Bushfire Recovery Grant and Shoalhaven Council Community Grant for Bushfire Recovery
• Facilitated 7 adults' groups around the Kangaroo Valley area
• Facilitated 4 children's groups in Ulladulla
• Led group sessions of 1.5 - 2 hours with 6-18 participants
• Provided safe space for creative self-expression of painful experiences and feelings of grief and loss
• Assisted recovery by instilling hope through supportive community
• Improved social support, universality, catharsis and building resilience

Art Therapist - Sandoz Australia

(2020-01 - 2020-01)

Corporate Art Therapy Group

Art Coordinator/Art Therapist - Montefiore Hunters Hill Day Centre - Sydney, NSW

(2018-07 - 2020-03)

Embraced the opportunity to start two art therapy groups for elderly people living in the community. These groups are ongoing.

Student - Clinical Placement for Masters Program - Montefiore Hunters Hill - Sydney, NSW

(2018-01 - 2018-11)

Product Specialist – Part Time - Sandoz Australia

(2018-12 - 2020-12)

• Training children and families on the use of an injectable device for growth hormone
• Technical discussions and support with paediatric endocrinologists

Territory Manager – Part time - Hahn Healthcare

(2017-02 - 2018-01)

Specialist Representative NSW - AFT Pharmaceuticals - NSW

(2013-06 - 2016-04)

Sales Agent - Callagher Estate Agents & Modern House Estate Agents

(2010 - 2013)

Manager of the Medical Foundation, promoted to Manager of Foundations in 2009 - Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney - Sydney, NSW

(2008 - 2010)

• Fundraising including promotion to donors, organisation and initiation of appeals and fundraising dinners and other functions
• Preparation of grant applications
• Coordinating the activities of the 15 boards
• Managing payments to grant recipients
• Compilation and publication of the Annual Report and History of the Foundation

Cardiovascular Sales Team Member in a range of roles: Marketing Associate, Specialist Representative, Project Leader - Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals - Sydney, NSW

(1989-08 - 2008-03)

18 years in cardiovascular pharmaceutical sales. Recipient of a number of internal awards for productivity.

• Developed the Cantonese/Mandarin Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance DVD Project with healthcare providers in and around St George Hospital
• DVD was winner of the Best Audio-Visual Aid 2009 NSW Health Innovation Awards

Hospital/Specialist Representative - Commonwealth Serum Laboratories

(1986 - 1989)

GP/Pharmacy Representative - Sigma Pharmaceuticals

(1984 - 1986)

Registered nurse/secretary - Dr Ian Fielding - General Surgeon

(1982 - 1984)

General Nursing Training - St Vincents Hospital Sydney - Sydney, NSW

(1978 - 1981)

Graduate Certificate - Counselling - Western Sydney University (2020 - 2021-09)

Master of - Art Therapy - Western Sydney University (2016 - 2019)

Company Director's Course - Australian Institute of Company Directors (2010 - 2010)

Bachelor of Nursing - Post Registration - Nursing - University of Sydney (2009 - 2009)

Diploma - Med Rep Diploma Stages 1 & 2 - Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (1992 - 1992)

Diploma - Secretarial Studies - Metropolitan Business College, Sydney (1982 - 1982)

Diploma - General Nursing Studies - St Vincent's Hospital (1978 - 1981)