Meet the Therapist
Hello, I’m Tanja
A little about my professional background
I believe therapy begins with creating a space where you can feel genuinely heard, understood and respected.
You don't have to arrive knowing exactly what you need.
Sometimes we begin with a feeling. Sometimes with a question. Sometimes simply with the sense that something needs to change.
My role isn't to tell you who you should be or what you should do. It's to walk alongside you as we explore what is happening, what matters to you and what you might need.
My approach
My approach is warm, collaborative and person-centred.
I draw on therapeutic theory, clinical training and the developing research evidence to support our work together. At the same time, I recognise that therapy isn't one-size-fits-all.
You are the expert in your own life. My role is to bring therapeutic knowledge, curiosity and a safe, supportive space where we can explore your experiences together.
What we explore, and how we work, will depend on you, your experiences and what feels appropriate for your therapeutic journey. Sessions may involve talking and reflection, therapeutic activities or Sandtray Therapy.
Sandtray Therapy is part of how I work, not something you are expected to use. If it feels appropriate and you're open to it, we may incorporate it into our work. If talking feels right for you, that's where we can begin.
The aim is to create space for you to explore what is happening, develop greater self-understanding and consider what meaningful change might look like for you.
What I value
I value connection, curiosity, creativity and respect.
I believe our experiences don't exist in isolation. The relationships we have, the families we come from, our cultures, communities and the experiences we've lived through can all shape the way we understand ourselves and the world around us.
With Polynesian and European heritage, I have a personal appreciation for the different stories, traditions and perspectives we can carry. As a mother of two, I also understand that life moves through different chapters, and that each chapter can bring its own questions, challenges and opportunities for growth.
I'm particularly interested in the stories we carry, including the stories passed down through families and generations, and the stories we develop about ourselves along the way.
I value curiosity over judgement. I believe there is rarely one simple explanation for what we're experiencing, and that sometimes we need space to look at something from a different perspective.
Creativity is also important to me. Sometimes we find insight through talking. Sometimes through reflection, creating, storytelling, or simply noticing what is there.
Why Sands of Insight?
The name Sands of Insight reflects my belief that insight can emerge in many different ways.
Sometimes we need space to slow down and pause. Sometimes we need to look at something from a different perspective. And sometimes, words aren't enough to express what we're experiencing.
Sand is at the heart of my work with Sandtray Therapy. It can be touched, shaped, moved and explored. Sometimes a person may work with the sand itself; at other times, objects, figures or other elements may become part of the process.
For me, there is also something about sand that speaks to grounding — having somewhere to begin before taking the next step on your journey. A place to pause, settle and simply start where you are.
There is no single way to use the sand and no predetermined meaning. What emerges is personal to each person and their experience.
For me, this reflects something important about therapy: there doesn't have to be one right way to explore what you're experiencing.
Sometimes insight comes through talking. Sometimes through reflection, creating, or simply having the space to pause and notice what is there.
Sands of Insight is about creating that space — to explore, discover and make meaning in your own way.
I am an accredited therapist and certified Sandtray Therapist, with professional affiliations including:
Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Sandtray Therapy Association of Australia (STTAA) and Member of the STTAA Committee.
Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA)
I continue to develop my knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development.
What you can expect
Warm — a space where you can be yourself.
Collaborative — we'll work things through together.
Respectful — your experiences, values and boundaries matter.
Flexible — therapy can adapt as your needs change.
Confidential — your privacy is important.
You don't have to have it all figured out.
You can simply start with a conversation.