Mental Health Accredited Social Worker

Vicki Hewson, B.S.W, M.A.A.S.W, is an individual and family therapist and clinical social worker. She has over 35 years of experience in providing care for children, adolescents, and their families as well as extensive experience in the public hospital system as both a manager, teacher, supervisor, and clinician.

Vicki trained in Maudsley based family therapy when it was initially introduced in Australia in 2003 and uses a patient centred approach in all her interventions. She has training in evidence-based approaches to treatment of anxiety and depression and works within a trauma focussed model of care.

Vicki’s work background includes experience in adoption, including all parties involved in the adoption process and experience; spinal cord injury; physical disability and rehabilitation as well as acute and chronic illness, both mental and physical.

Her work in private practice as well as the public system has given her expertise in trauma, grief and bereavement as well as adjustment disorders.

As a result of her Social Work training and experience, Vicki’s approach is consistently empathic and sensitive as well as being grounded in practice wisdom and pragmatism. Her treatment framework is holistic, considering all the relevant factors that impact an individual and family’s wellbeing. Her training in many areas of evidence-based practice, including Narrative Therapy, Brief Solution Focussed Therapy, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to facilitate an eclectic and flexible approach to each individual or family she sees. Vicki adheres to a collaborative approach and liaises closely with members of the treating team, especially treating doctors.

Vicki’s areas of specialty include a patient centred approach to Family Based Therapy (FBT) for eating disorders; supporting parents and carers; working with individuals suffering with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and adjustment disorders; and family and couple focused therapy. She is LGBTQI friendly.