Kerry Schilling

Kerry Schilling is a Credentialed Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has seven years in dedicated therapeutic roles. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, low self-esteem, career uncertainty and coping with life changes. Kerry also addresses life purpose concerns alongside communication, workplace issues and trauma-related difficulties.

She trained in psychology and social work in Scotland, with an Honours degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her background includes roles in government and not-for-profit settings, where she supported people from diverse cultural backgrounds through a range of practical problems.

Kerry uses a person-centred and strengths-based stance in sessions. That means conversations focus on the person’s own priorities and abilities. She listens closely, reflects what she hears and helps people notice patterns in thinking and behaviour.

When useful, Kerry draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy techniques to help manage strong emotions and unhelpful thinking. She also uses solution-focused strategies and relationship work influenced by the Gottman method to support communication and practical problem solving.

Parents or people juggling many responsibilities may find Kerry understands the pressure of competing demands. She aims to help clients build clearer self-awareness, practical coping skills and steadier ways of responding to stress and life change.

Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions

Client-centred therapy places the person’s priorities at the centre of work. The therapist listens, reflects and helps the client name what matters and where to begin. This approach suits people who want a collaborative, exploratory way of working rather than a set programme.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours connect. It offers practical techniques for reducing anxiety, managing stress and tackling unhelpful thinking. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) includes skills for managing intense emotions and improving coping strategies, which can help with overwhelming stress or trauma reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kerry will discuss different methods with a client and choose tools that fit their goals, preferences and everyday life. The decision is collaborative and can change as therapy progresses.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to schedule therapy around work, childcare and other commitments, and some formats are better for shorter check-ins or when bandwidth is limited. Appropriately qualified therapists can adapt sessions to suit practical needs and timeframe constraints.