Bio

Staff Credentials

I am a sessional lecturer at CHC, and I will be teaching the CO553 Domestic and Family Violence Counselling unit online. In addition to this role, I am currently working as a men’s domestic violence counsellor and group facilitator in Queensland and Victoria.

My education background consists of a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of Southern Queensland, a Bachelor of Counselling at the Southern Cross University, and a Master of Counselling (here at CHC), I have post-graduate certificates in Neuropsychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy and Expressive Therapies.

Bio and Personal Info/Interests

Over the last 20 years, I have worked in direct practice with children and families in domestic violence/ sexual assault and men’s domestic violence change behaviour programs. I am a passionate and experienced trainer and group facilitator. I have delivered domestic and family violence (DFV) legislative and educational programs to various organisations across the Sunshine Coast, QLD. The executive producer of the ‘Men Choosing Change’ DFV movie for UnitingCare, “Calming the Angry brain” and “Minds Behind Bullying” animations (DFV resources) which I presented at the international Neuropsychotherapy conference in Melbourne. I am passionate about change and aspire to share specialist DFV knowledge – to transform how we address domestic and family violence in our community.

I was originally born in the United Kingdom and moved to Australia when I was 20. A victim-survivor of domestic violence, I was a single mother for many years and had a son who is 28 years old.

Personal Testimony

Growing up in a Christian family, I accepted Christ as my personal Saviour at 10. As a child, I was always an explorer, and in my teenage years, I pulled away from God and my family, taking a job as a children’s nanny in Gibraltar. This led to my desire to explore the world and eventually live in Australia.

Getting caught up in the modelling scene, far from family and friends, I found myself with the wrong crowd and eventually became a victim of domestic violence.

As I turned to God, my journey from then to now was fraught with many obstacles and triumphs, but God’s presence was always with me throughout. As a living testimony, I can honestly say God works all things together for good. Over the last 20 years, I have been honoured to journey with men, women and children impacted

by domestic and family violence. My heart’s desire is to share this knowledge with you so that it may help others as you fulfil God’s purpose in your own lives.

Contact Information

Here’s how to get in touch with me. · Email: karen.marsh@chc.edu.au (preferred and I am quick to respond at any time)

· Phone number: 0493030776

· Online virtual hours: Any time during office hours and regularly outside this time.