Information to see if I pass the vibe check
Cody Robinson (she/her)
Me as a human
What's the first thing I want you to know about me? Hmmm. I used to start these with a descriptor of my disabilities and lived experience but now I think I want you to know that I'm also just trying really hard to survive life, as we all are, right?
Maybe that's the thing. While I acknowledge and understand that I hold a lot of power within the therapeutic relationship, I try my best to balance it out and be a real human alongside you. We're all just walking each other home - Ram Dass energy.
I'm often described by my clients as "so boring." I've decided to take this as the highest possible compliment. Boring means nothing dramatic is happening. It means I'm probably not going to say something that catches you off guard or makes you feel like you need to manage my emotions on top of your own. Boring means you're safe enough to fall apart and know you'll be supported.
(Stay tuned though, you might see me on a televised talent show once I master these tap dancing lessons I'm doing.)
I am living on this planet as an autistic, PMDD, ADHD, C-PTSD, endo, CFS/ME, ARFID, former-gifted-kid-turned-burnout-but-recovering-always adult. I talk fast and think faster. I love that now people get excited by that rather than roll their eyes the way my teachers used to when I was always pushing for more complex work. Now I can live in the complexity and thrive.
I listen to everything on 1.5–2x speed and always have - way before social media made it a feature or a thing. I also insist on having my fan on 3 at all times. I want it tattooed on me and added to my gravestone so no one ever forgets that it is the most important thing about me.
I don't cry over traumatic things - you can though. I think it's such an honour to witness someone's stories and their pain, and I'm happy to sit with you in it for as long as you need. I won't ever pity you. I don't see people as their trauma, their darkest moments, or their diagnoses. I see people for the inner strengths that have kept them going and everything they are wildly talented at.
A few things you might want to know about me that have nothing to do with therapy:
I have an undefined number of hermit crabs, all rescues.
I genuinely believe I am Matilda in real life. Reading is my special interest - predominantly feral girlies being feral as a middle finger to society and its expectations of women. Contemporary lit, if you will.
My diet is mostly potatoes, and I have always wanted to start a mashed potato and gravy food truck.
I'm a qualified yoga teacher and used to run pay-what-you-feel classes. For a while I taught trauma-informed interoceptive yoga in a women's prison.
I can feel music and some of my favourite artists are Denni, Baarka, Florence + The Machine, and Flowerkid. The best concert I’ve been to was Tash Sultana by far.
I bake the ugliest, most structurally questionable cakes for people I love. It's my primary love language.
Someone close to me recently told me my true identity was "north Queensland bogan." I was briefly offended. The next day I found myself saying "that's a really nice boat" to a video they showed me, completely unprompted. The jury remains out.
I peel lychees with my teeth because I'm a grown adult (and a north Queensland bogan).
I'd honestly prefer to travel alone because accommodating other people's holiday preferences as a deeply introverted person who just wants to relax and do her own thing is, frankly, my idea of a nightmare.
Me as a professional
My framework of practice aims to be anti-oppressive, strength-based, feminist, intersectional, trauma-informed, and queer and neurodivergent affirming. That should honestly be the bare minimum and I’m frustrated that it’s not!
I am a relational social worker who focuses on attachment and building healthier relationships. I’m reliable, efficient, warm, endlessly curious, trustworthy, and thoughtful. I practice cultural humility and I’m committed to decolonisation. I believe that no one is free until we’re all free.
I really like to use books, poetry, writing, song lyrics, and other forms of creative expression as a way to talk about emotions and feelings. I’m really sorry but I will most likely print out a copy of the feelings wheel and email you a link so you always have it to reference. It’s a running joke amongst most of my clients. They love to hate it.
I enjoy talking about topics that often go unaddressed in society and amongst friends and family. I’ve always been fascinated by topics such as sex, death, drugs, religion, money, and anything else you’re not meant to speak about in this neuro-normative society of ours. I feel like this should be a given but as a social worker, I practice harm-minimisation.
I find it such an honour to get to know your rich and vivid inner life. I love working together to strengthen your self-identity, self-esteem, self-belief, self-care, boundaries, and hope for the future.
My professional sign off when saying goodbye to clients is always “be safe, make good choices, and if it’s not a heck yes, it’s a heck no” and “if you need anything before I see you again, reach out”.
Me as an experienced clinician
I’m going to take this from the professional profile I use. Please excuse me for being so corporate.
I’m a clinical social worker and accredited eating disorder mental health clinician specialising in complex mental health, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and crisis/risk management.
I possess a deep understanding of the nuances of these specialities and demonstrate a keen ability to navigate the intricacies of supporting individuals with diverse and complex needs.
With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and a commitment to holistic care, I adeptly address the multifaceted challenges faced by clients, empowering them to achieve their goals and enhance their overall wellbeing.
I value collaborative care and work effectively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to develop tailored approaches and strategies that promote resilience, recovery, and meaningful engagement in life.
My professional qualifications are as follows:
Bachelor of Laws (Second Class Honours)
Graduate Diploma of Practical Legal Training
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Registered member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW No: 502252)
I am trained in, the following clinical approaches:
CBT
CBT-E
DBT
DBT-E
MANTRA
ACT
ACT for grief & loss
Narrative therapy
Single session thinking
Collaborative problem solving
Solution focused case management
Suicide and/or self-harm risk assessment and management
Shark Cage