About Social Sense
Commencing in 2018, our goal is to empower people with the tools and strategies they need to meet their goals, no matter how complex the situation. With the right support and guidance, you can take control of your life and make positive changes that leads to intentional growth and development. We are more interested in you, rather than your diagnosis. We don’t emphasise a certain therapy ‘brand’ or modality, we come to a mutual agreement on what to do. At Social Sense Allied Health we also think it is essential to develop a shared understanding of what is the matter, what to work on together and how to go about the work. Effective therapy focuses on the causes rather than the symptoms of an issue, difficulty or problem. We develop a therapeutic alliance with you based on connection, mutual agreement of the purpose of therapy and the methods used to achieve that purpose.
We also maintain our continuing professional development and highly value the lived experience of our clients. We are also committed to ethical practice, quality assurance, risk management, regulatory and legal compliance, and health, safety and wellbeing of the people we work with.
Please note we are not a crisis service and operate normal business hours only. If there is a crisis, you can contact: Emergency Services 000, Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 224 636, Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467, Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491, 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732, Kids Helpline (5-25yrs) 1800 551 800 and headspace (12-25yrs) 1800 650 890.
About Don Mackenzie
I have worked as a social work clinician and manager for 25+ years’ in Australia and the United Kingdom, working with organisations such as the Schizophrenia Fellowship, Department of Education and Employment, University of NSW, Charles Sturt University, NSW Health and Northamptonshire County Council (UK).
During my career, I have focused on supporting clients and leading teams in the sectors of mental health, child protection, interpersonal family violence and private practice. I am always learning and regularly undertake Continuing Professional Development so I can apply the latest evidence-based skills and techniques in my practice.
I believe therapy is a co-production of knowledge and skills so along with my academic qualifications, I equally value the stories and lived experience of the clients I meet, which in turn, develops my own practice wisdom.
Personally, I am a parent of a teenager and two young adults. I enjoy switching off by reading, playing tennis, going to the gym and daily yoga practice.
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Social work is a tertiary qualified profession recognised internationally that pursues social justice and human rights. Social workers aim to enhance the quality of life of every member of society and empower them to develop their full potential. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity are central to the profession, and are underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and Indigenous knowledges. Professional social workers consider the relationship between biological, psychological, social and cultural factors and how they influence a person’s health, wellbeing and development. Social workers work with individuals, families, groups and communities. They maintain a dual focus on improving human wellbeing; and identifying and addressing any external issues (known as systemic or structural issues) that detract from wellbeing, such as inequality, injustice and discrimination.
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Bachelor of Social Work (1998), University of Sydney
Master of Social Work - Advanced Practice (2016) Charles Sturt University
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (2013) (AASW)
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Conjoint Lecturer, UNSW School of Medicine
Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
“Both of my children aged 9yrs and 15yrs have seen Don this year. He has always been so approachable and easy for the kids to relate to. My son even looked forward to his sessions each fortnight to chat and learn from Don. Each session we took home strategies and real tools to help with current situations going on in their life. These strategies were very easy to implement and age appropriate. I personally recommend Don to anyone at any age who needs help with their mental health.”
— Client’s Parent