Ms Torresan dedicated her award to her clients. Photo: Supplied.
A Griffith-based trauma specialist and psychotherapist has been named 2026 Counsellor of the Year by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), one of the profession’s highest honours.
Rayma Torresan has spent the past 15 years helping people affected by complex trauma, domestic and family violence, addiction and intergenerational disadvantage. Her work includes one-on-one therapy, parenting support programs and online courses designed to reach people in rural and remote communities.
The mother of three said she was particularly proud of a NSW Department of Communities and Justice program she ran with mothers fleeing domestic violence or battling drug addiction, many of whom were at risk of losing custody of their children.
“I’ve never wanted to see children going into foster care,” she said.
“My motivation was always to get to that mother and help rehabilitate her so she can care for her kids. Most of these women have childhood trauma, so we work together to break those intergenerational patterns.”
Rayma Torresan has a private practice in Griffith and also delivers online courses. Photo: Supplied.
Mrs Torresan says supporting parents is often the key to improving outcomes for children.
“I believe the parents fly the plane,” she said.
“If they don’t have the help and the tools, then working with just their children won’t work. No eight-year-old owns their own issue. When you heal the parents, the children get better.”
The ACA Annual Excellence Awards recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to the counselling profession. Mrs Torresan was selected after a panel assessed her client outcomes, leadership within the profession and impact on the wider community.
The 48-year-old grew up in Griffith and previously worked as a singing teacher and publican before retraining as a psychotherapist. In recent years she has also developed online trauma recovery and parenting programs aimed at making support more accessible to people outside major cities.
Ms Torresan with Hayley Wood, the head of VET and Operations from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and the event’s MC Mike Carroll. Photo: Supplied.
She said she thought she might have a chance of winning a rural or regional category, but never expected to receive the national award.
“I dedicate this to all my clients. It takes a lot of courage to heal your trauma and I thank them for placing their trust in me,” she said.
“In a rural area, we have fewer resources, so you have to be more creative,” she said.
“My online courses have allowed me to help people in remote communities like Hay, Hillston and Lake Cargelligo who I wouldn’t be able to see in person.”
While the award recognises her achievements to date, Mrs Torresan said her focus remained on expanding access to support for people who needed it.
“I’ll always stay in Griffith because I love it here, but I’ll be looking at growing my programs so they can reach people outside this area as well,” she said.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
