After years of self-doubt and self-deprecation, Vickie Simos (BA (Psych) G.dip.C&Psychotheraphy Master of Counselling) has made many discoveries about who she was and who she wants to be – a confident, strong person who considers herself worthy of all the best life has to offer. Thelo Active Therapy (Teach, Help, Elevate, Lives, Organically) was founded from these experiences and the desire to share her hard learned knowledge and help other people gain confidence in mind and body.

For more than a decade Vickie has been involved in working with children, with various programs including Melbourne Kids Developmental Services, and the Active After School communities program, as well as mentoring and volunteering at various schools and organisations such as Anglicare. She has also volunteered at Pronia as a case manager/counsellor, working with different nationalities. Vickie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English 2013 at the University of Adelaide, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2016 at the University of Adelaide and received a Master of Counselling 2016 and current Alum at Monash University.

Vickie has competed in numerous Martial Arts tournaments nationally and internationally in the USA, Philippines and New Zealand, which include two World Championships for Stick Fighting, receiving 2 silvers and 1 bronze medal, as well as a Gold in the Pan Pacific’s held in New Zealand.

In her memoir 'The Boxer Within', Vickie shares her journey to find the passion within. This is not only a story about boxing; it’s about finding something that moves you when all seems lost. It’s about what lies beneath, beyond a person’s heart and soul.

Today we will talk about her background and the work she does in the youth sector to help develop mental health amongst youth using Martial Arts.