Individual Therapy
I enjoy working with people one on one to help them reach their goals. I am trained in many therapies including CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR and trauma informed therapy. I am also influenced by many relevant theories and areas of psychology such as attachment theory, mindfulness, self compassion and positive psychology. I am flexible in how we use these therapies depending on your goals.
At the moment I am working online and in person. I am located in Chatswood and I have availability for in person and online appointments on Wednesdays between 8am and 230pm.
Specialisation areas
I work with...
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Adults and older teens who have a wide range of cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, experiences and pasts.
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People who identify anywhere on the LGBTQIA+ rainbow.
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People on the Autism Spectrum and people with ADHD.
Therapy can be about managing painful and difficult emotions more effectively, it is also about building resilience and finding a sense of wellbeing, thriving and meaning in life.
Using positive psychology theory and a range of therapies I work with people wishing to build well-being, resilience, positivity and optimism and to help more effectively manage stress and build effective habits.
I also work with people experiencing:
Depressive disorders including:
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Major Depression
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Bipolar Disorder I and II
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Dysthymia (prolonged low mood)
Anxiety disorders including:
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Panic Disorder
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) both obsessive and compulsive type
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Generalised Anxiety Disorder
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Social Anxiety Disorder
Trauma related disorders:
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Complex Trauma/Childhood Trauma
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Borderline Personality Disorder
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Adjustment Disorder
Other areas:
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Work stress and Burnout
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Sleep and insomnia
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Habit building
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Procrastination
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Perfectionism
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Trichotillomania
What to expect in therapy
Therapy involves working collaborative with your therapist to develop goals for your health and wellbeing and to work together on reaching these goals. Sessions are usually 50 minutes although may at times last as long as an hour. The first session of therapy involves exploring what is currently going on in a clients life, both the struggles and strengths and an exploration of some of the past experiences that may have contributed to current struggles. How much to share is always guided by the client, it is okay to take a few sessions to build a sense of trust with your therapist. The duration of therapy varies a lot. It may be short term 2-10 sessions for goals around building increased wellbeing or managing struggles that have been fairly short term. Medium term therapy might be 20-40 sessions to work on more long term concerns or multiple life goals. At times, as is the case in complex trauma or long standing mental health struggles longer term therapy may be preferred. These are guidelines only and can be discussed at any time.
Therapy types
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is both a therapy style in itself and an umbrella term for any therapy that works on the principles of exploring the relationships between our environment, thoughts, emotions/sensations and behaviours.
CBT aims to help you understand how these elements work together and how you can change any of these areas to create positive change in your life.
ACT and DBT are considered third wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapies.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a therapy that was designed to help people struggling with self harm and suicidal ideation, intense emotions, interpersonal difficulties and a lack of coherent sense of self. DBT is a therapy that consists of individual therapy, group therapy, phone or email coaching between sessions and therapist consult group.
In my current practice I do not provide complete DBT which involves attendance in a group and myself having a consult group. I provide DBT informed therapy drawing from my knowledge of DBT and using techiques. I also run DBT groups in person and online.
DBT informed therapy can be helpful for anyone wishing to learn to manage intense emotions more effectively. DBT has a strong grounding in mindfulness and behaviour change.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT (pronounced 'act') is a third wave CBT that is both theory driven and evidence based (see Hayes, 2004). ACT aims to help you build psychological flexibility through being able to experience thoughts and emotions and respond to them deliberately and thoughtfully. To help you decide which actions you would like to take ACT explores your values - what is important to you and helps you use these values as a compass to guide your behaviour.
Mindfulness Informed Therapy
Mindfulness is one of the most misunderstood words in psychology! There are many definitions with no agreement, however, generally mindfulness means bringing your attention to the present moment in a curious and open manner.
Mindfulness practice has so many proven benefits including stress reduction, aiding anxiety management and reducing depression and increasing feelings of wellbeing. Ultimately, practicing mindfulness helps you be in control of your mind rather than your mind being in control of you.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence based therapy that has been in use from the mid 80s and is used widely as effective treatment for PTSD, Complex Trauma and has growing evidence for depression and anxiety disorders. EMDR uses a combination of bringing memories and emotions into our present consciousness and disrupting their return to our long term memory via taxing of the working memory.
Psychological Theory
I am always learning more about psychology and about theories that will help my clients.
My therapy is grounded in:
Attachment Theory
Neuroscience
Polyvagal Theory
Self Compassion theory
Positive Psychology
Contact
Suite 229, Level 3, 813 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, NSW, 2067