- Anne Frank
Mr Andrew Macdonald
Psychotherapist, Counsellor
Jefferson Place Counselling
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
Hi, I'm Andrew, I created Jefferson Place Counselling as a service where you can feel supported in exploring anxiety, depression and trauma. I also have considerable experience in supporting clients with relationships, sexuality, sex and gender challenges. I understand that counselling requires a strong connection between therapist and client as it's personal, sometimes sad and sometimes invigorating. Our work is confidential, private and focussed on the things that are getting in the way or troubling you..
Background
Over the past 15 years I have worked with people from all walks of life. A registered member of the Psychotherapy Association of Australia and the Australian Counselling Association.
Combining a corporate career and further study has equipped me with a range of skills that provide clients with an integrated approach to counselling and psychotherapy.
I bring an open mind to relationships and sexuality and operate an inclusive practice.
The best way to to work out if I am the right therapist for you is to book an initial session or get in touch.
Services
Working with both individuals and couples, I am available for Zoom based appointments across a range of days and times.
The benefits of video-based counselling and its effectiveness have been well tested during COVID-19 lockdowns. This approach saves time on finding parking, rushing to appointments and allows you to decide where you want to be for the session. It is private, secure and effective.
Quality Provision
I am a registered clinical psychotherapist with the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia, and hold registrations with the Australian Counselling Association and the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association. In addition to this, I provide education and clinical supervision to other mental health professionals and am a registered provider with many Australian private health insurance organisations.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Graduate Diploma of Organisational Psychodynamics - RMIT
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling - ACAP
- Masters of Psychotherapy and Counselling - ACAP
Modalities
Attachment Theory - CBT - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Gestalt - Integrative - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred
Therapy Approach
I bring an integrative approach to our work that respects where you are currently at and explores the past, now and the future.
My clients describe me as caring and open to any background, experience or situation.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Appointments
Available across a range of days and times, including early morning and weekend.
Email me to arrange a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your questions. Visit my website to find out more.
Fees & Insurance
Initial 15 min Consult: Free
Individual 50 min video-based counselling session: $160
Couples Counselling 75 min video-based session: $195
Payment Options
visa, mastercard, amex, paypal
Contact Andrew
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Andrew Macdonald
-
I have always been interested in human sciences and the connection between thoughts, feelings and emotions.
I started out volunteering as a counsellor 15 years ago and found I learnt so much about individual stories people bring to the work. -
I subscribe strongly to elements of a narrative approach. I believe the problem is the problem, rather than the person is the problem, I am curious of the subconscious patterns we develop over time and how they help or hinder our ability to thrive.
I explore beyond the observable behaviour to help clients make sense of the connection to thoughts and feelings.
-
I provide an inclusive practice, that explores who we are and how we relate to the world and others around us.
-
I bring an integrative approach to my work that draws upon person-centred, gestalt, narrative and emotion focussed therapies.
-
That really depends, sometimes after the first session clients can feel a sense of relief from having shared their stories in a trusting confidential environment. Sometimes it takes a little more time to explore deeper issues,.
-
We are usually quick to seek help for our physical needs, be it a doctor, dentist or physiotherapist. Seeking support for our emotional and mental health needs helps the "all of me" feel stronger and more equipped.
-
Meeting different folks and being privileged to hear their stories and support them in their therapy goals.
-
Sure, you should see my hair some days... Seriously though, nobody is immune to having a bad day. I work hard in my practice to be fully present for my clients and bring a "realness" to my approach.
-
Stigma and discrimination for minoritised communities, be it mental health, identity, race or culture.
Cost and access to mental health supports.
-
In this kind of work, the book that had a significant impact on me was “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk. It talks about how trauma and our nervous system connect and the unique way they turn up or on when we least expect it.