Careena Cook
Psychotherapist, Gestalt Therapist
Central Spark Psychotherapy
Bondi Junction , Sydney NSW 2022
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I welcome working with all individuals to help facilitate self connection. I use several experiential modalities as well as talk therapy to create a safe and trusting relationship which enables exploration and awareness.
I know through experience that by focussing on relational awareness in the present, genuine, deep change is initiated.
My belief is that everybody can benefit from engaging in this work and I tailor the sessions to suit your needs and preferences.
Some of the modalities I use (within a Gestalt framework) are Parts Work, EMDR, and Depth Enquiry.
I am also a qualified Rehabilitation counsellor with experience in Chronic Illness and have string current experience in Complex Trauma and Grief Counselling. I draw on all of my experience and use it wholistically, relationally and transparently to empower clients in their own therapy process.
Background
I am a life long learner and have been keenly interested in philosophy, the mind and human behaviour and development, particularly involving themes of identity and power, from my teenage years.
Before completing my Masters and working in private practice several years ago I worked as a Counsellor in various contexts, including Employment, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health and Chronic Illness and Disability. I have also worked for organisations in the area of Complex Trauma (Adult Survivors of Abuse and Neglect) and Counselling for Carers.
In my practice I work relationally with my clients to help foster self/other awareness and growth. I have my own therapy and regular supervision so that I can continue to learn and grow along side my clients.
Services
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Masters in Counselling and Psychothetapy - 2011 - Jansen Newman Institute
- Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) - 1994 - University of NSW
- Graduate Certificate Gestalt Therapy - 2013 - Gestalt Therapy Sydney
- Graduate Diploma Rehabilitation Counselling - 2005 - University of Sydney
Modalities
Attachment Theory - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - DBT - EMDR - Existential - Gestalt - Internal Family Systems - Meditation - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My approach is one of welcoming all parts of a client and having the intention to establish safety and make a genuine connection with them.
My intention is to stay curious and to learn from my clients by remaining aware of what supports they may need to process strong or painful emotions that may arise, or to make new choices in their lives. I try to facilitate awareness through the linking of thoughts, emotions, sensations and actions in the present moment from which past and future formulations are evoked.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
Practice Locations
9 Bronte Rd
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Free 2 hour underground shopping mall parking nearby
Train station and bus stops within close walking distance
Appointments
I am available for face to face sessions in Bondi Junction on Wednesdays and Fridays and online as arranged.
Fees & Insurance
As a Psychotherapist in Private Practice I am not Medicare registered and so a referral is not required.
I offer private health rebates for various funds.
I also see clients on a sliding scale.
I offer a free 15 minute introductory online meeting.
Payment Options
Bank Transfer
EFTPOS
Contact Careena
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Careena Cook
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I have always been naturally drawn to the helping professions, in particular in regard to mental health. Over the years it has become a vocation and a passion. I also find both the individual mind and social and relational behaviour endlessly fascinating.
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My undergraduate Arts Degree focused on Sociology and Philosophy. In fact Philosophical thought has been of interest to me since my teenage years. Of particular interest is Existential Philosophy, Post-Structural and Post-Modern thought as well as Philosophy of Mind.
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I am interested in the human journey as part of an wholistic system which is at once intrapsychic and interpersonal.
I am also strongly interested in Chronic Health Conditions and Traumatic experiences which both puncture and help to shape this system, and what constitutes ‘recovery’ from these experiences. -
I use Gestalt Dialogue, mindful awareness, Buberian I-Thou connection and Phenomenological experiential ‘contact’.
I have advanced training in EMDR. -
My intention is that recovery (connection) will begin at first contact.
I talk to me clients about what ‘recovery’ means to them from the outset so that we may notice signposts of change and growth. -
Therapy has made a huge difference in my life personally and professionally. My experience is that awareness, self regulation and connection to self and others leads to agency and authentic self leadership.
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I love being a therapist because I am given a position of deep trust by another human being and I am able to apply what qualities and skills I have to connect with and assist them in whatever way they want or need. And it’s also very intellectually stimulating!
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Yes. Yes and yes.
But I find my work deeply touching, uplifting and satisfying and I am always grateful for the willingness of my clients to hold trust in me and the space we have created together. -
Lack of awareness of ourselves and others and the fact that all things are connected.
Inability to be in the moment because of the pressure of ‘progress’ and the heaviness which that can bring. -
My favourite book is Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and my favourite play is Shakespeare’s Hamlet because they are both incredibly incisive studies of some of the internal struggles and psychic conflicts of human beings.