- Thank You
Ms Carol Marando
Psychotherapist, Counsellor
Carol Marando
Sydney CBD, NSW 2000
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we've got! But sometimes we just don't have the right tools or the right vantage point from which to understand and resolve the issues that cause us to suffer. Then we become stressed, anxious, angry, fed up or hopeless. There's a voice in us that says we've got to figure this out for ourselves, we mustn't burden others. In reality it is a sign of great strength to seek help when you need it; a courageous and wise thing to do. You Can Change.
Background
Previous to starting a private practice I worked as a primary therapist in an outpatient addiction clinic. I worked with people suffering with addiction and their partners and family members as a group therapist and individual therapist. Many modalities were used to treat many issues such as relationship breakdown, infidelity, co-dependence, poor communication, emotional regulation, personality disorders, depression and anxiety. My 3 years of masters study required me to work with clients suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder and other personality disorders using The Conversational Model. This model is founded on established theories such as attachment theory and it is constantly developing using the most current research findings.
Services
I work with adult individuals only who are 18 or over. Treatment would involve weekly sessions of one hours duration. Sometimes fortnightly sessions are appropriate. I'm seeing clients face-to-face or via zoom or similar. Usual communication between session is via text messaging.
Quality Provision
My professional bodies ANZAP and PACFA have strict ethical codes and these guide my practice. Membership of these organisations has strict requirements around professional development training and professional practice supervision. My supervisor is a Senior Psychiatrist and Educator. In all therapy confidentiality is paramount, as are a non-judgemental and an empathic therapist stance. I follow specific guidelines when treating trauma, ensuring safety and protecting against re-traumatisation.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- BA (Art) - 1982 - City Art Institute
- BCoun - 2015 - ACAP
- Masters of Science in Medicine (Psychotherapy) - 2020 - UniSyd and Westmead Hospital
Modalities
Attachment Theory - Conversational Model - Developmental - Dialogical Practice - Existential - Interpersonal - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Process Oriented - Psychodynamic - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
The Conversational Model is a trauma-informed model that focuses on building a healthy, stable and positive sense of self and processing trauma. Many studies have shown that it is the therapeutic relationship that makes the difference between successful and unsuccessful therapy.
The Conversational Model is a relational process model, which focuses on building a safe and secure relationship, the foundation of personal change. I aim to provide a warm, safe, empathic, non-judgemental and open environment in the therapy room. The client is the focus; we explore and work to understand the issues and how they affect your life, to allow you to live a more conscious and empowered life, managing feelings along the way, and improving relationships.
Professional Associations
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy
Practice Locations
BMA House, Suite 704
135 Macquarie St
Sydney CBD NSW 2000
The cheapest way to the office is via public transport. Martin Place railway station is a 10 minute walk away. The cheapest parking is in the Domain. Very limited street parking. Book ahead in other parking stations for a cheaper rate.
Barralong Business Hub
Suite 3, 135 Barralong Road
Erina NSW 2250
Appointments
Appointments last 1 hour and are usually weekly. I work face-to-face and am Covid conscious. Cancellations 24 hours ahead of time will not be charged. There is a late cancellation fee.
Fees & Insurance
$185
Payment Options
cash or bank transfer
Contact Carol
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Carol Marando
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My own serious mental health issues (a result of early trauma) drove me to find a way to change and heal myself. After trying around 10 different therapists I finally found the right one for me at that time. Therapy was a life saver for me, giving me a way to understand myself and others. It allowed me to live a far more conscious existence, I felt like I had some control over my life for the first time. When I came to a point in my life where I needed a career change I had no doubt what I should do. I am so passionate about the benefits of therapy.
As a therapist I feel privileged to be invited in share in people's lives. I love this profession. -
I've come to understand that early trauma underlies many mental health issues and illnesses. For example Addiction can be looked at as a coping strategy to manage chronic stress, anxiety and/or depression, which are the result of unresolved earlier traumas. Understanding the way the mind and the unconscious works are areas of deep fascination for me and it's essential to have training in these areas to understand human suffering.
When there is trauma in early life brain/mind/psychological development is affected and the child must adapt to the less than ideal situation, employing coping strategies, such as people pleasing tendencies, or living in a fantasy world, or becoming obsessive about things or behaviours. These are all ways a child tries to keep themselves safe. Later in life these coping strategies become problematic blocks to growth and development. It is the unravelling of this complex process that I am intrigued by and passionate about. -
The Conversational Model, Psychoeducation, Mindfulness, Person-Centered and Psychodynamic methods.
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The client can feel a difference from the first session, particularly if they feel heard and understood for the first time. Therapy is not a linear process as clients are learning to feel their feelings and voice their difficulties, which can be an uncomfortable process.
Sometimes there may be a dip in mood, but generally the overall trajectory is one of improvement in mood and function, although it very much depends on the severity of the issues. The length of therapy depends on the issues presented and the client's readiness for change. Therapy is work for both parties; clients do best when they "show up" prepared to explore as openly as they can. -
In every way. It's made me compassionate, empathetic, less judgemental, less viciously self critical, less shameful, more confident, happy with myself, a better partner and mother etc. etc. etc. It's helped me find purpose, direction and meaning.
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People. I love people. The idea that I can be of assistance to a fellow human being who is suffering is so phenomenal to me. Every person has a fascinating story whether they feel that or not. I see therapy as the unravelling of a giant knot of string or the doing of a giant jigsaw puzzle with no picture; challenging, puzzling, exciting, painful, frustrating and ultimately beautifully satisfying.
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I keep them to myself.
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The breakdown in human relationships. Climate change. Greed. Suffering. Purpose and meaning.
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Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen