Elizabeth Fairbanks

Mobile 0431 861 254

Psychotherapist, Counsellor

Lizzie Fairbanks Therapy

Life is challenging, and amongst the busy-ness and haste of it all, therapy is a beautiful process of discovery and healing, a time to take a deep breath and pause. It is your time to unpack, offload and transform. In every session, I am guided by your uniqueness and how you would like to use your time. Together we gently explore your experience at your own pace and in a way that promotes safety and stability. Therapy with me is client-centered, trauma-informed and grounded in Mindfulness.

PHONEPRACTICE LOCATIONS

2/35 Hume St , Crows Nest, Sydney NSW 2065 0431 861 254 PHONE 0431 861 254

Services

Counselling, Psychotherapy, Online Video Consultations

I am a counsellor and psychotherapist in Sydney, and specialise in addiction, mental health, trauma, and personal and spiritual growth for younger generations; people aged 17 to 40. Professionally, I have been immersed in the therapeutic environment for over a decade, and am privileged to witness and support the inner transformation of my clients. I use a mindful, creative, client-centered and trauma-informed approach to therapy, and work collaboratively to explore what works best for you. I have held clinical and agency positions in private, non-government, feminist, and not-for-profit community based health organisations, and I continue to hold a clinical role in the non-government sector supporting those with trauma and complex-trauma.

Areas of Special Interest

Addiction, Anxiety / Panic Attacks, Burnout, Depression, Dreams, Emotional Overwhelm, Existential Issues, Grief / Bereavement, High Sensitivity, Life Transitions, PTSD, Spirituality / Religion, Trauma Recovery

MODALITIES / Approach

ACT, Buddhist Psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Jungian, Meditation, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Sand Tray, Somatic Experiencing®

I am experienced in a number of different approaches and modalities, and believe that this is essential if I am to provide client-centered, trauma-informed care.
My perception of the client presentation is largely informed by psychodynamic theory, Buddhist psychology, Jungian psychology, and Internal Family Systems.
Practically, I offer interventions from Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT), Somatic Experiencing, Mindful Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and various creative therapies, including Sand-tray therapy.

ACCREDITATIONS

B. Comms - 2015 - APM College
Grad. Dip. Couns. - 2018 - Australian College of Applied Psychology
Foundation Course, MiCBT - 2020 - Mindfulness Institute
Applied Course, MiCBT - 2020 - Mindfulness Institute

Professional Associations

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia

Quality Provision

I hold Clinical Membership with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, PAFCA (Reg. 26497). PACFA has comprehensive and rigorous membership, ethical and professional development requirements.
As part of my PACFA Membership, I am also a Clinical Member of the Australian College of Psychotherapy.
I also participate in professional clinical supervision with three different supervisors each month, all of whom are well respected psychologists, psychotherapists or neuroscientists.

Background

Professionally, I have been immersed in the therapeutic environment for over a decade and have sound clinical experience working with addictions and substance misuse, mental health, trauma, and personal and spiritual growth. I have held clinical and agency positions in private, non-government, feminist, and not-for-profit community based health organisations, and I continue to hold a clinical role in the non-government sector as a Trauma Specialist supporting those with PTSD and complex-trauma (CPTSD).
I am formally trained in the use of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT); a systematic, transdiagnostic approach rooted in mindfulness meditation practice that brings deep healing and peace to clients.

Appointments

Please contact me to make an appointment, appointments are 60 minutes.
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation for you to assess whether we will be a good fit.

Transport and Parking

Parking available in public parking lot on Raglan Street, just opposite the building.

Fees

Mental health care should be accessible to all, and as such I charge on a sliding scale based on the clients individual circumstances. My usual rate is $130 for 60mins, however this is flexible depending on the medium; in-person or online.

Payment Options

I accept cash on appointment, or can send you an invoice for direct-debit payments.

Profile Cover

10 Questions with Elizabeth Fairbanks

What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?
I have a deep passion and curiosity about human healing, transformation and growth. Like many, I have asked countless questions about why the world is in the state we find it, and the answers I have found lie in psychology; particularly the psychology of Buddhism and of trauma.
Therapy is something I feel comes naturally to me, and I have always been psychologically minded. I have been in therapy myself for over twelve years, I find great meaning and fulfillment in exploring my own truth, and helping others to do the same.
Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional/personal development?
Buddhist Psychology.
Psychodynamic Theory.
Internal Family Systems.
Mindfulness.
Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?
Processing and healing from trauma.
Self-awareness.
Spirituality.
Existential work.
Mindfulness.
Women's health.
What method/s do you use?
Internal Family Systems.
Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT).
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Motivational Interviewing.
Somatic Experiencing.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?
It depends on the presentation, but most of my clients start to gain some level of clarity about their situation after the first or second session. Clarity can make a big difference, as it brings with it a sense of agency and hope.
How has therapy made you a better person?
Therapy has made me more a more compassionate person. My clients have taught me that behind the biggest of mistakes, the most intense of traumas, or overwhelming senses of despair, is a heart of good intention, love and kindness.
What do you like most about being a therapist?
I feel very privileged to be privy to some of the most intimate workings of my clients, and with such an experience comes an overwhelming sense of interconnectedness. The best part of what I do is knowing, experientially, that suffering is part of being human and that many of my clients suffer in the same way I do or have.
Seeing my client's have 'ah-ha!' moments is the ultimate in 'job satisfaction' for me!
Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?
I always have bad hair days! Just like every other human, I have 'off days' and 'on days'.
What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?
Negative stigma around taking care of your mental health.
Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?
Song: 'The times they are a-changing'; Bob Dylan.
Book: 'The Road Less Travelled'; M. Scott Peck.
Film: 'I Am Sam'.