Philosophy & Vision
I am a psychotherapist and Registered Psychologist with over 27 years clinical experience. In addition to individual psychotherapy I also work in the areas of perinatal, parenting, couples, grief & loss, and end of life.
From early in my career I became keenly interested in the infant-parent relationship, perinatal phase, child development, relationships and transitions, including the final transition, end of life. I have a deep understanding of the significance of relationships throughout our lives, not only those between individuals but also the relationship one has with his/her self and life. I enjoy working with people to facilitate greater self-awareness and capacities.
Background
Since 1998 I have worked in various organisations including: Northern Centre Against Sexual Assault (Melbourne), Royal Women's Hospital (Melb), Melbourne IVF, Sydney IVF (Lismore), Centre Against Sexual Assault (Lismore). And, I have worked in private practice since 2006.
Services
I am deeply committed to supporting infants and parents from the planning of conception through pregnancy and during the postnatal period. I enjoy working with parents to enhance the bond with their infant and/or to scaffold a path to a more joyous and confident experience of parenting and family life.
I have a keen interest in working with children, adolescents and parents to facilitate healthy development and navigate difficulties. I offer individuals and couples the important process of deepening their relationships with themselves, others and their lives.
Additionally, I provide clinical supervision and mentoring to individuals wanting to develop themselves professionally and personally.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Social Work - 1998 - La Trobe University
- Graduate Diploma Infant Mental Health - 2002 - Melbourne University
- Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) - 2017 - Monash University
- Perinatal Infant Mental Health Intensive - 2020 - Centre for Perinatal Psychology
Modalities
Attachment Theory - Developmental - Dream Work - Journal Therapy - Marriage and Family - Meditation - Mindfulness - Object Relations - Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic - Short-term Psychodynamic - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Attachment, developmental and psychoanalytic approaches are drawn on when working with parents, children and adolescents. Play therapy, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural and parenting techniques will be incorporated as needed.
With individuals and couples the main approach is psychoanalytic, which involves exploring issues, experiences and relationships more deeply. The aim is to develop greater self-awareness and understanding into ones inner world and relationship patterns. This method incorporates what emerges within the therapeutic relationship, 'bringing to life' some of the personal and relational issues. Practices and/or strategies may be identified to assist the process.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers
Practice Locations
The Camberwell Collective
790 Burke Road
Camberwell VIC 3124
Appointments
Appointments are available Tuesday to Thursdays each week.
Payment Options
Cash, electronic transfer or EFTPOS is available
Contact Karen
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Karen Potter
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A strong interest in understanding my own and others' internal worlds and relationships as well as a desire to help others in their lives.
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Psychoanalytic approach has been the strongest influence both professionally and personally. I have undertaken an analysis myself as well as have Supervision with a Psychoanalyst. In addition, Buddhist and non-duality type spiritual philosophies have been important.
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Developing a deeper and stronger connection with ones soul or inner truth and inner life as well as with external nature and others.
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Mostly the underlying method is psychoanalytic or psychodynamic, however as people are so very different, where they're at when they come in and what is needed along the way can vary greatly. I enjoy working with dreams, imaginations and somatic issues and may bring in mindfulness, nature-based and practical strategies or practices as needed.
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Only the client will know this and it varies greatly as there are a multitude of factors that influence 'progress'.
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Therapy has increased my self-awareness and ability to self-reflect enormously and this has enabled all my relationships in life to be stronger and deeper. I have a stronger connection to nature and have a deeper understanding of the preciousness of all life and the connection between all humans and the natural world.
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Having the very special opportunity to be with people on a part of their journeys in life and to see them grow over time in themselves and be more connected to themselves, their families and their life.
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I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to be doing something I love completely and to have a very balanced work-private life.
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Not having enough importance and respect placed on the natural world, the environment and animals.
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There are so many but I love 'Women who run with the wolves'