Kathleen Montaigue
Psychotherapist, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
Ripple Counselling
Glenroy, Melbourne VIC 3046
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I know therapy can feel overwhelming and intense, which is why I’m here to introduce you to Walk & Talk due to its ability to take the pressure out of the therapy hour. For example, by walking side by side, eye contact becomes more natural, conversation too, finds a natural ebb and flow, and there is more space to breath, think, and be present.
I believe great things are not achieved in one almighty effort, but by an army of tiny acts which compound into something great.
Practicing Integrative Psychotherapy embeds my practice in a holistic approach, tailored to each individual.
My passion is helping people in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
If you think this would suit you or someone you know, give me a call so we can see if we’re a good fit.
Background
Through my many years working in aged care I have developed the foundational tools which translate perfectly to Psychotherapy. I consider listening and attuning to be my primary focus, which enables me to form collaborative relationships to empower my clients. Working with a wide variety of demographics from culture to generation has left me open to learning different ways of thinking.
My goal everyday as an aged care worker, was to make at least one resident smile or laugh, if I achieved this, the day was a success. Some of my best memories are of having a giggle with women in their 90's like two teenager girls.
Services
What is Walk & Talk Therapy? It's exactly that, walking and talking in nature. The ebb and flow of conversation is met with the ebb and flow of walking pace, sometimes taking on a steep incline to meet the need for movement, other times stopping to admire a beautiful view or sitting in stillness on a bench. As a completely modifiable practice, calling on nearly any modality of psychotherapy and adapting for varying physical abilities, Walk & Talk Therapy has shown to be highly effective across a huge range of demographics. I’m here for everyone, but I have a soft spot for those kindred spirits who just need to move and play outside.
Quality Provision
PACFA Reg. Certified Practising 31185
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy - 2024 - Ikon Institute of Australia
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - Conversational Model - Ecological Psychotherapy - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Experiential - Focusing - Integrative - Interpersonal - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Psychodynamic - Sensorimotor Psychotherapy - Transpersonal
Therapy Approach
I believe people are far more capable than we give ourselves credit. Part of my healing journey involved the frustration of overcomplicating things which were far simpler than I wanted to believe. Because if they were simple, then why wasn't I able to do them? I realised we don't need more personal trainers. What we need, is help to implement the self-care strategies we already know we need. So, I decided to become a personal trainer for the mind instead... Now drop and give me ten things you're grateful for!!
In all seriousness, in Psychotherapy we can gently remove the obstacles between ourselves and the change we wish to see in our lives. Emphasis on 'gently' and importantly, 'at our own pace'.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
Glenroy VIC 3046
Coburg VIC
Appointments
Bookings by appointment.
Fees & Insurance
Free 20 minute initial consult
Payment Options
Cash
Bank Transfer
Contact Kathleen
Give me a call for a free 15 minute chat
A conversation with Kathleen Montaigue
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From a young age, I remember watching people curiously. As I grew, I started to see something I didn't like. I saw people living unfulfilled lives. I grew a little more and joined the millions of people caught up in 'the rat race' 'earning a living' 'getting by'. But unlike many around me, I never did learn to accept this way of being. Why? Because beauty. I was raised into beauty. Music filled my veins, delivering beauty not oxygen to the extremities of my being. I was trained to see beauty. Therefore, where I saw some living from a state of survival, I also saw those living from a place of soul. I saw artists consumed by their work, I saw mothers embody their role, I saw musicians become one with instruments and husbands dote on their wives the same in their later years as they did in their youth. From this I knew, to live a beautiful life, a life of soul, was possible.
A windy road delivered me to my thirties, more or less in one piece. Admittedly, a very different piece than the one which I entered my late teens and twenties.
When the world changed in 2020, a simple question soothed my feelings of overwhelm. When the world made me feel small, and helpless, I asked "what is the next smallest thing I can do to make this better?" And then I went for a walk. Still on that same walk, four years later, my next smallest thing, is to write this Bio. And then shortly after that I might graduate with my degree... And from there maybe help someone. And the ripple effect of the next smallest thing accumulates to living a life of beaty, a life of soul.
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Something I've always felt, is that people are far more capable than we give ourselves credit. Part of my healing journey involved the frustration of overcomplicating things which were far simpler than I wanted to believe. Because if they were simple, then why wasn't I able to do them? I realised we don't need more personal trainers. We already know we need to move more, and eat more wholefoods, it's really no secret these days. What we need, is help to implement the self-care strategies we already know we need. So, I decided to become a personal trainer for the mind instead... Now drop and give me ten things you're grateful for!!
In all seriousness, in Psychotherapy we can gently remove the obstacles between ourselves and the change we wish to see in our lives. Emphasis on 'gently' and importantly, 'at our own pace'.
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Whilst progress is an entirely subjective experience and different for everyone, my hope is that all my clients experience a sense of relief within the first three sessions, by simply knowing they are with someone who will hear them, and is actively in their corner, working on solutions with them.
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Indifference.