- Thank You
Lara Petrulis
Psychologist
InnerLife Counselling & Psychology
Brookvale, Sydney NSW 2100
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
Of greatest value is a therapeutic relationship of deep trust and safety where our vulnerability, fear and deepest hurts can be seen. The therapeutic process is an inward journey. It requires us to look at what lies beneath our symptoms and invites us to connect with deeper parts of the self, bringing healing to the core of the issue. Many of our present day afflictions are tied to old emotional wounds. This 'going within' process allows us to tend to our wounds and care for our inner needs.
Background
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years experience providing Counselling and Therapy to Children, Adolescents and Adults. I have worked previously in Private Practice, Government and Non Government settings.
I have vast experience in the Mental Health field providing Psychological Counselling to those experiencing a broad array of mental health and emotional difficulties.
Services
Evidence Based Treatment Interventions and Expressive Therapies
Quality Provision
I regularly attend Supervision and Professional Development courses as approved by the Psychologists Registration Board, AHPRA. I keep up to date with relevant psychological material and literature.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) - 1993 - Macquarie University
- Honours in Psychology - 1994 - Macquarie University
Modalities
ACT - CBT - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Experiential - Gestalt - Inner Child - Internal Family Systems - Mindfulness - Psychodynamic - Sand Tray - Sandplay Therapy - Schema Therapy - Short-term Psychodynamic - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I use an integrated therapeutic approach in my work and draw from a range of psychological therapies to assist clients to work on their current issue as well as at the core of their difficulties. Whilst each type of intervention has its own method and style, these therapies are designed to help us look at the relationship between our presenting problem and our inner world of beliefs, thoughts, emotions and parts of the self. These modes of therapy also offer specific tools for working with particular aspects of the self as well as managing the associated negative symptoms. In addition to clinical intervention I am conscious of the therapeutic relationship. I bring compassion, honesty, deep respect and integrity into the therapeutic space.
Practice Locations
Suite 8 646 Pittwater Rd
Brookvale NSW 2100
Bus services operate regularly along Pittwater Rd. Free parking is available in the council carpark, which has an entrance on Chard St. The carpark is about a 5 minute walk from the service. There is also street parking nearby.
Appointments
To make an appointment please call Lara or send an email. Lara will provide you with a return phone call or text message to confirm an appointment, as well as answer any questions that you may have.
Fees & Insurance
The cost for a 60 minute counselling session is $220.00 and for couples it is $240.00.
With a Mental Health Care Plan referral, clients are eligible to claim a rebate from Medicare of $92.90 per session - for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Payment Options
HICAPS, Eftpos, All Cards Accepted.
Contact Lara
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Lara Petrulis
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As I reflect on this question, I'm not sure if I can say that it was a definite choice that I made. Given my supportive family environment, it seemed a natural progression to continue offering care to others. I can remember as a young child facilitating discussions with my siblings - encouraging them to communicate openly and express their feelings. I just needed to understand the theory behind the practice and perhaps refine my skills a tad!
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I have been greatly inspired by many philosophical traditions, mentors & spiritual teachers over the years who have helped refine my therapeutic vision and practice. The bedrock to my work is the quality of the relationship to the self - the capacity to accept in truth and with an open heart, all of the aspects of the self (all of who we are). And it is not a blind acceptance - it is a conscious, inward journey involving deep truths and learning, bringing healing to past hurts and a gift of relationship to deep parts of the self.
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I am interested in the internal suffering that continues on beyond a trauma or deeply troubling event. In particular, the specific thoughts and feelings we have about ourselves as a result of the trauma, shaping the way we live and experience life. In essence, it is not necessarily the past experience that requires resolution but how we feel about ourselves as a result of our experience..
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I aspire to create a space of safety and openness and a therapeutic relationship of gentle compassion - to allow the healing process to materialise into its own organic form. This space allows for deeper levels of vulnerability, insecurity, fear and emotional pain to be expressed in a way that feels honouring of these experiences. I use experiential, process oriented and awareness based methods founded in Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness, Voice Dialogue, Schema, CBT & Sandplay Therapy.
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When there is a shift from fear to a sense of hopefulness about the possibility of change occurring. This may occur when a client experiences a "good match' with their therapist; from the moment they have opened to the therapeutic process; or when they are fully engaged in therapy and are starting to see their world with a new lens and are starting to experience life with greater meaning and authenticity.
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Facilitating the process of therapy requires a willingness to look within (as a practitioner) at our own issues, core reactions, and past hurts. We have all experienced suffering in our lives and in order to do effective work with clients, we need to be able to take care of our inner needs. Witnessing the courage of my clients to engage in deep healing work inspires me to do my own!
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It is a great privilege to support another human being in need, and to engage with the deeper parts of who they are. The authenticity of the therapeutic relationship is very important to me. And then, through this, to see potential for growth, and to play some kind of role in helping them move towards this potential is indeed a gift to me.
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Yes, 'bad hair' days definitely happen - as is the ebb and flow of life. At these moments I draw on the support of family and friends and when I am able, try to use these experiences as opportunities to gain greater insight into myself to continue learning what is needed for my own personal development.
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Fear. Whilst it is essential for our survival, it can also be one of our greatest limitations. It underpins our internal conflict, diminishing our sense of self and capacity to function in the world. It also underlies the conflict that occurs within our personal relationships and underpins discriminatory attitudes regarding race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Our extreme reactions/ aggression/ violence/ judgements are linked to our insecurities (fears) and these fears are often outside of our awareness
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In the early days of my training I was introduced to the work of Ram Dass through audio cassettes and a couple of his books entitled "How Can I Help?' and "Grist for the Mill'. His teachings were profound, sincerely personal, heartfelt as well as hilarious! I found myself deeply present to his teachings, to the wisdom that he shared as well as inspired by his spiritual connection to the Indian Saint, Neem Karoli Baba.