Philosophy & Vision
I have been involved with counselling for over ten years now. At first as a lifeline counselor and then in a clinic and private practice setting. I am particularly keen on ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and have witnessed time and time again the powerful life changing effects of this modality. One thing I particularly like is that ACT is an active, engaging form of therapy that totally involves the client in powerful change that is determined through willingness, reflection and honesty.
Background
I've been involved in counselling in one form or another for the last ten years. First, as a Lifeline volunteer helping members of the community cope with the struggles of daily life. There is great value in being able to open yourself completely and anonymously, knowing that what is said is confidential and being accepted without judgement.
Through a series of life and family events, I was drawn deeper into counselling practice when I witnessed firsthand the restorative, healing power of being present with emotional pain and mental suffering.
Services
Available evenings online and by appointment on Saturday and Sunday.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- MA Counselling - 2018 - Monash University
Modalities
ACT - CBT - Journal Therapy - Meditation - Mindfulness - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
A conversation with Maarten Mulholland
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My interest in counselling started in New Zealand when I trained as a Youthline counselor. As a trained teacher I found, too that a large part of my profession involved the health and mental well-being of my students. Volunteering on Lifeline, drew me further into counselling with further studies eventually leading to an MA Counselling.
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I am particularly fond of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as developed by Steven Hayes. In professional development I have engaged with Russ Harris on Psychwire and completed all of the available ACT training modules. ACT appeals to me as it empowers the client and also exposes them to a set of life skills that continue to be of use long after counselling ends.
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Vipassana meditation, Tai Chi, exercise, healthy diet, intermittent fasting
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ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
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This depends entirely on the client and how willing they are. There have been times when a client experiences a release in the first session.... in contrast, some clients remain "stuck" for longer periods. TBH, counselling can also be an important point of contact for some clients and the conversations that develop are less about "progress" or "getting better."
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Most definitely. When clients come to therapy they are often concerned that the issues they are facing are particular to them and that they are somehow abnormal...however, from my perspective as a therapist, I realise that we share a body of experiences that emphasises the commonality of humans. In counselling, the reflective nature of the process works on the therapist as much as on the client.
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I am honoured to be part of a process in which the therapeutic relationship is based on honesty and trust. The conversations we have are particularly deep as the confidentiality agreement at the base of the interactions allows for complete transparency.
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Most certainly.
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Fragmentation and isolation.
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There are so many.
I remember though, at university...walking down a corridor and being faced with an oil painting depicting a garden scene. I was stunned by its scintillating brilliance. The whole painting seemed to be humming with life.
The next day I brought a friend of mine along to see it, and interestingly he didn't feel the same impact and nor did I. It may have been due to the angle of the sunlight...or...
...it may have been simply that time and that place..