Ms Morag Paterson
Counselling Psychologist
Morag Paterson, Lifespace Psychology
Sydney, NSW 2000
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
Are you finding life challenging, at the moment? Do you have difficulties with the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, disordered eating or relationships? Are you someone who wants life to be better but still find yourself stuck, feeling alone and lost as to how to change your unhelpful thoughts, behaviours and relationship patterns?
I’m a warm, empathic and very experienced Counselling Psychologist who can help you. I use a schema therapy framework to deepen your understanding of your patterns, identify your needs and together we find strategies to meet those needs. Schema therapy is a deep form of therapy and it can produce long lasting change.
Background
I have been a Psychologist for 20 years and I am highly experienced in working with a wide range of adult emotional, behavioural and adjustment difficulties including:
- Depression
- Anxiety (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalised Anxiety, Panic, Social Anxiety)
- Post-Traumatic Stress
- Complex trauma
- Relationship issues
- Work stress
- Grief and loss
- Eating and Body Image difficulties
- Alcohol Addiction
I work as a facilitator for mental health and wellbeing workshops to companies and I facilitate workshops for other health care professionals. I am a clinical supervisor and I have previously held managerial positions in Health, including in an Eating Disorder Service in Sydney and a Primary Care Health Service in the UK.
Services
I offer individual psychological therapy (online and face to face) to adults with a wide variety of mental health issues, where my main specialisms are Schema Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I offer clinical supervision.
I offer workshop facilitation on many areas relating to Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Quality Provision
I offer a very high standard of therapy where therapy is a safe and collaborative process working towards clients' goals. I practice within the Psychology Board's of Australia's registration conditions which involves regular clinical supervision, practicing within the ethical guidelines of the psychology profession and continuous professional development. I engage in reflective practice and extensive ongoing personal and professional development.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- MSc Counselling Psychology - 2005 - University of Roehampton, London
- PG Diploma Practice of Counselling Psychology - 2004 - University of Roehampton, London
- PG Diploma Psychology - 2000 - University of Nottingham, UK
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - DBT - Experiential - Motivational Interviewing - Person Centred - Schema Therapy - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Schema Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I am also informed by ACT, Positive Psychology and Person-Centred Counselling.
Professional Associations
- Australian Psychological Society
Practice Locations
Suite 11, Level 7,
428 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Lilyfield office: free street parking and a 10 minute walk from Leichardt North Light Rail.
Sydney CBD office: very accessible by public transport - close to Light Rail QVB stop, Townhall and Wynard train stations and bus stops.
5 Perry Street
Lilyfield NSW 2040
Appointments
Mondays 9.30am - 6pm (Sydney CBD or online)
Tuesdays (online only) 9.30am - 6pm.
Fridays 9.30am - 6pm (Lilyfield, Sydney or online)
Fees & Insurance
$250 per session ($93.65 medicare rebate with an eligible mental health care plan or an Eating Disorder Plan - the gap fee is $156.35)
Payment Options
Direct Deposit, Credit Card, Cash
Contact Morag
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Morag Paterson
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I have always been a deep thinker and observer of life around me. In my 20's, I had my own internal struggles and found myself reading self help and personal growth books which were validating, helpful and inspiring. I had the opportunity to undertake an introductory person centred counselling course in London which I loved. It led me to be hooked into the counselling and psychology field. Twenty two years later I am still hooked and continue to be fascinated, enlightened and inspired by the field.
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The philosophical approaches underpinning these therapies: Person Centred Therapy, Existential therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and my main mode of therapy - Schema Therapy.
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The impact of childhood experiences on our adult journey and how we can be a greater master of our adult journey. In general, I am interested in personal growth and development.
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I predominantly use a schema therapy approach which is an integrative approach. Just a quick explanation - schemas are unhelpful patterns that develop when a person's emotional needs aren't met as a child. These schemas can lead to problematic coping methods and behaviours if they aren't addressed. Schema therapy aims to teach people how to meet their emotional needs in a healthy way. The therapy methods used include: education about schemas and modes and their origins, cognitive and behavioural strategies, and experiential strategies including imagery work and empty chair methods. There is important emphasis on the healing nature of the therapeutic relationship aswell.
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This is a good question! It is very individual and it depends on what the client views as progress. For many clients it is significant progress for them reach out to a therapist and share that they have a problem. The initial sessions of schema therapy involves education about schemas and how they operate, so within a few sessions I would expect progress in terms of a client understanding their difficulties, where they came from and what keeps them going. We work towards goals so clients may identify that progress is being made when things start to change in their thinking, feelings or behaviours. For some, progress is slower and gradual and for others it can be much quicker and feel very transformative. It is important to note that the therapy journey can be an incremental healing experience.
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In essence, it has given me a deeper insight into understanding myself and other people which has led me to have a healthier and kinder relationship with myself. This helps me have a better relationship with others and the world around me and helps me navigate life's countless challenges. It has improved my quality of life in so many ways.
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It is a very meaningful and fulfilling job that I genuinely love. I value the connections that I develop with clients and feel privileged that we journey together in some deep psychological and emotional landscape.
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Absolutely!
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Avoidance behaviours that perpetuate problems.
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So many!
On becoming a person - Carl Rogers
Mans Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
Irvin Yalom's books
The Happiness Trap- Russ Harris
'This is Me' Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble
'Beneath Your Beautiful' -Labrinth
'Scars To Your Beautiful' - Alessia Cara
Brene Brown books and ted talks