Ms Muriel Cooper
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
The Talking Room
Mornington, VIC 3931
Currently On Leave
Philosophy & Vision
I specialise in stress, anxiety and depression as well as general psychology, I have been a psychologist for 24 years and firmly believe in the value of a strong client/therapist relationship to resolve problems and reach goals. I am convinced that with appropriate support and encouragement, happiness and contentment in life can be achieved. I include Mindfulness and Brain-based therapy as well as more established tools like CBT.
Background
I have been a counsellor for over 25 years and a psychologist for over 24 years. I have extensive experience in a wide range of areas and types of therapy. I have trained as a clinical psychologist as well as a counselling psychologist, and my media experience is in demand. I also run workshops and speak at seminars and in the media. I trained counsellors for six years. I am also a broadcaster and writer.
Services
I am no longer accepting new clients or new doctor's referrals.
Quality Provision
As a member of the Australian Psychological Society I am committed to ongoing personal development.
I am committed to appropriate referral practices and abide by the ethical code of the APS.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- B Beh Sc (Psychology, Psychobiology) - La Trobe
- Grad Dip Health Psychology - La Trobe
- Cert IV Workplace Trainer and Assessor - RMIT
Modalities
ACT - CBT - Hypnotherapy - Mindfulness - REBT - Solution Oriented
Therapy Approach
My orientation is to create therapeutic tools customised to each client's needs. Some clients need only brief therapy while others may need medium to long term therapy. My emphasis is on using Evidence Based Practice, that is, proven techniques/Focused Psychological Strategies. I include CBT, Brain-based Therapy and Mindfulness.
Professional Associations
- Australian Psychological Society
A conversation with Muriel Cooper
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I was a talk radio presenter for many years and had various psychologists and mental health professionals on my programs. These special guests changed the way I viewed my own mental health and encouraged me to pursue psychology as a profession.
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Buddhism, Taoism and Mindfulness have been big influences, but I have been most impressed by evolutionary psychology and a neuropsychological approach, starting with my studies in Behavioural Science at La Trobe University.
I am most interested in the differentiation between the mind and the brain, brain plasticity, and the ability to use our mind to change our brain, and therefore our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. -
I specialise in stress and subsequently anxiety and depression as I believe they are most often interrelated.
I am also interested in developing self-concept, self-confidence and self-worth, as well as finding meaning and purpose. -
CBT, REBT, Mindfulness, Brain-based Therapy, Neurocognitive Behavioual Approach.
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Usually my clients experience an improvement within to or three sessions. I take a solution-focused approach and expect my clients to work in between sessions on their own progress.
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I have developed patience, empathy and compassion. Having been on my own journey makes me appreciate aspects of therapy are difficult.
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I look on being a therapist as a creative activity. I like working with client to overcome their difficulties and develop strategies that work.
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Naturally. During the Coronavirus pandemic I experienced stress, just the same as everyone else, and I put my won strategies to work on myself. I know that a 'bad hair day' is onlya day and that there will be a tomorrow.
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Stress ... stress ... stress. Being able to deal with stress and the fear/survival instinct is our greatest challenge. If we can overcome this, our greater characteristics of love and compassion will transform humanity.
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The Tao Te Ching, Viktor Frankl's book 'Man's Search for Meaning', 'Some Sayings of the Buddha', Alan Watt's book 'The Way of Zen'.