Ms Stefanie Marris
Psychotherapist, Counsellor
Arena Counselling
Mawson, ACT 2607
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
As a counsellor, I am dedicated to helping people move beyond struggle. I work with clients of varying ages and across varying issues.
I appreciate that seeking out a counsellor is significant first step; having the strength to give voice to your difficulties is hard. This is why I aim to provide a safe space where you will feel supported at all times so that together we can find the best way to understand and resolve your concerns.
Background
I came to counselling as a second career. Before private practice I worked as an executive level officer in the public sector working in various people focussed roles including Human Resources, training and professional standards. I have also worked in Human Resources in the private sector. This experience afforded me a solid understanding of how people think, feel and react to situations. I am a PaCFA registered counsellor and have been working now for almost four years. I am close to completing my Masters of Counselling.
Services
I approach counselling in a collaborative way; working with you to achieve healthier and happier days. I do this by getting you in touch with how you think, feel and behave so you can take ownership of your own wellbeing and set yourself on a path for a positive future. Through counselling, I can help you manage and grow beyond struggle with depression and anxiety, stress management, grief, trauma, relationships, body image, navigating the school yard or workplace stresses. By working with me, you will develop a deeper understanding of the effects that stress, anxiety and other issues can have on your wellbeing.
Quality Provision
I work across all age groups and issues and I have a special interest in youth counselling; supporting teenagers and young adults to navigate life positively.
I bring empathy and understanding to every session. I appreciate that seeking out a counsellor is significant first step; having the strength to give voice to your difficulties is hard. Arena Counselling is a safe space where you will feel supported at all times so together we can find the best way to understand and resolve your concerns.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Sociology) - 1999 - ANU
- Graduate Diploma in Counselling - 2018 - University of Canberra
- Masters of Counselling - 2021 - University of Canberra
Modalities
ACT - Experiential - Integrative - Internal Family Systems - Mindfulness - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Psychodynamic - Somatic Experiencing® - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I am a trauma informed, person centred, integrative therapist. This means that I draw on a number of different modalities and theories to suit each individual client. I have a preference to work with elements of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative therapy, attachment and experiential modalities, Mindfulness, somatic experiencing and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
2/93 Mawson Place
Mawson Shops
Mawson ACT 2607
Mawson Shops is an easily accessible open, street level shopping complex with a good amount of 1-2 hour parking nearby.
Appointments
Each counselling session is client led; it is an opportunity to be heard, understood and have focussed attention and care for the issues or concerns that are important to you. Face to face, phone and secure online appointments are available.
Fees & Insurance
$80 - $120 per hour for individual sessions
(student rate available)
$180 per hour for family/partner sessions
Medibank Private provider
Payment Options
Bank transfer, Electronic Funds Transfer, Mastercard, Paypal, Visa
Contact Stefanie
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Stefanie Marris
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I have always been fascinated by people and why they do the things they do! Even after studying psychology and sociology 20 plus years ago I would find myself drawn to books and training that was people related. It took me a while to get around to actually work as a counsellor but I am thrilled to have finally ended up on this path. It is really rewarding to work with people to help them to understand themselves see them make positive changes for lives.
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Because I come from a sociology background I am greatly influenced by the bio-psycho-social approach to therapy. This means that I look beyond the person, their thoughts and behaviour and see the social systems that they interact in and how these may be impacting their mental wellbeing. I also focus on their physical health to determine if it may in some way contribute to or be a result of what is happening for them mentally. Looking at the big picture provides clues for addressing the presenting problem/s that might otherwise be missed.
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This is a hard one to narrow down. I am interested in a lot! However, I would say that the internal world of the client is really important. I am fascinated by coping strategies and mechanisms that clients develop to safeguard themselves in life.
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I work as an integrative therapist but utilise elements from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing.
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This is a hard one to answer as it will vary from client to client. From personal experience I think that when a client feels heard and validated they will be able to open up to the possibility that things can be different for them.
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I think the best advice I have been given has been that "attention seeking" behaviour is really "connection seeking" behaviour. Once you apply this lens you can see beyond the persons behaviour to the pain they may be experiencing. This has helped me in professional and personal relationships, especially as a parent.
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The a-ha moments! There is nothing better than seeing someone identify something important for themselves that allows them to break through in to a different way of thinking and feeling. The weight that lifts for them in that moment is visible and it is a real privilege to honour that moment with them.
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Every.single.day.
Short hair means bed hair! There is no escaping it. -
Our inability to listen properly. It is played out and modelled for us on the world stage. There is so much conflict in public discourse. Very few really take the time to listen deeply before responding. Very few are respectfully curious and take the time to hear and understand the views of others and, indeed, why they have them.
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Untamed by Glennon Doyle
These Days by Powderfinger
This is me from The Greatest Showman
OnBeing with Krista Tippett podcast