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Ms Stefanie Marris

Ms Stefanie Marris

Mobile 0456 655 658
Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, Counsellor

Arena Counselling

Mobile 0456 655 658

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.

PHONEPRACTICE LOCATIONS

  • 2/93 Mawson Place, Mawson Shops, Mawson, ACT 2607 0456 655 658 PHONE 0456 655 658

Services

  • Counselling, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Phone Consultations, Online Video Consultations 
  • 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.

    Areas of Special Interest

  • Adolescent Issues, Anxiety / Panic Attacks, Communication Issues, Emotional Overwhelm, Life Transitions, Psychosomatic, Self Development, Social Skills, Stress Management, Trauma Recovery, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues  
  • MODALITIES / Approach

    ACT, Experiential, Integrative, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Person Centred, Psychodynamic, Somatic Experiencing®, Systems Theory, Trauma-Informed

    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).

    ACCREDITATIONS

    • Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Sociology) - 1999 - ANU
    • Graduate Diploma in Counselling - 2018 - University of Canberra
    • Masters of Counselling - 2021 - University of Canberra

    Professional Associations

    • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Transport and Parking

    Mawson Shops is an easily accessible open, street level shopping complex with a good amount of 1-2 hour parking nearby.

    Fees

    $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



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    10 Questions with Stefanie Marris

    • What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

    • 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.
    • Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional/personal development?

    • 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.
    • Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

    • 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.
    • What method/s do you use?

    • I work as an integrative therapist but utilise elements from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing.
    • When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

    • 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.
    • How has therapy made you a better person?

    • 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.
    • What do you like most about being a therapist?

    • 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.
    • Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

    • Every.single.day.

      Short hair means bed hair! There is no escaping it.
    • What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

    • 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.
    • Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

    • Untamed by Glennon Doyle

      These Days by Powderfinger

      This is me from The Greatest Showman

      OnBeing with Krista Tippett podcast
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    Ms Stefanie Marris

    Stefanie Marris

    Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, Counsellor

    By working with me, you will develop a deeper understanding of the effects that stress, anxiety and other issues can have on your body and your physical health.

    I know the mind and body cannot be separated, and not one single approach fits everyone. This is why I draw on a variety of theories and tools to support your individual needs.
    ...

    • Mawson
    • ACT, Experiential, Integrative, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Person Centred, Psychodynamic, Somatic Experiencing®, Systems Theory, Trauma-Informed