Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

I have observed a lot of pain and the possibility of healing is available that gives hope to individuals and future generations.

I have observed a lot of pain and the possibility of healing is available that gives hope to individuals and future generations.

The good support I received through challenges and difficulties through therapy.

The good support I received through challenges and difficulties through therapy.

In 2015 I experienced a very significant Plot Twist to Life and the only way to recover was to embark on a personal healing journey and a path of Soul discovery. It is during this time that I felt a...

In 2015 I experienced a very significant Plot Twist to Life and the only way to recover was to embark on a personal healing journey and a path of Soul discovery. It is during this time that I felt a deep desire and purpose to become a counsellor. Although I acknowledge that traditional academia has its merits (I was a cancer research scientist for over 25yrs), I was yearning for a different form of counselling training that considers the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of individuals. And perhaps most importantly, an education model that views presenting issues not as pathologies that need to be eliminated but as opportunities to become aware of the less conscious parts of ourselves and discover what our inner desires are trying to communicate. During my search, I came across the Metavision Institute and their deeply beautiful holistic approach to the human being. My time at Metavision was a journey of self discovery and personal growth that was more rewarding and enriching than I could have ever anticipated and I couldn't help but share everything I had experienced with others.

Why we act, feel, and think the way we do and how different that can be from other people around us fascinated me. Helping people understand themselves and others can reduce the conflict and stress in...

Why we act, feel, and think the way we do and how different that can be from other people around us fascinated me. Helping people understand themselves and others can reduce the conflict and stress in our lives and help people move towards what is important to them. I always gravitated to work that involved helping people and becoming a psychologist enabled me to train professionally in a field so I knew what I was doing was evidence based and could really help to change people's lives and help.

I chose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession because of my deep-seated desire to support individuals in their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. Throughout my life, I've been...

I chose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession because of my deep-seated desire to support individuals in their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. Throughout my life, I've been drawn to understanding the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of human relationships. I find great fulfillment in providing a safe and empathetic space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Moreover, witnessing the transformative power of therapy in both my own life and the lives of those around me fueled my passion for pursuing this profession. Whether it's helping clients navigate through challenging life transitions, heal from past traumas, or discover their inner strengths and resilience, I am continually inspired by the profound impact that therapy can have on individuals' lives. Additionally, I value the holistic approach of psychotherapy, which not only addresses symptoms but also considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. This aligns with my belief in the importance of treating individuals as whole beings and empowering them to cultivate a sense of balance and fulfillment in all aspects of their lives. Ultimately, choosing psychotherapy or counselling as a profession allows me to blend my compassion for others with my commitment to personal growth and empowerment. It's a privilege to walk alongside clients on their journey towards self-discovery, healing, and ultimately, living more authentic and fulfilling lives.

I survived childhood trauma. I now assist others to move from a sense of powerlessness and distress through to surviving and then thriving. I specialise in recovery based transformation processes.

I survived childhood trauma. I now assist others to move from a sense of powerlessness and distress through to surviving and then thriving. I specialise in recovery based transformation processes.

Counselling has been a persistent theme throughout my life. Starting with friends at school talking to me about their parents, boyfriend, friend, sport and study problems. My fascination with the...

Counselling has been a persistent theme throughout my life. Starting with friends at school talking to me about their parents, boyfriend, friend, sport and study problems. My fascination with the human mind took me to studying Psychology at University. From there I spent most of my life helping families that included a person with a disability to manage and re-engage in the real world. Also supporting those with illnesses such as cancer or heart disease to manage difficulties and reformat their life. Always keeping in mind the life they want to live. Parent coaching was an important part of my growth experience as I think bringing up children is one of the most important things you could do in life. However it is also one of the most challenging, through the experience I learnt to walk the curve. Walking the curve of parenting is a skill learnt through time founded in Love. Believing in early intervention I've supported families through grief and loss after the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship or period of life.

I was drawn to the counselling profession from my teen years when I felt that there were insufficient supports for teens in high schools. Although my route to becoming a counsellor was long, it was...

I was drawn to the counselling profession from my teen years when I felt that there were insufficient supports for teens in high schools. Although my route to becoming a counsellor was long, it was always in my vision.

Significant family illnesses which changed my world overnight as a teenager, set my path towards caring and supporting. Firstly I went into nursing and specialised in Patient Safety and Quality....

Significant family illnesses which changed my world overnight as a teenager, set my path towards caring and supporting. Firstly I went into nursing and specialised in Patient Safety and Quality. Trying to make the world a better place for those that needed help the most was core to my soul.

I wanted to help people and make a difference.

I wanted to help people and make a difference.

Becoming a psychologist was a mid life career change for me. After some years working in the field of human rights, addressing global issues I decided that I wanted to work with people on an...

Becoming a psychologist was a mid life career change for me. After some years working in the field of human rights, addressing global issues I decided that I wanted to work with people on an individual level. I had always been very curious about how to understand and explain people's behaviours and responses to life experiences. So training as a psychologist was a natural conclusion. Like most psychologists there are experiences in my own life that helped shape these interests.

I have a passion for understanding people and offering the right help at the right time. Past challenges in my life like stress and chronic pain have shifted due to having had good therapy in various...

I have a passion for understanding people and offering the right help at the right time. Past challenges in my life like stress and chronic pain have shifted due to having had good therapy in various healing modalities. So I am a believer in effective work. This is what led me to study and go further.

I think it's fair to say that this profession is a calling first and a choice second; it certainly feels as if that's how it's unfolded for me. Having been on the receiving end of some excellent...

I think it's fair to say that this profession is a calling first and a choice second; it certainly feels as if that's how it's unfolded for me. Having been on the receiving end of some excellent intervention and care in my early 20s by some outstanding therapists, it kindled a desire that had been ticking away in my own unconscious to train and practice in psychology. It's amazing to reflect on this process, because for years I had told myself I couldn't do it, and then once I had emerged from running with this narrative, there was nothing that could hold me back. Ultimately, it was the opportunity to work in a field that attempts to engage with our inner-most selves which drew me to this profession. I love the fact that in therapy, we are invited to be our truest self, even if it is only for an hour at a time to begin with. In following this passion, I felt I'd be able to give back something of what I had learnt - both academically and more broadly. By the same token, I knew that my own learning in this fascinating field would never stop.

Life. I have actually written a blog about this. But the short answer is that I don't want anyone to go down the path I did. I have always been someone that listened to people and help (support)...

Life. I have actually written a blog about this. But the short answer is that I don't want anyone to go down the path I did. I have always been someone that listened to people and help (support) where I could, but it took a life event to make the change. In some ways I find being a counsellor is a calling or vocation and if I am able to make a positive difference in someone's life . . .

I loved my training, and working with people. What brought me, especially to trauma work was lived experiences as well as rigorous training and deep faith in people's ability to not only heal but to...

I loved my training, and working with people. What brought me, especially to trauma work was lived experiences as well as rigorous training and deep faith in people's ability to not only heal but to THRIVE.

A healthy curiosity of human behaviour, not 'why' but 'how' someone comes to be who they are and what manifests due to life experiences. I like people - prior to my formal qualifications, I have...

A healthy curiosity of human behaviour, not 'why' but 'how' someone comes to be who they are and what manifests due to life experiences. I like people - prior to my formal qualifications, I have been mentoring, guiding, counselling individuals for over 25 years - a natural and intuitive instinct to create a safe and trusting platform for individuals to find their pathway and to help them find their 'empowerment'. What is important for the client? To be seen as a 'whole' individual - my approach to counselling is holistic and integrative.

For some of us it is a calling. Not where we purposefully started but where we find ourselves.

For some of us it is a calling. Not where we purposefully started but where we find ourselves.

When I was 17 I was walking through an opp shop with a friend and came across a book on psychology. As I was flicking through the pages I thought that it looked interesting. I paid 70c for it and took...

When I was 17 I was walking through an opp shop with a friend and came across a book on psychology. As I was flicking through the pages I thought that it looked interesting. I paid 70c for it and took it home. It was fascinating and I just kept reading chapter after chapter. I didn't go straight into psychology but never forgot what I read. I later worked in community mental health before enrolling in a psychology honours degree. I loved what I learnt from time studying and still read and write each week.

My own journey, I was looking to heal my physical and personal issues. I kept getting stuck and didn't know what to do with my feelings when they came up so I decided to study Gestalt therapy. Also, I...

My own journey, I was looking to heal my physical and personal issues. I kept getting stuck and didn't know what to do with my feelings when they came up so I decided to study Gestalt therapy. Also, I was a nurse and realised that many illnesses were linked to a person's thoughts and beliefs.

As a Psychologist I am driven by the desire to help individuals navigate their way through complex human challenges. I chose psychology as a profession because of my passion to learn more about the...

As a Psychologist I am driven by the desire to help individuals navigate their way through complex human challenges. I chose psychology as a profession because of my passion to learn more about the impact of human emotions, listen and guide others with the insights I have gained over the last twenty years. But most importantly, I chose psychology because I wanted to help people to make real, practical and applicable change in their everyday lives.

I build instant rapport with people and have always been a listener'. I am passionate about helping people to find their true potential and build a more cohesive sense of self.

I build instant rapport with people and have always been a listener'. I am passionate about helping people to find their true potential and build a more cohesive sense of self.

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer (parietal lobe tumour) I watched his struggle with the diagnosis and then the need for him to face his mortality. I also watched as an older teen how the will to...

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer (parietal lobe tumour) I watched his struggle with the diagnosis and then the need for him to face his mortality. I also watched as an older teen how the will to fight waxed and waned depending on how his treatment went. He unfortunately did not have a good prognosis and died shortly after. I realised that the human spirit can endure so much and that our emotions and attitude says so much about us as individuals. I left my unfulfilled Science degree and never looked back after starting psychology.

I have always been attracted to the helping professions, first in my nursing and whilst nursing I recognised that I was doing a lot to allay the anxiety of patients with their health issues. Hence, I...

I have always been attracted to the helping professions, first in my nursing and whilst nursing I recognised that I was doing a lot to allay the anxiety of patients with their health issues. Hence, I decided to do a Diploma of Counselling followed by a Bachelor of Counselling and a Cert. 4 in Mental Health because of my interest in assisting people to improve their current situations.

My own personal journey through the landscape of trauma and spirituality.

My own personal journey through the landscape of trauma and spirituality.

My background as a Health Project Coordinator working with homeless and disadvantaged young people and vulnerable children and parents. This was highly rewarding, very challenging and energising work.

My background as a Health Project Coordinator working with homeless and disadvantaged young people and vulnerable children and parents. This was highly rewarding, very challenging and energising work.

I came into the profession after many years of volunteering my time with homeless people and street kids. This experience inspired me to study counselling formally and to use my skills to work with...

I came into the profession after many years of volunteering my time with homeless people and street kids. This experience inspired me to study counselling formally and to use my skills to work with young people who are faced with homelessness, violence within the family and a lack of feeling connected to the school system, their family and themselves. I had over the many years' supported young people and helped them to find hope and meaning in their own lives as well as connecting them to support to assist with this.

It definitely chose me. It was my first love. Coaching has become my second love. I feel very blessed to have had a career doing what brings me joy.

It definitely chose me. It was my first love. Coaching has become my second love. I feel very blessed to have had a career doing what brings me joy.

I chose counselling and psychotherapy as a profession because ever since a young child I have always felt the emotional pain of others (not understanding that was what it was back then!) and at the...

I chose counselling and psychotherapy as a profession because ever since a young child I have always felt the emotional pain of others (not understanding that was what it was back then!) and at the same time also wanting to ease it. I have like everyone managed some really difficult life circumstances and have found some wonderful and safe pathways through and I want now to pass the baton of hope onto others who are at especially difficult or seemingly hopeless points in their journeys

Before being a psychotherapist I was a farmer. Whilst working with people on my farm I found myself inadvertently holding therapeutic spaces for people and also others for me. The dropping into...

Before being a psychotherapist I was a farmer. Whilst working with people on my farm I found myself inadvertently holding therapeutic spaces for people and also others for me. The dropping into greater depth and openness was happening alongside the tasks of tending soil, plants and animals. This sparked a curiosity to further this capacity and led me to pursue psychotherapy and counselling. I saw the potential for myself, together with the land, to offer mental, emotional and spiritual sanctuary. Although initially I perceived this work as part of my farming skillset I have stepped back from farming to focus on my work as a psychotherapist. I would like to merge the work with my farm in the future.

Life experiences along with years of significant trauma led me to a very dark place. I found ways to cope and to help others out of the darkness to a brighter life. It became a passion to see others...

Life experiences along with years of significant trauma led me to a very dark place. I found ways to cope and to help others out of the darkness to a brighter life. It became a passion to see others move forward from stuck positions.

As a child I dreamed of being a dancer or musician and in my teens, I was drawn to health. It was during my early 20s that I realised that it is impossible to separate mental health from the arts -...

As a child I dreamed of being a dancer or musician and in my teens, I was drawn to health. It was during my early 20s that I realised that it is impossible to separate mental health from the arts - which led me to studying a little bit of psychology before undertaking a Masters of Music Therapy.

Raised by war traumatised parents my search for meaning began as a young woman. I was attracted by the ideas of existential philosophy, feminism, Buddhism and Jungian Psychoanalysis.

Raised by war traumatised parents my search for meaning began as a young woman. I was attracted by the ideas of existential philosophy, feminism, Buddhism and Jungian Psychoanalysis.

Since I was a little girl I have always been the person that people would confide in. When I started teaching music at the age of 16 my students would often talk to me about difficulties at home or...

Since I was a little girl I have always been the person that people would confide in. When I started teaching music at the age of 16 my students would often talk to me about difficulties at home or school. This inspired me years later to complete a Master of Arts in Counselling, specialising in marriage, children, and families. Since then I have enjoyed helping people discover their strengths to lead contented and fulfilling lives.

I was born in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia in my late thirties. I have always had a strong drive to understand the world, and to contribute something meaningful to that world. At the...

I was born in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia in my late thirties. I have always had a strong drive to understand the world, and to contribute something meaningful to that world. At the tender age of 19, I did not quite realize that my real curiosity was People and Life, and I therefor did a Master in Applied Physics, with a minor in environmental science. I initially worked in the field of photo voltaic solar energy, as a consultant and policy maker. In my early thirties, my body went on strike (I developed such severe problems with my back I could not sit behind a desk anymore). It made me realize (with a lot of resistance initially) that I had been completely out of touch with my body, and in a way, with myself, who I really was and what I really wanted in life. I quit my job (and career) and spent several years travelling, exploring and discovering. During those years, I slowly realized that being occupied with the workings of the material world wasn't really nourishing my soul, but that I seemed to be naturally good at really listening to people, helping them understand themselves better and to make changes in themselves and their lives for the better. I also realized I needed to live in a country where I could live much closer to nature and a sense of wildness, and I decided to migrate to Australia. I retrained as a counsellor/psychotherapist (and also became a certified mindfulness teacher). I have found it very rewarding to be able to connect with people in the places within themselves where they suffer most and are usually completely alone, and to help bring about insight, healing and transformation.

I have always been interested in talking with and getting to know people. I am very curious about myself and others. What makes us unhappy and happy? How do our relationships with ourselves and others...

I have always been interested in talking with and getting to know people. I am very curious about myself and others. What makes us unhappy and happy? How do our relationships with ourselves and others affect us? From a young teenager I decided that I would work in the field of Social Work and have done so since the mid 1990's. Previously I have worked for RAPT an organisation in conjunction with The Department of Family Services with at risk youth; The Smith Family as an Edu-cate officer working with families; Community Corrections as a Community corrections officer working with offenders whom presented with a number of issues from addiction, depression, anxiety and trauma. After having my four children I returned to study and did my Masters degree in Gestalt therapy. To me Life is a journey of self-discovery and I find that the more awareness and acceptance I have of myself the better my relationship is with myself and others. My wish is to support others to do the same.

Becoming a psychotherapist was actually a career change for me. My background prior to this was working in the corporate sales sector. I began my journey in psychotherapy when I started to ask the big...

Becoming a psychotherapist was actually a career change for me. My background prior to this was working in the corporate sales sector. I began my journey in psychotherapy when I started to ask the big questions: What am I doing with my life? Is what I am doing making me happy? Who am I really? As I started my training and started to find the answers to those questions, I discovered that this was the work I was meant to be doing!

I found people so interesting and then I found that following that interest turned out to be a form of therapy as well. I was exploring myself through psychodrama groups when I realised that I wanted...

I found people so interesting and then I found that following that interest turned out to be a form of therapy as well. I was exploring myself through psychodrama groups when I realised that I wanted to understand how psychodrama worked and what this meant about myself and others. Once I had done lots of training, I began to work with people. Simple really. Then I continued to train and learn and understand other ways to work with folks, and other ways that folks learned, and began to apply these as well.

I have been a listener and observer all of my life, and find that fits well with the values of trust, empathy and compassion needed when in the privileged position of working with clients. I am...

I have been a listener and observer all of my life, and find that fits well with the values of trust, empathy and compassion needed when in the privileged position of working with clients. I am passionate believer that people deserve to enjoy optimum mental health and wellbeing.

My experience of trying to find support for my children during a very traumatic time in our lives compelled me to return to study to become a psychologist with a passion for supporting children to...

My experience of trying to find support for my children during a very traumatic time in our lives compelled me to return to study to become a psychologist with a passion for supporting children to recover from trauma

My Mother died very suddenly and unexpectedly. I sought some bereavement counselling and it changed my life. Going through a grieving process like this gave me a different perspective. My counsellor...

My Mother died very suddenly and unexpectedly. I sought some bereavement counselling and it changed my life. Going through a grieving process like this gave me a different perspective. My counsellor pointed out to me that I was self-aware and that I might make a good counsellor one day. After a long time of coming to terms with my loss I started taking counselling courses. My teacher encouraged me to take it further and complete a Master's Degree in Psychotherapy and I never looked back.

Having for as long as I remember an ability to help people make sense of and respond to life's challenges I decided to make a career of it.

Having for as long as I remember an ability to help people make sense of and respond to life's challenges I decided to make a career of it.

Back in 2006 I spiraled down into depression and anxiety due to chronic stress at work. Thankfully I saw an Integrative GP who took into account my lifestyle, nutrition and underlying health issues...

Back in 2006 I spiraled down into depression and anxiety due to chronic stress at work. Thankfully I saw an Integrative GP who took into account my lifestyle, nutrition and underlying health issues instead of just prescribing me antidepressants. This started me on an exploration of mainstream and complimentary techniques for managing my depression. I found that massage had a wonderfully calming effect on my nervous system and my mood. So I studied remedial massage and started my own part-time remedial massage practice. I noticed that people would relax deeply during their massage treatments and I would be able to release the tension in their body. However, the next time I saw them the tension would be back - they would be bracing their body in the same way. Why was this happening? I realised that the solution must be as much in their mind as in their body. I later learned that this is a concept we call “armouring” - where the muscles brace against potential emotional or mental danger. I was introduced to Andrea Alexander at the Institute of Body Psychotherapy in 2012 and became a regular client of hers. Through my sessions with her, I learned first-hand how the body holds emotions and that you can release this tension through movement. Combining talking therapy and body movement was the answer I had been looking for.