Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

My professional development has been influenced by person-centred and strengths-based philosophies, which emphasise empathy, self-determination, and the belief that people have the capacity for...

My professional development has been influenced by person-centred and strengths-based philosophies, which emphasise empathy, self-determination, and the belief that people have the capacity for growth. Narrative Therapy has shaped my approach by highlighting the power of personal stories, while Positive Psychology reinforces the importance of resilience and meaning in healing.

I am strongly influenced by the belief that every person deserves to be understood without judgement. We are shaped by different experiences, relationships and circumstances, and I value the...

I am strongly influenced by the belief that every person deserves to be understood without judgement. We are shaped by different experiences, relationships and circumstances, and I value the uniqueness each person brings. I believe curiosity is more powerful than judgement: rather than asking “What is wrong with me, or them?”, we can ask “What might be happening here, and what can I learn from it?” Our experiences do not have to define us. Even difficult ones can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. With greater awareness comes choice and with choice comes the possibility of doing something differently.

I am influenced by wisdom traditions, so-called Eastern philosophy and paths of spiritual practice. Psychoanalytically, I am currently influenced most by Freud, Lacan, Bion, Winnicott and Balint,...

I am influenced by wisdom traditions, so-called Eastern philosophy and paths of spiritual practice. Psychoanalytically, I am currently influenced most by Freud, Lacan, Bion, Winnicott and Balint, although I am also inspired by many others. I have an integrated understanding and approach, which enables me to view situations through a variety of lenses, and connect with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Existentialism, that we ultimately create meaning ourselves in our lives. We are free to be, and we do have a personal responsibility in managing and maintaining this. My personal beliefs affect my...

Existentialism, that we ultimately create meaning ourselves in our lives. We are free to be, and we do have a personal responsibility in managing and maintaining this. My personal beliefs affect my own life, and I am a Christian however I am all about encouraging a client down their own path and helping them to discover themselves. I do believe we are mind body and spirit.

Professionally I have never felt more fulfilled than when I worked with people during my time as an emergency psychiatric clinician. The people I saw had made the choice to end or had attempted to end...

Professionally I have never felt more fulfilled than when I worked with people during my time as an emergency psychiatric clinician. The people I saw had made the choice to end or had attempted to end their lives. Through the ability to build a strong therapeutic rapport, work from a validating compassion focused approach and focusing on strengths I was able to garner a tiny piece of hope which provided us the ability to move forward. Working with people where they are rather than a one fits all approach is what influences my work and always keeping the person at the centre of all the work we do.

I have always liked supporting others to look at the big picture when they are facing challenges and helping to guide them to use their strengths to solve problems.

I have always liked supporting others to look at the big picture when they are facing challenges and helping to guide them to use their strengths to solve problems.

My work is influenced by Jungian and existential thought, which honour the psyche’s drive toward wholeness, meaning, and transformation. I also draw on expressive arts, archetypal psychology, the...

My work is influenced by Jungian and existential thought, which honour the psyche’s drive toward wholeness, meaning, and transformation. I also draw on expressive arts, archetypal psychology, the Hero’s Journey, and mind-body-spirit frameworks such as the Medicine Wheel and seasonal cycles—approaches that view healing as a creative, embodied, and relational process.

My professional development has been influenced by humanistic and person-centred philosophy, grounded in the belief that people have an innate capacity for growth when met with empathy, authenticity,...

My professional development has been influenced by humanistic and person-centred philosophy, grounded in the belief that people have an innate capacity for growth when met with empathy, authenticity, and respect. I also draw on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help clients recognise and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support psychological flexibility, values-based living, and meaningful change. A trauma-informed lens underpins my work, ensuring emotional safety, trust, and collaboration—particularly important when supporting men and couples navigating stress, relationship conflict, emotional shutdown, or life transitions. My approach is practical, strengths-focused, and supportive of developing insight, accountability, and healthier patterns of connection.

Person centred Counselling, and Child Centred Play Therapy. Trusting the therapeutic process, and empowering people in their own journey of growth.

Person centred Counselling, and Child Centred Play Therapy. Trusting the therapeutic process, and empowering people in their own journey of growth.

The foundation of my therapy is the Catholic belief in the inherent dignity of the human person. As such, I believe each person is unique, valuable and important, no matter the mistakes they have...

The foundation of my therapy is the Catholic belief in the inherent dignity of the human person. As such, I believe each person is unique, valuable and important, no matter the mistakes they have made. I believe that the human person consists of soul (spirit) and body and so my approach to counselling considers the person holistically, looking at the biological, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual (if the client is willing) dimensions.

My starting point is that life is worth living, and that, while we can be helped and inspired by others, ultimately we all need to work things out in our own way. Any good psychotherapy has to respect...

My starting point is that life is worth living, and that, while we can be helped and inspired by others, ultimately we all need to work things out in our own way. Any good psychotherapy has to respect the personal, individual nature of this journey.

I am trained originally in Carl Roger's person centred framework. I use Emotion Focused therapy and an integrated approach informed by Gottman and other key research. My work is trauma informed and...

I am trained originally in Carl Roger's person centred framework. I use Emotion Focused therapy and an integrated approach informed by Gottman and other key research. My work is trauma informed and Neurodiversity affirming. I believe that we need to work at short term relief where sometimes we use CBT and practical strategies for self regulation. I also like to do deeper work where we look at family history and patterns of behaviour and how to understand the impact of trauma and heal underlying pain and choose more healthy patterns of behaviour.

My professional development has been shaped by relational, person-centred and systems-based philosophies, alongside trauma-informed and social justice perspectives. I’m influenced by approaches that...

My professional development has been shaped by relational, person-centred and systems-based philosophies, alongside trauma-informed and social justice perspectives. I’m influenced by approaches that value context, meaning and relationship, and that recognise how personal experience is shaped by family, culture, work and broader systems. I also draw from depth-oriented and narrative traditions, alongside practical, evidence-informed methods, which allows me to work flexibly rather than from a single fixed model. Overall, I’m guided by philosophies that prioritise dignity, curiosity, collaboration and care, and that see growth as something that unfolds through understanding, stories, safety and connection rather than quick fixes.

A huge part of who I am as a person is my firm belief in the concept of treating others as you wish to be treated yourself. That encompasses many different values including compassion, honesty,...

A huge part of who I am as a person is my firm belief in the concept of treating others as you wish to be treated yourself. That encompasses many different values including compassion, honesty, authenticity, fairness, equality, dignity, acceptance & respect to name just a few. These values underpin my way of being when working with you as a client. I also believe it takes courage to ask for help. Admitting you can’t do everything on your own, is the first step toward achieving wellness in a fast paced, demanding world. The good news is, asking for help gets easier with a little practice. The way in which we cope in the world is greatly influenced by how we see the world. Asking for help, and obtaining a fresh perspective is often the first and most profound step toward developing the mental muscle needed to become stronger. The more support you gain, the better equipped you will be to take on new challenges and achieve more successes. My goal is to provide you that support.

A blend of Eastern (Buddhist and Toaist) and Western philosophy.

A blend of Eastern (Buddhist and Toaist) and Western philosophy.

Taking a holistic approach to mental health - looking at underlying medical conditions, health, nutrition. sleep, hydration, and lifestyle factors. I particularly like body psychotherapy because you...

Taking a holistic approach to mental health - looking at underlying medical conditions, health, nutrition. sleep, hydration, and lifestyle factors. I particularly like body psychotherapy because you don't just feel anxiety or depression in your mind, you feel it in your entire being. So I work with your whole being.

I’m drawn to approaches that take human experience seriously — not just symptoms, but the deeper questions underneath them. The ways people carry responsibility, adapt to pressure, search for...

I’m drawn to approaches that take human experience seriously — not just symptoms, but the deeper questions underneath them. The ways people carry responsibility, adapt to pressure, search for meaning, protect themselves, lose themselves, and try to find their way back again. My thinking has been shaped by existential philosophy, psychodynamic thought, systems thinking, and reflective traditions that view people within the larger stories, relationships, and environments that shape a life over time. I’m less interested in quick answers than honest understanding, meaningful change, and helping people build a way of living that feels more integrated, sustainable, and true to who they are becoming.

My work is grounded primarily in psychodynamic and relational traditions, which focus on understanding the unconscious patterns, emotional meanings, and relational experiences that shape our lives. I...

My work is grounded primarily in psychodynamic and relational traditions, which focus on understanding the unconscious patterns, emotional meanings, and relational experiences that shape our lives. I am particularly interested in how early relationships, internalised expectations of others, and patterns of self-experience influence the ways people relate to themselves and others over time. Alongside this, my thinking has been influenced by discourse-oriented and critical traditions that examine how psychological suffering is shaped by language, culture, power, and social structures. These perspectives encourage attention to the broader contexts in which distress emerges, including the ways identities, norms, and institutions shape how people come to understand themselves. Together, these influences support a therapeutic approach that takes both inner experience and the wider social world seriously.

I'm endlessly curious, and I've studied everything from neuropsychology and behavioural approaches to depth psychology and somatic work. But I'm most drawn to humanistic perspectives that honour the...

I'm endlessly curious, and I've studied everything from neuropsychology and behavioural approaches to depth psychology and somatic work. But I'm most drawn to humanistic perspectives that honour the complexity of the human mind and spirit. I believe we're WAY more than just our thoughts or behaviours. We are intricate, multifaceted beings, and real healing happens when we can approach ourselves with that kind of respect and curiosity.

I love this question! It's hard to keep it short tho. Since childhood and adolescence I have been interested in spirituality. As a young person I loved music, being in Nature (swimming, bushwalking,...

I love this question! It's hard to keep it short tho. Since childhood and adolescence I have been interested in spirituality. As a young person I loved music, being in Nature (swimming, bushwalking, finding caves, sunrises, sunsets, and full moons.) I was interested in poetry and dreams and explored various religions. Looking back I can see the natural progression of these core interests and how they developed in my 20's to choosing to study Social Work at Uni - I saw this as a holistic mainstream degree which enabled me to explore a wide range of approaches to understanding our human condition. I also studied and practiced as a Massage Therapist as I was drawn to working with the body as well as the mind. I am continually influenced by many indigenous philosophies, most importantly the Australian indigenous culture with the emphasis on connectedness to Nature, our dreaming natures and one another. I continue to explore mind based approaches such as Mindfulness, Rogerian therapy, Gestalt, DBT, Narrative therapy, CBT, and ACT. I am also influenced by other modalities such as dance and drama therapy, art therapy, Buddhist and Christian philosophies. Process Oriented Psychology (often called Process Work) has been the biggest influence on my professional and personal development. This approach developed by Arnold Mindell and colleagues has its roots in Jungian Psychology, Taoism, and shamanism and values the wisdom inherent in our bodies, night time dreams and Nature. It is a thorough framework providing tools and opportunities to work effectively and creatively on myself alone, with individuals, couples, small and large groups, and organisations. Yoga and meditation have been played central and significant roles in my own personal development and healing. I am excited to have taken the step in studying these modalities formally and to be offering these practices in my work.

I'm a big fan of CG Jung and the analytic tradition - particularly the notion of a 'guiding' SELF aspect. This, along with Jung's exploration of dreams and archetypes have been a crucial framework for...

I'm a big fan of CG Jung and the analytic tradition - particularly the notion of a 'guiding' SELF aspect. This, along with Jung's exploration of dreams and archetypes have been a crucial framework for my understanding of how us humans tick. I have subsequently been influenced by the 'Mytho-poetic' Mens Movement, which again, was strongly Jungian, and is interested in keeping alive the impact that mythology coupled with poetry can inform and provide meaning within our lives. I love exploring ideas of consciousness, including non-duality and buddhist concepts and this has evolved from my experiences in meditation. I'm currently enthralled with the Gestalt notion of the 'field' - the idea that we can be in tune with a persons 'field' and if we achieve that alignment, magic happens!

I do not try and 'fix' anyone.... I don't believe they are broken. I do however believe in a strengths based, person centred approach to best support the individual to feel empowered and become their...

I do not try and 'fix' anyone.... I don't believe they are broken. I do however believe in a strengths based, person centred approach to best support the individual to feel empowered and become their 'best selves'.

My professional development has been influenced by person-centred, trauma-informed, and attachment-based philosophies, grounded in the belief that healing occurs through safe and authentic human...

My professional development has been influenced by person-centred, trauma-informed, and attachment-based philosophies, grounded in the belief that healing occurs through safe and authentic human connection. I draw strongly from relational and strengths-based perspectives, recognising each person’s inherent capacity for growth and resilience. I also integrate neurobiological and somatic understanding of trauma, alongside systemic thinking that considers family, culture, and environment. These approaches shape my commitment to working collaboratively, honouring lived experience, and supporting meaningful, sustainable change.

My professional development is deeply influenced by a blend of person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed philosophies. Additionally, I integrate queer theory to affirm diverse identities...

My professional development is deeply influenced by a blend of person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed philosophies. Additionally, I integrate queer theory to affirm diverse identities and systems theory to understand the broader contexts influencing clients' experiences. This framework allows me to provide compassionate, inclusive, and effective support to teenagers and young adults.

Behaviourism, humanistic / person-centred, Gestalt, Buddhism, Psychodynamic theories and Jungian Psychology.

Behaviourism, humanistic / person-centred, Gestalt, Buddhism, Psychodynamic theories and Jungian Psychology.

Various theories including process oriented psychology, attachment theory and mindfulness.

Various theories including process oriented psychology, attachment theory and mindfulness.

My professional development is grounded in several key philosophical approaches. Humanistic and existential philosophies shape my belief in each person’s potential for growth, healing, and meaning....

My professional development is grounded in several key philosophical approaches. Humanistic and existential philosophies shape my belief in each person’s potential for growth, healing, and meaning. Constructivist principles inform my use of narrative therapy, recognizing the power of personal stories in shaping our lives. I also take an integrative approach, drawing on evidence-based methods like CBT, NLP, and mindfulness to tailor support to each client’s unique needs.

Somatic Psychotherapy (SE and SP) Buddhist psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions (though I am not a religious Buddhist) Compassionate focus Internal Family Systems Parts Work,...

Somatic Psychotherapy (SE and SP) Buddhist psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions (though I am not a religious Buddhist) Compassionate focus Internal Family Systems Parts Work, Person-Centred Approaches Inner Child Healing

I'd say the most influential philosophies/theories are neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive practice, field theory and attachment theory. Field theory: I am trained as a Gestalt therapist....

I'd say the most influential philosophies/theories are neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive practice, field theory and attachment theory. Field theory: I am trained as a Gestalt therapist. One of the foundational pillars of Gestalt therapy is field theory, which makes Gestalt a therapy of the situation - so we seek to always be raising awareness and adding greater complexity to a client's situation. This causes paradigm shifts as I find when one comes to understand their situation more complexly, self-acceptance is a natural result and through acceptance the possibility for change opens up. Another important component of field theory is that clients need both internal and external support for change. So, we work in an ongoing process of discovering supports that are already available, exploring and appreciating them, and also at cultivating new supports (internal and external). Attachment theory: This theory comes naturally to me. Since becoming a parent in my early 20s I've felt a strong drive toward justice, care and respect for children. My aim as a therapist is to create a secure attachment relationship with my clients. I find that often the secure relationship they develop with me is the first one of their life. This new therapeutic relationship creates new neural pathways - new internal schemas of relational possibility. A new way of being in relationship, with self and other. This means my clients develop new embodied skills and ways to create healthy, safe and supportive relationships in their lives - outside of the therapy room.

Much of the way we experience our world is centred around the other people that we encounter. I am heavily influenced by approaches that examine the subjective and contextual elements of these...

Much of the way we experience our world is centred around the other people that we encounter. I am heavily influenced by approaches that examine the subjective and contextual elements of these interactions. These intersubjective approaches emphasise the interactions between therapists and clients. These are good analogies for how we all interact with the other people in our lives. I am perpetually drawn back to existential philosophies. We live in a time when cultural and technological changes are occurring more rapidly now than ever before. Our fundamental questions about life are becoming ever more relevant - who are we, what is the purpose of our lives, what is that best way to live. Existential philosophies do not give ready made answers to these questions but act as guides as we find ways to answer these questions for ourselves. They help us to shape the questions that we ask and work through the anxieties that challenges present.

The Existential philosophical approach has had a profound impact on my professional development, in particular, the work of Victor Frankl. I am often inspired by his words: When we are no longer...

The Existential philosophical approach has had a profound impact on my professional development, in particular, the work of Victor Frankl. I am often inspired by his words: When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. I also take great comfort from the stoic philosophers who encouraged us all to focus on what is actually within our control.

Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In...

Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In recent years, I have undertaken skills development in somatic (body-based) therapy and long-term therapy (also known as psychotherapy), based upon the work of Carl Jung. I have found these modalities of treatment to be highly effective for supporting people through persistent psychological difficulties and suffering.

Solution Focus Brief Therapy

Solution Focus Brief Therapy

Some of the key influences for me include Carl Rogers and his focus on person-centred care, as well as Victor Frankl and his emphasis on the search for meaning in life.

Some of the key influences for me include Carl Rogers and his focus on person-centred care, as well as Victor Frankl and his emphasis on the search for meaning in life.

Arnold Mindell process-oriented psychology has influenced my approach as well as circle work. Family constellations and trauma work have also contributed to my development professionally and...

Arnold Mindell process-oriented psychology has influenced my approach as well as circle work. Family constellations and trauma work have also contributed to my development professionally and personally, as well as the individuation process and human development according to Rudolf Steiner. The development of a non-judgemental attitude and compassion and the development of deep listening and surrender to forgiveness and gratitude are foundational in my professional and personal development.

It's really for me about discovery and creating awareness of who we are, right now in this moment. That was huge for me as I was so task and goal orientated. I have now completely changed my view on...

It's really for me about discovery and creating awareness of who we are, right now in this moment. That was huge for me as I was so task and goal orientated. I have now completely changed my view on this are focus on what is, rather on so many things we try to be. It has changed my world remarkably and I live in so much more inner peace now. The hardest person I ever had to deal with was myself and how I treated my own self. I have such a more gentle approach now.

Many all the way to the basics of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs in University and forward through Solution Focussed therapies and Somatic therapies to pluralistic therapy. Believing different techniques...

Many all the way to the basics of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs in University and forward through Solution Focussed therapies and Somatic therapies to pluralistic therapy. Believing different techniques are different for different people at different stages of their lives. Putting people at the centre of therapy and supporting them on the basis that they know their own life best. I am constantly learning new tips, tricks and information which I enthusiastically share with others. “Knowledge not shared remains unknown.” Luigi l Lemencello from “Mr Lemincello's Library” written by Chris Grabenstein

My theoretical basis is steeped in psychoanalytic, intersubjectivity and developmental theory, and my interest as a counsellor and psychotherapist has always been stimulated by ideas of consciousness,...

My theoretical basis is steeped in psychoanalytic, intersubjectivity and developmental theory, and my interest as a counsellor and psychotherapist has always been stimulated by ideas of consciousness, embodiment and relational perspectives, and especially transference and countertransference dynamics. I work with these ideas alongside my deep entrenchment with eastern approaches to spirituality, within the broader context of self realisation.

Attachment theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Systems Theory

Attachment theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Systems Theory

Acceptance and Commitment therapy - the mindfulness, compassion, practicality and wide applicability make it my go-to therapy approach, (plus the generosity of the ACT community) Process-oriented...

Acceptance and Commitment therapy - the mindfulness, compassion, practicality and wide applicability make it my go-to therapy approach, (plus the generosity of the ACT community) Process-oriented psychology - for the deep, transformative, shamanic exercises and experiences, for the unique understanding of consciousness (which blends well with ACT) Client-centred therapy - so essential to take care of the fundamentals - connection, care, compassion, non-judgment, aligning with client goals CBT - sometimes you just need these rock solid cognitive-behavioural techniques

Existential philosophy and writers such as Albert Camus, Sartre and Simone Beauvoir. Carl Rogers Client Centred Counselling Gestalt Therapy Self Psychology: Heinz Kohut Object Relation Theory:...

Existential philosophy and writers such as Albert Camus, Sartre and Simone Beauvoir. Carl Rogers Client Centred Counselling Gestalt Therapy Self Psychology: Heinz Kohut Object Relation Theory: Donald Winnicott, Thomas Ogden, Ferenzci Mentalisation based approach: Fonagy and Bateman