Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

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.

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.

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.

As a geneticist, I love the nature vs nurture debate. My personal view is that I 100?cept that our genes influence our psyche. However, both my personal & professional experiences have shown me the...

As a geneticist, I love the nature vs nurture debate. My personal view is that I 100?cept that our genes influence our psyche. However, both my personal & professional experiences have shown me the crucial role that our environment & childhood experiences play in our early childhood development, our wounding, our protective strategies, our attachments etc, and all of these experiences shape the person we are today. As a developmental biologist, I understand and appreciate the profound physiological effects that stress, anxiety, depression & trauma etc have on our emotional body & physical nervous system. Hence, conditions that most people label as mental health care issues, I see as physical, mental & emotional. What happened to you affects the WHOLE of you. And while your brain may have forgotten/pushed the hurt aside - your body remembers. So its not all about talk therapy, we need to spend time together understanding at a deeper level, what your physical & emotional bodies need to feel safe once more. I am also deeply indebted to a wide variety of spiritual philosophies which have been KEY to me on my personal healing journey. These include: Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy, Taoism, Mindfulness and Arnold Mindell's Process Orientated Psychology. A support journey with me involves a rich eclectic mix of healing practices from intellect, spirit & Mother Earth.

That I am definitely not the 'expert' trying to fix people. Rather I try to use the knowledge and experience I have gained to work with people so they can make the changes and develop the skills they...

That I am definitely not the 'expert' trying to fix people. Rather I try to use the knowledge and experience I have gained to work with people so they can make the changes and develop the skills they need to create a rich and meaningful life for themselves. It is about empowering people in their life choices.

The philosophical approaches that have significantly influenced my professional development as a therapist include person-centered therapy, holistic therapy interventions, and somatic-based...

The philosophical approaches that have significantly influenced my professional development as a therapist include person-centered therapy, holistic therapy interventions, and somatic-based interventions. Person-Centered Approach: Person-centered therapy, pioneered by Carl Rogers, emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. This approach has taught me the importance of understanding clients' subjective experiences and fostering a supportive environment where they feel accepted and valued. Holistic Therapy Interventions: Holistic therapy considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in addressing psychological issues. It emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, incorporating techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and individualised treatment plans. Somatic-Based Interventions: Somatic-based interventions, influenced by therapists like Peter Levine and Vessel Van Der Kolk, focus on the connection between the body and psychological well-being. These approaches recognise the impact of trauma and stress on the body, and emphasize techniques such as somatic experiencing and body-centered therapies to address and release stored tension and trauma. By integrating principles from these philosophical approaches into my practice, I aim to create a therapeutic environment that promotes empathy, acceptance, authenticity, and holistic well-being. This comprehensive approach allows me to address the diverse needs of my clients and facilitate their personal growth and healing on multiple levels.

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'.

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

If I were to name one philosophical approach that has influenced my professional and personal development, it would be Existentialism. As we travel through life, bigger questions arise. What is our...

If I were to name one philosophical approach that has influenced my professional and personal development, it would be Existentialism. As we travel through life, bigger questions arise. What is our purpose? What legacy do I wish to leave? The older you get, I find these questions require deeper exploration and understanding. If only we all had the wisdom of age when we were younger!

Feminist practice, social justice, post modernism.

Feminist practice, social justice, post modernism.

HOLISTIC We are always in relationship: that we are fully embedded in a relational world. We, therefore, bring to our clients a curiosity for the full context of their lives. Gestalt therapy has a...

HOLISTIC We are always in relationship: that we are fully embedded in a relational world. We, therefore, bring to our clients a curiosity for the full context of their lives. Gestalt therapy has a here-and-now focus on the clients' awareness of the world they live in and their relationships with others. Gestalt therapy has a sensitivity to the ways that past experience (and future hopes and fears) may be organising current experience. The relational worldview is informed by the foundational gestalt philosophical principles of field theory, existential phenomenology and existential dialogic relating. These philosophies support more nuanced and complex ways of staying with experience. Including as much of the client's world as possible, understanding is slowly arrived at together. GROUNDED IN THE CLIENT/ THERAPIST RELATIONSHIP The working relationship provides an opportunity for an authentic and meaningful meeting where the focus is on the relationship and there is an acknowledgement of mutual influence and co-creation of the therapeutic process.

My belief is that we are the product of our experience and meaning making, more than we are the outcome of genetic expression. Furthermore, my belief is that mind and body are one. So approaches that...

My belief is that we are the product of our experience and meaning making, more than we are the outcome of genetic expression. Furthermore, my belief is that mind and body are one. So approaches that fully explore the impact of human experience, the meaning we give to those experiences, and consider how experience is reflected in mind and body is my great interest. In theoretical and therapeutic terms my philosophical orientation would include humanist, psychodynamic, narrative and systems approaches.

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

Buddhist psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions (though I am not a religious Buddhist) Compassionate focus Emotion Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Parts Work, Somatic Psychotherapy Person-Centred Approaches Early Life Attachment

Regarding philosophical influences on my professional and personal development, I've been naturally drawn to a solution-focused approach from my software development background. It's all about...

Regarding philosophical influences on my professional and personal development, I've been naturally drawn to a solution-focused approach from my software development background. It's all about identifying issues and finding effective solutions. However, I'm equally drawn to narrative therapies, where clients can share their stories and collaboratively discover their paths forward. These philosophies have shaped my counseling style, allowing me to provide a well-rounded approach to address clients' needs and personal growth.

A wide range of trauma, existential. experiential trainings in Australia and internationally. Studies at Harvard University cemented my commitment to human rights and trauma and recovery.

A wide range of trauma, existential. experiential trainings in Australia and internationally. Studies at Harvard University cemented my commitment to human rights and trauma and recovery.

Being Non judgmental and totally accepting of others - we are all individuals and that should be celebrated, not berated or crushed.... I love the uniqueness of all...and not to take personally...

Being Non judgmental and totally accepting of others - we are all individuals and that should be celebrated, not berated or crushed.... I love the uniqueness of all...and not to take personally another's journey and experiences that may impact on how they feel and how they behave... this is not about you... it is about them. Can I learn from this? Your own life experiences can provide an incredible platform of learning about oneself... you have the power and choice to see that opportunity.

There is wisdom and insight in many approaches so I would have to describe myself as eclectic. At a personal level though I'm glad Carl Jung walked the road before me.

There is wisdom and insight in many approaches so I would have to describe myself as eclectic. At a personal level though I'm glad Carl Jung walked the road before me.

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.

Yogic philosophy and Zen buddhism.

Yogic philosophy and Zen buddhism.

My philosophical approach to psychology has been influenced by a real-world, everyday approach. Having worked both in private practice and in the corporate sector, I believe in applying psychology...

My philosophical approach to psychology has been influenced by a real-world, everyday approach. Having worked both in private practice and in the corporate sector, I believe in applying psychology that is grounded and practical for people to apply in their everyday lives. From a personal point of view, working in remote and regional mental health in my early career gave me exposure to the reality that emotional psychological and mental well-being is truly personal and unique. I'm a believer that our physical, emotional and mental well-being are all intrinsically linked.

I have been heavily influenced by Jungian depth psychology and typology for more than 20 years.

I have been heavily influenced by Jungian depth psychology and typology for more than 20 years.

Mainly that our environment and our family can make us or break us, I was fascinated with attachment theories as a student. I understand now that we are authors of our own destiny.

Mainly that our environment and our family can make us or break us, I was fascinated with attachment theories as a student. I understand now that we are authors of our own destiny.

I really believe in working collaboratively with clients in assisting them to activate their strengths and abilities. Sometimes life stressors can affect people's confidence and self esteem whereby...

I really believe in working collaboratively with clients in assisting them to activate their strengths and abilities. Sometimes life stressors can affect people's confidence and self esteem whereby they consider themselves somewhat incapable of achieving their desired outcomes. I assist in empowering them through activating their hidden strengths and abilities so that they can go onto achieve what they really are so capable of achieving. In building up a good rapport with clients they can establish trust in my assistance, thereby instilling hope in them as well as providing them with encouragement and reassurance. All in all, this enables them to build on their resilience and become successful in achieving their desired outcomes.

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

Formulate questions to be answered or problems to be solved. The working assumption is that the more clearly the question or problem is stated, the easier it is to identify critical issues. My...

Formulate questions to be answered or problems to be solved. The working assumption is that the more clearly the question or problem is stated, the easier it is to identify critical issues. My fundamental approach to complex situations is to gain a full understanding of the situation and to apply or/and gain the knowledge to implement the most appropriate method and response the issue.

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

Some of the more significant philosophical approaches in my professional and personal journey include mindfulness, the power of the present moment, acceptance, Buddhism thought and philosophy, yoga...

Some of the more significant philosophical approaches in my professional and personal journey include mindfulness, the power of the present moment, acceptance, Buddhism thought and philosophy, yoga and meditation

Process Oriented Psychology Anthroposophy Jungian Psychology

Process Oriented Psychology Anthroposophy Jungian Psychology

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping emotions and behaviours. CBT techniques have helped to identify and modify negative thought patterns that contribute to...

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping emotions and behaviours. CBT techniques have helped to identify and modify negative thought patterns that contribute to distress. Humanistic therapy due to the inherent worth and dignity of self, and the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity in self. Psychodynamic therapy because this approach emphasises the role of unconscious processes in shaping behaviour, and the importance of exploring past experiences and relationships to gain insight into current patterns.

Having been raised in the culture of behavioural based parenting and education, this was where I started out within my professional and personal learning. However, while I was studying music therapy I...

Having been raised in the culture of behavioural based parenting and education, this was where I started out within my professional and personal learning. However, while I was studying music therapy I was also introduced to existential and humanistic frameworks. I like to draw from both angles as I believe they both play a role. I am fascinated by the neurological and physiological elements of mental health and trauma, but I am also aware that acknowledging strengths, experiencing a secure relationship and engaging in meaningful activity are all elements that are required to stimulate a positive change in our ways of thinking, doing and being.

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

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.

Studying and becoming a Gestalt Psychotherapist has had a huge impact on me as a person. I have always been interested in mindfulness and awareness as a solution to my own difficulties. Gestalt...

Studying and becoming a Gestalt Psychotherapist has had a huge impact on me as a person. I have always been interested in mindfulness and awareness as a solution to my own difficulties. Gestalt methodology and principles make sense to me as a practitioner and as a human. Living in the 'here and now' staying close to my own experience as it arises without judgement, just curiosity is a gentle practice that has allowed me to be more accepting of all parts of me without needing to exclude or hide parts that I feel others may view as undesirable. None of us are perfect and that is ok. Providing we know this we can choose how we wish to respond to oursleves and others with more awareness and thus confidence. As a practitioner the Gestalt framework allows me to be completely open to my clients just as they are, without needing to fix them, rather to explore mindfully with them How they are doing their life? How it impacts them and others? And What they would like to do differently? Firstly in the safety of the therapeutic relationship and then in the outside world.

My belief is that all of our challenges are relational in nature. Whether it is the relationship we have with ourselves, others or a lack of relationship. By developing self-awareness and...

My belief is that all of our challenges are relational in nature. Whether it is the relationship we have with ourselves, others or a lack of relationship. By developing self-awareness and understanding of our challenges we can create change that leads to more fulfilling and meaningful connection and wellbeing. I draw inspiration from many people including Ron Kurtz, Janina Fisher, Pat Ogden, Peter Levine, Carl Jung, Martin Buber, Epicurus, Fritz Perlz, Irving Yalom and Nitcheze to name a few!

I wrote an article on the philosophy behind the chap who developed psychodrama and it can be found here:...

I wrote an article on the philosophy behind the chap who developed psychodrama and it can be found here: https://psychodramaaustralia.edu.au/philosophy-life-j-l-moreno%E2%80%99s-revolutionary-philosophical-underpinnings-psychodrama-and-group-psychot Principally the idea that we create meaning between us as social creatures. There are few meanings that are independent of real living people. And when we get together we swap our ideas with others and are effected by their ideas and we developed ideas in common. This is usually called something like social constructionism or constructionism. Along with this is the diea that each person's individual perspective is valid for them and makes sense for them and in their context. This perspective may not serve them and be 'objectively' unhealthy or simply unreasonable. However, while a person's perspective may be wrong-headed, it is still their perspective and somehow they have lived a life where it makes sense to see things like that. Without seeing what someone else sees, and understanding how they understand the world, how can I claim that they are wrong. This perspective is often called phenomenology. There is also an existential element to psychodrama. The whole process is based around following the warm-up of the individual or a group, if done in group psychotherapy. This presumes that people have a purpose or at least are acting as though such a purpose exists. Often this purpose needs to be clarified. Often a purpose needs to be unearthed. Often a purpose needs to be created. Sometimes the purpose has been given by others and a person is unaware of this and needs to work out their own purpose. This is called existentialism.

As a practitioner I believe I take a Rogerian approach to therapy offering unconditional positive regard - validation - for a client's lived experience. I have an eclectic approach to my practice...

As a practitioner I believe I take a Rogerian approach to therapy offering unconditional positive regard - validation - for a client's lived experience. I have an eclectic approach to my practice drawing on a number of philosophical approaches and life experience.

Rogers unconditional regard

Rogers unconditional regard

Psychoanalytical approach has strongly influenced my personal development while Jungian and experiential approach have strongly influenced my professional development. In recent years systemic family...

Psychoanalytical approach has strongly influenced my personal development while Jungian and experiential approach have strongly influenced my professional development. In recent years systemic family constellation approach has cohesively strengthened all of my education and experience.

I chose Integrative Psychotherapy as I did not believe that a single model of therapy could meet the needs of all clients or myself as a practitioner. I wanted to use a synthesis of ideas. I was...

I chose Integrative Psychotherapy as I did not believe that a single model of therapy could meet the needs of all clients or myself as a practitioner. I wanted to use a synthesis of ideas. I was particularly interested in how humans develop so wanted a developmental course. I engaged well with Attachment theory and psychodynamic ideas. Part of my own therapy whilst in training was two years of Transactional Analysis. For me this was an impactful model and I went on to use this with my own professional practice. It had much to offer in helping clients understand why they react the way they do and how they can challenge beliefs. Ultimately I am person-centred and work in meeting the client 'wherever they are at' in their process. I will go at their pace.

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

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

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.