Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

It’s difficult to narrow it down to just one philosophical approach, as I believe they all have something valuable to offer. I prefer to work eclectically, drawing on different approaches depending...

It’s difficult to narrow it down to just one philosophical approach, as I believe they all have something valuable to offer. I prefer to work eclectically, drawing on different approaches depending on the person and their individual needs.

The non-pathologising humanistic approach of Carl Rogers has been fundamental in my initial Counselling studies and training. This has been significantly supplemented by the collaborative...

The non-pathologising humanistic approach of Carl Rogers has been fundamental in my initial Counselling studies and training. This has been significantly supplemented by the collaborative post-modern philosophical approach of Narrative Practice as developed by the likes of Michael White, David Epston and important First Nations practitioners such as Barbara Wingard - to understand the multiplicity of stories to be uncovered, hidden knowledge of resilience, and the impact of systems of power on the individuals experience.

Person-centred approaches that turn equity away from what's wrong with me? towards instead to what happened to me? influence they way I work with others. Focusing on strengths is also important to...

Person-centred approaches that turn equity away from what's wrong with me? towards instead to what happened to me? influence they way I work with others. Focusing on strengths is also important to me, allowing people to draw on individual and cultural influences that shape their identity and world view.

My practice is shaped by narrative therapy, trauma-informed care, and a relational, strengths-based approach. I am inspired by philosophies that prioritise collaboration, respect for lived experience,...

My practice is shaped by narrative therapy, trauma-informed care, and a relational, strengths-based approach. I am inspired by philosophies that prioritise collaboration, respect for lived experience, and the social and cultural contexts that shape human life. I also draw on somatic awareness and reflective practice to support holistic wellbeing.

I think it is always important to look at all angles and walks of life. It is easy to get lost in our own lives and forget that others experiences are often different from our own. If we make...

I think it is always important to look at all angles and walks of life. It is easy to get lost in our own lives and forget that others experiences are often different from our own. If we make assumptions about others lives without first understanding we will often be wrong.

Person-centric philosophies are up there; I think there is often an expectation for therapists to be experts, but in my experience the best outcomes usually occur in the therapy space when we're...

Person-centric philosophies are up there; I think there is often an expectation for therapists to be experts, but in my experience the best outcomes usually occur in the therapy space when we're equals and my role is in setting up the space, supporting intentionality and bringing curiousity.

Expressive Therapies - such as drawing therapy and Clay Field Therapy. I have both been a client and and practitioner of these therapies. Expressive therapies provide the opportunity to express...

Expressive Therapies - such as drawing therapy and Clay Field Therapy. I have both been a client and and practitioner of these therapies. Expressive therapies provide the opportunity to express ourselves without words and separate our problems/issues from ourselves - recognising them as a part of ourselves, but not all of ourselves. Sometimes we do not have the words, we can express and explore the issue, and possible resolutions. Internal Family Systems has the philosphy that we have many parts, all of the good, all of them serving a purpose. At our core we are whole, but due to our upbringing, life's challenges and traumatic experiences we develop ways to survive such as addiction, anxiety etc. When these survival parts no longer help us, we can explore how to 'help' these parts. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a scientific, evidence based therapy that can be helpful to explore our thoughts, emotions and behaviour. This approach is more cognitive and logic based, and I like to use it in conjunction with other therapies. Positive Psychology brings my approaches into balance where the focus is on adding positive things to our lives, instead of focusing only on the presenting issues.

1. Honesty. I think it is just so important to be your true self and embrace realness, transparency, and openness. If you want others to trust in you, connect with you, and build genuine, lasting...

1. Honesty. I think it is just so important to be your true self and embrace realness, transparency, and openness. If you want others to trust in you, connect with you, and build genuine, lasting relationships with you, you have to be willing to put yourself out there; good bits, exciting bits, boring bits, flaws and all, without hiding behind a mask and trying to be someone you are not. 2. Compassion. I think the whole world would be such a different place of humanity if we just held more compassion for others and our self. I don't think there is a single moment working as a clinical psychologist where my eyes and mind do not exude compassion, and the constant feeling of wanting to just wrap my arms around people struggling and let them know 1. they are going to be okay, and 2. I will never give up on them. 3. Belief. I am person who has perhaps always been a little bit of a dreaming believer since I was a young girl that you can do anything, and overcome anything if you simply believe in it and yourself.

Strength Perspective, Positive Psychology Humanistic Approaches, and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy

Strength Perspective, Positive Psychology Humanistic Approaches, and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy

My therapy approach has been deeply influenced by interpersonal neurobiology and also polyvagal theory which is the science of safety. Attachment theory also informs all of my relational therapy...

My therapy approach has been deeply influenced by interpersonal neurobiology and also polyvagal theory which is the science of safety. Attachment theory also informs all of my relational therapy practices. As a Trauma Therapist, the science of safety and connection underpins all my work.