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| Counselling and Psychotherapy:
People generally seek counselling when they can no longer cope with the stress in their lives. It might be related to relationship problems, physical or psychological abuse, trauma, grief and loss, physical and mental health issues, a developmental or incidental life crisis--the list goes on and on. Neuroscience shows evidence that moderate stress is necessary for optimal brain development and function, whereas too much stress can disrupt the intricate workings of the nervous system causing any number of debilitating mental, emotional, psychological and physiological symptoms. Mentally, these symptoms might include confusion, lack of concentration or memory loss. Physically, they may manifest as headaches, fatigue, facial or body twitches or spasms, stomach or back problems, insomnia, or unexplained crying bouts. Emotionally, they may include overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, sadness, depression, despondency, fear, anxiety, anger, rage, shame or guilt. Psychologically, they might manifest as loss of control and self-empowerment, loss of self-esteem and self-worth, loss of purpose and meaning, and/or thoughts of suicide. The body's coping mechanisms may subsequently lead to substance abuse, anorexia and/or bulimia, phobias, obsessive and/or compulsive behaviour, or other debilitating disorders. As described, there are numerous symptoms, ranging in severity, that are the results of too much stress. At such times, we can become so stuck that we need some extra guidance and support to help us get through it all and move forward. I work with individuals (of all ages), couples, families and groups in relation to all the above issues, and more. If you would like to talk, please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule an appointment. Accreditation: I have a Bachelor's Degree from the University of NSW, with studies in Philosophy, Drama and Sociology, as well as a Graduate Diploma and Master's Degree in Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy from the Jansen Newman Institute of Counselling & Applied Psychotherapy. I am a member of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association of NSW (CAPA), and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Philosophy: My basic philosophy is Existential, believing we are fundamentally free, that our identities are not fixed, but are constantly created by our relationships and the choices we make within our social and cultural environments. Accepting some responsibility for the way things are gives us hope for future change. Psychotherapeutic Approach: While my therapeutic approach utilizes theories, methods and techniques borrowed from numerous psychotherapeutic modalities (including Psycho-dynamic, Person-Centred, Existential, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioural, Dialectic Behavioural, Positive Psychology, Feminist, Narrative, Solution-Focused, and Family Systems), sessions are tailored around the unique and individual needs of my clients. Ethics: As a member of CAPA and PACFA, I adhere to their Codes of Ethics and Good Practice which put the client's needs and safety first. This includes providing the client with the right of informed consent, honouring their confidentiality on the condition they are not a threat to themselves or others, maintaining a multicultural perspective that respects gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, age, disability and socioeconomic status, and maintaining appropriate boundaries that are in the interests of the client's wellbeing. |