Counselling, Psychotherapy and Support

Services

One to One Counselling and Psychotherapy

My background is in high school and primary school teaching. I completed a Graduate Diploma in Counselling in 2008. In 2009 I received my certificate IV in Mental health. In 2012 I completed a four year course of study at the Sydney Gestalt Institute and graduated from GTS to attain a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy. My Major work was on attachment theory and how we relate and communicate with others. My secondary focus was Grief and Loss and working with specific male populations.

I offer one to one sessions for those in addiction

Sessions are one hour in length and I use a variety of styles that all work well with substance dependent individuals. I know the terminology and culture of the drug using world and not just from a theoretical framework from my own personal experience.

My primary style or approach is called Gestalt therapy. Gestalt is an existential and experimental form of psychotherapy that focuses on the individuals experience in the present moment, the relationship between therapist and client, the context and environment from which the client comes and the self “regulating adjustments” or the coping mechanisms a person uses as a result of their situation.

As part of my work I use psychodynamic interventions, experiments and aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy (C.B.T.) as well as pragmatic skill building and acceptance and Commitment Therapy. (A.C.T) I also draw also upon Pia Melody’s ‘Relational Developmental Model’ the key stone and style of therapy used at South Pacific Private in Curl Curl, Sydney.

Additionally, I place great emphasis on understanding each person for who they are, their particular formative life experiences and valuing each individual without trying to pathologize how they have come to be as they are. 

Support for Family & Friends

Many family members don’t know how to support an addict without being drawn into the madness and chaos associated with their behaviour.

In our sessions we will look at strategies and plans to support your loved one in a ‘firm but fair’ way. We look at a dynamic called the ‘Karpman Triangle’ that makes clear how to stay out of victim, persecutor and enabling behaviours and that take you into the solution of supporting your loved one into treatment. If they are unwilling to look at treatment then we will look at ways that you can support yourself while their brhaviour is ongoing and is impacting you and others close to you.

There is no reason why you need to go through this with out professional guidance and support.

Referrals and Suggestions for Detox & Rehab

I have successfully worked with addicts and alcoholics in one to one counselling however at times clients want simply to know the best treatment facility for them and to have guidance and knowledge of how to get into these treatment facilities.Sometimes a facility may tell you that they don’t take duel diagnosis clients, clients on “depot shots”, specific mental health patients or clients with a certain criminal history. They might ask you to get particular paperwork finished, attend a detox program first or attend a “Q & A” session first.

I can help you prepare for each of these scenarios. From my years working in these treatment settings I can help you save money and time by guiding you around the obstacles. Some people I see feel like they want to give up trying to get into treatment because the “hurdles” can at times be many. there can be long waiting lists in Victoria for treatment too at the moment.The specific requirements of each facility are necessary so they can be sure they have the right resources and staff for the client but it can be distressing and frustrating for the person who just wants to get well.

We might schedule just several sessions together so that we can 1) identify the most suitable treatment facility for you, 2) Work to complete any paperwork and attend to other requirements, 3) Arrange the most suitable detox unit either in Melbourne or in Sydney that suits your needs and 4) work together to prepare you for entry into your chosen facility so that you are not just “killing time” until you start treatment or so that you are not putting yourself at risk prior to getting into treatment through drug or alcohol use.