Therapy Services
I provide online psychotherapy sessions to adults (aged +18) both privately and via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Sessions are conducted via the Zoom platform, ensuring privacy, confidentiality and convenience for the client. This format also allows me to support individuals across regional Australia. Below is a list of the therapies I provide.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy that addresses traumatic memories and PTSD symptoms (such as panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares). It works on the premise that trauma memories can become locked in the brain/body with the original thoughts, feelings and sensations. The client is asked to focus on the trauma memory whilst simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically left-to-right eye movements or hand tapping). This dual attention can trigger the client’s adaptive memory network, desensitising the memory, reducing the negative symptoms, and allowing them to effectively process the trauma. EMDR is an evidence-based approach endorsed by health agencies around the world and recognised as a focussed psychological strategy by Medicare and the AASW. For more information check out the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) website.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT works on the premise that feelings and behaviours are primarily influenced by cognitions (i.e. thoughts, beliefs and attitudes) and by targeting them we can address emotional and behavioural problems. CBT uses therapeutic strategies to address maladaptive thought patterns such as perfectionism, catastrophising and self-criticism. CBT is a highly flexible approach that can be used for a multitude of mental health conditions (including depression, anxiety and substance use disorders). It is an evidence-based approach endorsed by health agencies around the world and recognised as a focussed psychological strategy by Medicare and the AASW. For more information check out the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (AACBT) website.
Schema Therapy (ST)
ST is an integrative approach that combines elements of CBT, Gestalt therapy, psychoanalysis and attachment theory. It targets maladaptive beliefs/thought patterns (or schemas) that are formed in childhood when an individual’s emotional needs are not met. This can lead to problematic behaviours in adulthood such as avoidance, isolation, co-dependence, emotional inhibition and addiction. The therapy works by identifying maladaptive patterns (and their respective parts) and replacing them with more healthy beliefs and behaviours. It is particularly effective for clients with personality disorders and those requiring deeper psychological work. For more information check out the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) website.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a behavioural therapy that evolved from CBT. It uses acceptance and mindfulness techniques to promote psychological flexibility. The goal is to create a safe space to accept and process difficult feelings (rather than avoiding or battling with them). It uses a range of experiential and behavioural approaches to ground the client psychologically and support them in achieving a more ‘rich and meaningful life’. It can be used for a range of clinical conditions (including depression, anxiety and PTSD) and is particularly effective for individuals who overly obsess or ruminate. For more information check out the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) website.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI is an approach that addresses psychological ambivalence and motivates clients towards change. It was originally developed as an intervention for problem drinkers but has become a staple tool for addressing substance use disorders. It borrows heavily from Carl Roger’s person-centred approach, using counselling techniques to empathise, connect and collaborate with clients. Ambivalence can occur when an individual sees both the pros and cons of their behaviour (“I know it’s ruining my life…but I enjoy it”) and becomes stuck in the cycle of addiction. MI aims to address their ambivalence so they can pursue adaptive steps towards behavioural change. MI is an evidence-based approach and recognised as a focussed psychological strategy by Medicare and the AASW. For more information check out the MI Network of Trainers (MINT) website.