PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION:

I provide supervision for counsellors and psychologists working in private practice and in the public health sector.  I also offer supervision for psychology interns working towards professional registration.

PSYCHOTHERAPY and EDUCATION:

Over the past 35 years, I have provided counselling to individuals and couples – initially in Sydney and then in Adelaide.  I am a qualified teacher and have also trained thousands of students in counselling skills and related subjects – working at universities, government organisations  and private counselling colleges.

I consider myself to be a ‘generalist’ in that I work with a very broad range of issues.  I have extensive experience in key areas of health, including: weight management, fertility and cancer care.  I also give talks to health workers and  practitioners who are keen to further their skills in these areas.

FERTILITY and SURROGACY COUNSELLING

As a member of the Australia & New Zealand Infertility Counsellor’s Association (ANZICA) I provide counselling for clients with fertility issues, as well as those wishing to explore the possible option of surrogacy.  I also offer the counselling sessions legally required as part of a formal Surrogacy Agreement.

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I use a combination of  therapeutic methods in the work I do. My training as a Couples Counsellor has given me a strong background in Psychodynamic and Systemic  work.  I have done training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and also in several experiential therapies, including Gestalt, Somatic Therapy, Psychodrama, Music and Art Therapy.  These experiential approaches have heightened my appreciation of the different ways in which clients express themselves and work through their concerns. I have a particularly  strong connection with Gestalt Therapy, and this guides my focus on the client’s  emotional and physical response, as well as their ‘story.’

I have extensive personal experience of Buddhist Meditation, and this greatly enhances my use of Mindfulness with clients.

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When a client comes to see me, I draw from these approaches to address their specific needs. In general, I combine looking at their personal history and its influences with practical management strategies which can be used in the present. When appropriate, I highlight a client’s emotional responses as well as their thought processes and core beliefs. I do not believe that any one approach has ‘the answer’, as different clients respond in their own way to different therapeutic techniques. I work in collaboration with the client, identifying goals  and jointly assessing the usefulness of  the work we are doing

It is important that clients use their first session with me to get a sense of whether we are a good ‘fit’ in terms of working together.  Clients may be seeking a particular approach to their issues, but of greater importance is whether they feel comfortable with the way we interact and confident that our connection is a positive one.