- Thank You
Mrs Elaine Ford
Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, Existential Psychotherapist
ESF Therapy Centre
Parramatta, Sydney NSW 2150
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
Adjusting to the challenges of life can impact on our physical and emotional well-being. Having someone assist in adapting to such challenges can be very beneficial. My style of therapy aims at applying evidence-based practice that helps the person understand their experience and explore avenues to bring about change.
Background
Over 40 years experience in health care services. The past 30+ years I have specialised in helping people with serious mental illness, adjustment issues related to physical illness, and in managing stress and lifestyle issues.
I am one of the first Nurse Practitioners in mental health in Australia and qualified in multiple modalities of therapy. I feel honoured to have had the experience of helping people in hospital and community settings and the trust they have all placed in me. As such, I am very committed to continuing my professional development and expertise so that I can provide current and applied knowledge to those seeking help.
Services
Individual programs that focus on mood imbalances, quality of life and physical and psychological well-being. I am qualified in psychodynamic psychotherapy, existential psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, IPT and tailor the strategies to the needs of the person.
Quality Provision
I am an authorised nurse practitioner in mental health and credentialed through the Australian College of mental health nurses. I hold tertiary qualifications in nursing, counselling and psychotherapy. I attend regular training sessions and participate in regular supervision.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Health Science -Nursing (Hons) - 1994 - UWS
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling ACAP - 2004 - ACAP
- Masters of Applied Psychotherapy - 2006 - UTS
- Psychotherapy training -Conversational Model - 2014 - Westmead Psychotherapy Program
Modalities
CBT - Conversational Model - DBT - EMDR - Existential - Interpersonal - Person Centred - Psychodynamic - Schema Therapy - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I have experience in a number of treatment modalities but am influenced by a humanistic philosophy that aims to understand the person and their experience as a whole, thereby assisting the person in bringing about changes to better adapt or improve their experience.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association for Cognitive & Behaviour Therapy
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
Absolute Offices
103 George Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
The office is located 15 minutes walking distance from Parramatta Railway Station. There is street parking available with a small parking metre fee and nearby parking stations.
Appointments
9am-6pm Monday - Friday
Not available Weekend or Public Holidays
Fees & Insurance
Fees are $150 per hour.
Medicare rebate is available with
GP referral under some programs.
Payment Options
Eftpos or Cash
Contact Elaine
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Elaine Ford
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I have always enjoyed helping people find meaning in their lives. During my hospital training as a student nurse, I met many people who faced significant health challenges or struggled to adjust to their condition. I wanted to learn more to be of greater help to them, which led me to the counselling roles.
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Existential philosophy, psychodynamic theory, neurobiology have been the main approaches that resonate with my approach.
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Recovery from trauma
Adjustment to illness
Facing death in context of chronic physical health conditions, or life-limiting illnesses
Coping or living with uncertainty
Sport psychology
Transitional life stages
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Depending on the needs of the person, I use my training and skills in psychodynamic therapy (Conversational Model), Existential psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, IPT, Motivational Interviewing and Schema therapy
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Most of my clients comment that they feel a shift or change in their mood, outlook, demeanour between 6-10 sessions.
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Therapy has helped me to appreciate human existence and the importance of human connectivity. To be in a position where a person can feel liberated to express themselves in a non-judgemental therapeutic frame requires immense trust.
I am honoured and humbled that people feel safe and secure to share their situations with me -
Being able to help people
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At times, but I make sure to nurture my own soul and work with my supervisor to ensure that these days have a minimal, in any, impact on my therapy
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Uncertainty
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Too many to mention. Would not like to offend any if I did not mention them. For me, it is usually in the timing of the reading of a book, watching a film, or seeing a piece of art, at a time when I am searching for something, that creates the inspiration. These are usually quite serendipitous situations