- Thank You
Philosophy & Vision
I'm not into the stuffy, old-fashioned ways of counselling. I prefer, instead, a more relaxed, unconventional approach where my clients can be in an environment that provides a sense of freedom, trust and natural surroundings. While I am happy to conduct sessions in a counselling room or by video link, I find the great outdoors a much better and faster way of helping my clients get back on their feet.
Background
For a number of years I worked in corporate management where part of my role was to train staff to manage their workload effectively and to teach them how to reach their highest potential within their area of employment. I enjoyed this so much that I decided to change my career to one of business coaching, training and personal development, with a main focus on the long-term unemployed.
From this, I found a large number of my clients sought my advice and assistance with their personal issues too. Counselling seemed to be a natural progression, so I qualified and added this to my list of services. I still provide coaching and mentoring, however it seems the counselling side of the business is where I am most sought after these days.
Services
Individual and Relationship Counselling; Small Business Coaching; Training and Mentoring
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Diploma in Counselling - 2020 - Institute of Social Relations
- CBT - 2021 - ACHOLOGY
- Gestalt Psychotherapy - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE - 2021 - Udemy
- TAE update - 2020 - Mr Wedd
- TAE 40110 - 2016 - TAFE NSW
- Everything Disc - 2013 - Integro Learning
- Communication in Management - 2010 - TAFE NSW
Modalities
CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Focusing - Gestalt - Motivational Interviewing - Person Centred
Therapy Approach
I have a very relaxed and honest approach, and I like to work at my client's pace. I recognise that there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to counselling, so I use modalities that best suit the individual. My aim is always to ensure an outcome where the client can understand and overcome their issues, and be better able to manage their relationships and day-to-day life.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
Practice Locations
Phoenix CMC
Hobart TAS 7000
Queens Park Kitchen
Darley Road
Queens Park NSW 2031
Taroona Cres
Taroona TAS 7053
Appointments
Bookings can be made via email or telephone
T: 0429 900 727
E: hello@phoenixcmc.com.a
Fees & Insurance
1 hour individual counselling $160*
1.5 hour individual counselling $205
1 hour Couples counselling $180*
*Concessions and package deals available
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, Eftpos, PayPal
Contact Ivan
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Ivan Cunningham
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My years as a trainer for the unemployed naturally progressed into counselling. Many of my students came to me for advice on how to deal with their personal issues, and I found that I had a talent for asking the right questions and actively listening to what people had to say. I soon realised that this was the path I wanted to take.
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With counselling I have learnt a great deal about human behaviour and my awareness continues to expand. I love the approach of Socrates, who taught that each person is born with full knowledge of ultimate truth and needs only to have conscious awareness of it. Through asking the right questions I can bring about that self-awareness in my clients so we can move towards the healing process.
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Couples and other relationships.
Autonomic nervous system (polyvagal)
Trauma
Anxiety and depression
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Narrative Therapy
Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Humanistic Theory
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Gestalt Therapy
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Progress depends on the issues, severity of the problem and how open to change the client is. I work with the individual at their pace. At the end of the session, we gauge the progress they feel they have made. The ultimate goal is to have the individual feel that they are strong enough to no longer need my services.
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It is an honour to be trusted with the personal information that the client shares with me, and this alone makes me want to do my utmost to help them to heal. The most satisfying feeling I get is when a client no longer needs me - it's when I know I've done my best for them.
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I think of my clients as a droplet of water. By helping them to change their vibration in a positive way, that has a ripple effect on the pond of relationships and people that surround them. I like the idea that I've helped make a constructive impact on so many people - without them even knowing it!
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Oh boy, do I ever! There is never enough hair product to keep my hairstyle in place - especially when I'm doing my Walk and Talk sessions. Good thing we have a lot of hats in our house!
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UNCERTAINTY AND CONTROL are factors I believe most of us face today. The fear placed upon us through mainstream media has resulted in a sort of conquer and divide mentality. As a result I am seeing a lot of broken relationships, anxiety and depression. There seem to be more people suffering mental health issues than ever before.
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Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock is an art piece I love and one which is akin to the work I do, in that, if you look hard enough, you'll see different and interesting aspects of the whole - just as individuals are made up of different and interesting facets that make the person who they are today.
The book, In My Skin by Kate Holden is an inspiring journey of strength and character, and is an interesting account of how her life spiralled out of control and how she came back from the brink. I like how relatable she is and how open, honest and thought-provoking the narrative was.
I love all types of music and how much it can change your mood. If I was pushed to choose right now, it would probably be something upbeat from the Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd or Counting Crows.