Mr Mark Walker
Psychotherapist, Art Therapist
Mark Walker Psychotherapy
Warwick, Perth WA 6024
In Person Consultations
Philosophy & Vision
As a registered psychotherapist with a creative clinical art therapy and pastoral background I work from a collaborative position of care, curiosity and empathy. I utilise a variety of approaches to match your specific goals and needs, facilitating understanding of your particular situation to overcome stuckness. One of the philosophies that resonates for me is, 'The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem' (White & Epston, founders of Narrative therapy).
Background
Mark has a unique background of experience ranging from 22 years service in Defence; 15 years in clinical pastoral work in the public hospital system, state and private schools in WA, and pastoral care and counselling in a range of non-government agencies, including high care facilities.
Services
Mark has a specific interest and experience in working with veterans living with mental health issues and trauma, an excellent rapport with children, particular using creative art approaches, and 15 years clinical pastoral experience in bereavement, grief and loss and other significant life events.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy - 2019 - Edith Cowan University
- Diploma Clinical Art Therapy - 2017 - Centre for Educational & Clinical Art Therapy
- Bachelor of Theology / Diploma of Ministry - 2006 - Charles Sturt University
- Master of Defence Studies / DipPers&OpMgt - 2000 - University of Canberra
- Bachelor of Professional Studies - 1999 - University of New England
- Graduate Diploma Psychology - 2021 - University of New England
Modalities
Art Therapy - EMDR - Internal Family Systems - Jungian - Mindfulness - Narrative Therapy - Object Relations - Psychodynamic - Sandplay Therapy - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Mark's approach is psychodynamic, creative and client-centred - EMDR is one of the specialist approaches he uses. The basic thinking being that we all experience problems and difficulties in our lives and, at times, need assistance in making meaning of our stuckness. Often our inner world becomes blocked by stress, anxiety and patterned behaviour. The creative unconscious is a wonderful source of freeing these blockages and guiding us toward alternative, more productive storylines. In my experience, people tend to have their own answers; we sometimes just need help to see them.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
Warwick Psychological Services
7/8 Dugdale St
Warwick WA 6024
Conveniently located off Mitchell Fwy, behind Warwick shopping centre near Super Bowling. Free client parking.
Appointments
Weekdays, limited evening availability - by appointment.
Fees & Insurance
$120 Standard individual session
$150 Couple & family therapy
Reduced rates for full-time students and concession card holders.
Payment Options
eftpos, card, Apple Pay, G Pay
Direct deposit via bank transfer
Registered PAYID
Contact Mark
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Mark Walker
-
I was drawn to psychotherapy out of curiosity, to make sense of myself and other people in a caring, helpful way. I'd studied and practiced a variety of therapeutic approaches - art and Sandplay therapies, creative imagination and inner work - and was keen to draw all the thinking and methods together in some form of framework that resonated.
-
Two of the most famous founders of psychoanalytic practice - Freud and Jung - despite their historic separation, I see as rejoining in modern practice. The most influential people and approaches for me have been Winnicott (object relations, giving us an understanding of our inner worlds), Kohut (self psychology, a sense of linking our self to belonging), Carl Jung and Dora Kalff in terms of imagery and symbolic meaning, and most recently, Bessel Van der Kolk (2014), The Body Keeps the Score, which links whole mind, body, spirit experience, particularly in terms of trauma.
-
Mental health, resilience and trauma. For me the word journey resonates with narrative therapy - telling and having our stories listened to - and Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey (our lived experience / quest via creative imagery, symbolic meaning in life) - Harry Potter is a prime example.
-
This entirely depends on the client/s. My overarching method is psychodynamic therapy, client-led, active listening and assessment. From what I discover about the person/s and their presenting issues, I can then provide a range of approach options from my unique background.
-
From my experience, unless you come away from the first session having felt listened to, then perhaps the client-therapist match it's right. Progress in terms of achieving client goals, identifying problems and addressing them, is entirely dependant on the client's situation. This is something that needs to be openly discussed and negotiate from the start.
-
I understand myself, my family of origin and other people (in general) so much better. We are amazing and strange creatures and that both intrigues and challenges me.
-
Getting to understand and share other people's stories. I particularly find children's resilience, energy and creativity uplifting. Curiosity is fundamental to my practice.
-
Not often. I do, however, like the concept of mental health days.
-
Genuine, heartfelt consideration and tolerance of others. Face-to-face time is crucial to true relational engagement and belonging.
-
I recently re-read Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, In terms of therapy, Yalom's The Schopenhauer Cure has enthused me to return to group therapy work.