Dr Michael Booth
Psychotherapist, Somatic Psychotherapist
Dr Michael Booth Psychotherapy
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I specialise in the treatment of trauma, chronic pain and functional disorders (eg, IBS, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, Chronic Pelvic Pain and Chronic Low Back Pain). I am qualified in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and five different modalities, most of which were developed to effectively treat trauma and chronic pain conditions. In addition to these qualifications, I bring kindness, empathy and compassion to therapy.
I am a middle-aged family man who has had time to accumulate many joyful and painful experiences which help me to understand where you are coming from. I have greatly expanded my understanding of the human experience through 20 years of studying and practicing Buddhism.
Background
I work with trauma and stress-related conditions, particularly with chronic pain conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes and musculo-skeletal pain conditions.
Services
I am available 8am - 7pm, Monday to Friday and Saturdays by agreement. I offer both online and face-to-face therapy. For online therapy I use a telemedicine platform which is both very secure and very easy to use.
Quality Provision
I adhere to the codes of ethics of the Australian Psychological Society and PACFA. I undertake regular supervision and consultations with qualified, senior practitioners in the fields of Somatic Experiencing and clinical psychology.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology Hons) - 1985 - UNSW
- PhD (Psychology) - 1992 - Macquarie University
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology - 2016 - Macquarie University
- Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy - 2018 - Jansen Newman Institute
Modalities
Attachment Theory - Mindfulness - Somatic Experiencing® - Somatic Psychotherapy - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My primary background is in somatic therapies, which work to heal damage done to the nervous system caused by traumatic experiences or prolonged, severe stress.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
- American Psychological Association
Practice Locations
Suite 1, Level 6, Easts Leagues Tower
9-13 Bronte Rd
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
2 hour free parking is available at both locations within a 5 minute walk. The Bondi Junction room is a 10 minute walk from rail and bus stations.
The Transformation Space, Suite 1
56 Alexander St
Crows Nest NSW 2065
Fees & Insurance
Fees are $190 for a 90min initial assessment and $150 for a 60min treatment session. However, if a client is gaining benefit, I will not allow affordability to come between a client and treatment.
Payment Options
Credit card or EFT.
Contact Michael
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Michael Booth
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My own experience of trauma and chronic pain and how inadequately they are treated in Australia set me on the path to discovering which approaches are effective. Having found what can work, I was highly motivated to share these with others.
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My training and experience as a scientist taught me how to discern reliable, useful information from the oceans of false and misleading information on the web. I have been learning about and practicing Buddhism for more than 25 years. The two main tenets of Buddhism are developing a clear, calm mind and a very kind heart. These are a perfect fit for being a good therapist.
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Almost all of us experience trauma and/or significant distress during our lives. If these experiences are not adequately resolved they can have powerful and long-lasting impacts on our physical, mental and emotional lives. My interest is in healing the damage done to the nervous system by trauma and distress and, thereby, freeing my clients from pain and dysfunction.
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Most, but not all, of the approaches I use are "somatic" therapies and include:
Brainspotting
Somatic Experiencing
Emotional Freedom Techniques
Comprehensive Resource Model Therapy
Neuroplastix.
I also use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Resource Therapy from time to time. -
That's highly variable and depends on the client's life experiences. If a client's childhood needs (eg, safety, love, predictability) were met, but they experienced traumas sometime later in life, they may start to feel better after a few sessions and may need less than 10 sessions to achieve their therapeutic goals. However, if neglect or physical or emotional abuse were experienced early in life, it may take an unpredictable and extended period to start to feel improvements.
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Good therapy requires training, supervision and knowledge, but above all, empathy and kindness. Deliberately developing my capacity for empathy and kindness has undoubtedly may me a better person.
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There are lots of things I like about being a therapist, but there are two things in particular. Working with a client to successfully reduce or eliminate their distress and suffering is profoundly rewarding and allows me to experience a sense of real purpose. The second thing is earning a client's trust and fostering their comfort with disclosing their most painful experiences. Its a wonderful thing to feel trusted.
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Yes, of course. Being mentally or emotionally in the "wrong space" certainly does occur despite my best efforts. That means I might miss things the client is saying or I may make less than optimal decisions about therapy.
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Greed and self-interest. Imagine what a good world it would be if our every word and every act took into account the best interests of those whose lives we influence.
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Talking out of Turn by the Moody Blues.