Philosophy & Vision
I am a psychoanalyst. What I offer, first and foremost, is the opportunity to speak and to be heard.
In being listened to closely by someone who is neither a friend nor a family member you may experience some clarification of your present difficulties.
Whilst the initial sessions can be helpful, they may not be sufficient to address long-standing issues. There is then the possibility of commencing an analysis with me.
Background
I have twenty-five years' experience as a psychoanalyst and clinical social worker, in both public and private settings. The range of problems for which people come to me seeking help is very wide. They include uncertainty about life direction, anger, loneliness and social phobia, relationship difficulties, parenting issues, and questions of sexual identity. Each of these issues may be associated with childhood sexual abuse, destructive and antisocial behaviours, and suicidality, and with psychiatric conditions (whether diagnosed or not), including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and personality disorders.
Services
I offer psychoanalysis and psychoanalytically-oriented counselling to individual adults and adolescents and to couples. A wide variety of difficulties can lead someone to consider psychoanalytic treatment. The initial phase of the work will consist of a series of interviews. This may take some weeks. In part this will be for the purpose of assessment to see whether my services will be appropriate for you. Even in this phase however you may notice some changes. Beyond that, there is the possibility of commencing an analysis with me.
Note regarding Coronavirus
Whilst it is still possible to see me in person during this period, I am also offering phone and online (Skype) consultations. This includes referrals under Telehealth.
Quality Provision
I am a psychoanalyst, recognised as such by The Freudian School of Melbourne. The School began in 1977 and was the first school of Lacanian psychoanalysis in Australia. Through my membership of the School I receive regular clinical supervision. I am also actively engaged in continuous professional development. I frequently present lectures, papers and seminars on clinical and theoretical issues both within the School and in other forums. I am also an accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Member of the Freudian School of Melbourne - 1998 - The Freudian School of Melbourne
- Ph.D. - 1995 - University of Melbourne
- Bachelor of Social Work - 1986 - University of Melbourne
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) - 1975 - La Trobe University
- Accredited Mental Health Social Worker - 2006 - AASW
Modalities
Psychoanalytic
Therapy Approach
As well as listening carefully to what you tell me, I listen to how you tell me. That is, I listen to the particular words that you use, the sounds that you make with them, and the way in which you put those words together in order to make meaning. It is in being listened to in this way, and in having what is heard returned to you, that psychoanalysis can have an impact. It can have the effect of placing you in a different relationship to your difficulties. As a consequence, it is possible that those same difficulties might, over time, become enabling rather than disabling.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers
- The Freudian School of Melbourne
Practice Locations
25 Bangalore Street
Kensington VIC 3031
The consulting rooms are close to trams and buses. There is on street parking, which is subject to time limits.
Appointments
Day and evening Monday to Thursday.
Fees & Insurance
$200 per session. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to negotiate a reduced fee.
Payment Options
Cash or bank transfer only. This practice does not bulk bill, but patients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if referred by a G.P. under the Better Mental Health Care Initiative.
Contact Peter
Please contact me to make an appointment
When contacting a therapist, let them
know you found them at Good Therapy