- Brene Brown
Ms Stefanie Marris
Psychotherapist, Counsellor
admin@arenacounselling.com.au
PHILLIP, PHILLIP ACT 2606
In Person + Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I am a trauma informed and neurodivergent affirming, PaCFA clinically registered counsellor. I am also a recognised Allied Health Professional (AHPA) and Level 2 IFS Therapist.
I am dedicated to helping people move beyond struggle. I work with clients of varying ages and across varying issues. I have an interest in teen and young adult mental health and complex/relational trauma (cPTSD). I am ADHD so I also work with neurodiversity.
I appreciate that seeking out a counsellor is significant first step; having the strength to give voice to your difficulties is hard. This is why I aim to provide a safe space where you will feel supported at all times so that together we can find the best way to understand and resolve your concerns.
Background
Before counselling, I worked as an executive level officer in the public sector working in various people focused roles including Human Resources and Training. I have also worked in Human Resources in the private sector. These experiences gave me a solid understanding of how people think, feel and react to situations.
Since starting my private practice I have completed a Masters and trained to become a level 2 Internal Family Systems therapist. I have also completed training to be a neurodiversity affirming practitioner and I have started training in Emotionally Focussed therapy. I have also completed courses focussed on trauma therapy.
I am committed to professional development and focus my training to align with the needs of my clients
Services
I am a practitioner who approaches counselling in a collaborative way, helping you to move beyond simply surviving and be able to deal with life stressors with greater ease. Working together, we will explore your experience and difficulties to achieve a deeper understanding of who you are; how you think, feel and behave.
By working with me, you will develop a deeper understanding of the effects that stress, anxiety and other issues can have on your wellbeing.
My goal is to encourage you to be curious about your internal world and to heal the parts of yourself that hold your emotional wounds. I have a special interest in working with complex trauma as well as teens and young adults.
Quality Provision
I bring empathy and understanding to every session. My main goal is to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the issues in your life that are causing you concern.
I can assist you with understanding your diagnosis, whether it be Anxiety, Depression, ADHD or cPTSD etc. I work in a non pathologising way, informed by IFS which is a parts approach to therapy.
I am ADHD myself so I understand and prefer a neuro-affirming approach.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Sociology) - 1999 - ANU
- Graduate Diploma in Counselling - 2018 - University of Canberra
- Masters of Counselling - 2021 - University of Canberra
- Internal Family Systems Level 2 - 2024 - Internal Family Systems Institute
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Experiential - Inner Child - Integrative - Internal Family Systems - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Narrative Therapy - Object Relations - Person Centred - Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic - Self Psychology - Sensorimotor Psychotherapy - Somatic Psychotherapy - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I am a trauma informed, person centred, integrative therapist. This means that I draw on a number of different modalities and theories to suit each individual client. I have a preference to work with elements of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative therapy, attachment and experiential modalities, Mindfulness, somatic experiencing and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
Unit 7/16 Wilbow Street
PHILLIP ACT 2606
The Health Point Building in Philip is an accessible building with ramps to enter and lifts to get the required floor. Due to construction across the road there is currently limited parking close to the building but there is parking at Woden Plaza.
Appointments
Each counselling session is client led; it is an opportunity to be heard, understood and have focussed attention and care for the issues or concerns that are important to you. Face to face, phone and secure online appointments are available.
Fees & Insurance
$150 per hour for individual sessions
(student rate available)
$200 per hour for family/partner sessions
Medibank Private, AHM, Bupa, HCF and AHRG funds
Payment Options
Bank transfer, Electronic Funds Transfer, Mastercard, Visa
Contact Stefanie
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Stefanie Marris
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I have always been fascinated by people and why they do the things they do! Even after studying psychology and sociology 20 plus years ago I would find myself drawn to books and training that was people related. It took me a while to get around to actually work as a counsellor but I am thrilled to have finally ended up on this path. It is really rewarding to work with people to help them to understand themselves see them make positive changes for lives.
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Because I come from a sociology background I am greatly influenced by the bio-psycho-social approach to therapy. This means that I look beyond the person, their thoughts and behaviour and see the social systems that they interact in and how these may be impacting their mental wellbeing. I also focus on their physical health to determine if it may in some way contribute to or be a result of what is happening for them mentally. Looking at the big picture provides clues for addressing the presenting problem/s that might otherwise be missed.
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This is a hard one to narrow down. I am interested in a lot! However, I would say that the internal world of the client is really important. I am fascinated by coping strategies and mechanisms that clients develop to safeguard themselves in life.
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I work as an integrative therapist but utilise elements from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing.
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This is a hard one to answer as it will vary from client to client. From personal experience I think that when a client feels heard and validated they will be able to open up to the possibility that things can be different for them.
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I think the best advice I have been given has been that "attention seeking" behaviour is really "connection seeking" behaviour. Once you apply this lens you can see beyond the persons behaviour to the pain they may be experiencing. This has helped me in professional and personal relationships, especially as a parent.
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The a-ha moments! There is nothing better than seeing someone identify something important for themselves that allows them to break through in to a different way of thinking and feeling. The weight that lifts for them in that moment is visible and it is a real privilege to honour that moment with them.
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Of course! I am human and my clients know this of me, it helps them feel like they aren't alone on their journey.
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Our inability to listen properly. It is played out and modelled for us on the world stage. There is so much conflict in public discourse. Very few really take the time to listen deeply before responding. Very few are respectfully curious and take the time to hear and understand the views of others and, indeed, why they have them.
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Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Ziven
These Days by Powderfinger
This is me from The Greatest Showman
The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time both by Matt Haig