- Thank You
Ms Kate Mikhailouskaya
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor
Existential Practice
Summer Hill, Sydney NSW 2131
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
If you're searching for a psychotherapist at this point of your life, you're probably searching for answers, solutions to some dilemmas or just for a pathway to relieving emotional distress. I understand how important it is to find an experienced, reliable therapist who can be a 'good match', can understand you, and take the challenge with you. Making that first contact and talking to a psychotherapist may be hard, but it is a good step to attending to your emotional needs and your wellbeing.
I am an existential psychotherapist specializing in trauma treatment. I offer my expertise to survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, as well as to those who suffer from post-traumatic stress caused by a single incident trauma.
Background
I started my psychotherapy practice from working with women who experienced domestic violence and found that often there is a childhood trauma and disruption of attachment that play a vital role in the formation of current relationships for the clients. I gradually moved into complex trauma work and now specialising in complex trauma and PTSD treatment with a close focus on psychodynamic approach, somatic therapy and inner-child work. I went through my personal psychotherapy experience and I believe that it was an essential part of my development as a psychotherapist, because you can only lead another person as far (and as deep) as you've been yourself.
Services
WHY EXISTENTIAL/PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY?
Engaging in psychodynamic psychotherapy is your opportunity to heal from past trauma or current troubling issues.
It will lead you to higher self-awareness, improved self-esteem and mutually satisfying relationships with people around you. I aim at providing a safe space for you to explore yourself and find meaning in your life.
THE PROCESS
Psychodynamic therapy is a unique experience where you come to meet with yourself. Therapist is the empathic agent that facilitates the process. You can answer all your questions and become a true expert of yourself. Your therapist will ensure that the process is safe for you when you encounter painful memories or emotions. Psychotherapy will make you stronger!
Quality Provision
You will be able to see results and notice a difference after the first session. You will be respected, listened to and responded to at all times. I also value therapy boundaries and therapeutic alliance that is central to our work, however I am willing to explore it's meaning for you.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and quality supervision as well as conduct myself in highly ethical manner, within the standards of Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association NSW.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Graduate Diploma in Counselling - 2012 - University of Western Sydney
- Working with Adults Sexually Abused as Chidren - 2014 - ECAV
- Working with Adults Affected by Domestic Violence - 2014 - ECAV
- Nationally Accredited Telephone Counsellor - 2013 - Lifeline Australia
- Personality Development and Infant Observation - 2015 - ICAPP
Modalities
Developmental - Dream Work - Existential - Inner Child - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic
Therapy Approach
My approach is psychodynamic, existential and psychoanalytical. You can feel the benefit of therapy within the first session. Higher self-awareness and confidence will come to you along with warm feelings of being understood and accepted. It is very vital at times of emotional pain and crisis. Further we mostly focus our work on exploring, understanding, and then verbalising the unconscious currents that cause psychological distress. We may come across trauma or memories, if that's where you wish to take therapy, and when the time is right for you. My approach is very transparent and you will always know what is going on. There is no magic in my therapeutic approach, but there definitely will be a miracle in your journey.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
A conversation with Kate Mikhailouskaya
-
Many personal and professional experiences contributed to my choice of becoming a therapist. It's a life-long process and it's ongoing, but what remains unchangeable is my passion to witness the growth and transformation with my clients in the moments of psycho-therapeutic or psychoanalytic journey.
It is fascinating and very rewarding work, and I am committed to it fully.
This includes ongoing professional development, group and individual supervision as well as my capacity and willingness to self-explore and reflect on my practice. -
Existential approach and psychodynamic psychotherapy are central in my work. The givens of human existence, like mortality, loneliness, freedom and meaning lie at the roots of many psychological burdens we carry. Existential approach can open your mind to look at these things broadly, find acceptance and relief from emotional pain. Psychodynamic therapy is a good alternative to psychoanalysis as it allows to work with unconscious mind and achieve greater and long-lasting change just from 1-2 sessions a week conducted on a regular basis. It also has a great focus on the relationship between the client and the therapist, that can be analysed here and now and offer invaluable clinical material for client's better understanding of self.
-
Relationships, relationships, relationships. I strongly believe that our ability to connect with others in a meaningful way is the most important and very interesting part of human journey (and health!).
-
In my work with adults we usually employ few following tools that help facilitate the therapy process:
Inner child work
Free associations
Dream work
Body focusing
In my work with children we use play therapy, where the approach is more symbolic, psychoanalytic and non-directive.
Before any technique is utilized, we take time to build trust and explore your preferences and learn what "sits well" with you. -
The "difference" is generally felt after the first session/s. After first 1-2 sessions my clients report relief of symptoms, increased feelings of joy, hope and motivation for further therapeutic process. As we progress, we continuously negotiate the direction and possible impacts of further exploration or trauma work. The client is always in charge of the decisions and therapy can be paused, stopped or re-directed at any time.
Great emphasis is put on transparency of the process, relationship between the therapist and the client, here-and-now experience in the room and safety as a priority above any treatment. -
It definitely has. For example my own therapy allowed me to recognise forgotten and abandoned parts of self, that were longing to be found and were raging in the present. Bringing my inner-child into present and embracing it made me feel alive and multiplied my joy of living.
My therapy also allowed me to examine the ways I relate to people and my therapist provided a great scene for many scenarios to be explored and many patterns of thinking and interactions were brought into awareness in a safe place.
It has greatly increased my capacity to empathise with others and be attuned to other people's emotional states which I believe, makes me a better person.
-
The privilege of being present with another person and witness human capacities for facing the hardship and healing.
-
I do, just like everyone else. Life is not a quest for happiness or a hunt for the Good days. The bad ones signify that we are alive and life is happening to us. I take the moment to self-explore, sit with it, and maybe practice some yoga or play piano!
-
I am not sure how I can name "the most significant" problem. There are way too many problems the world is facing today, but on the other hand, there are many ways that people take actions to deal with them, and that should be recognized too.
-
"Staring at the Sun. Overcoming the fear of death" by Dr. Irvin Yalom.
A book by a famous existential therapist about ... well, the title says it all.
Published Articles
I never thought I was wary of intimacy and closeness before I came to realise this in my journe...
Read more