Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Much of the way we experience our world is centred around the other people that we encounter. I am heavily influenced by approaches that examine the subjective and contextual elements of these...

Much of the way we experience our world is centred around the other people that we encounter. I am heavily influenced by approaches that examine the subjective and contextual elements of these interactions. These intersubjective approaches emphasise the interactions between therapists and clients. These are good analogies for how we all interact with the other people in our lives. I am perpetually drawn back to existential philosophies. We live in a time when cultural and technological changes are occurring more rapidly now than ever before. Our fundamental questions about life are becoming ever more relevant - who are we, what is the purpose of our lives, what is that best way to live. Existential philosophies do not give ready made answers to these questions but act as guides as we find ways to answer these questions for ourselves. They help us to shape the questions that we ask and work through the anxieties that challenges present.

Buddhist psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions (though I am not a religious Buddhist) Compassionate focus Emotion Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Parts Work, Somatic...

Buddhist psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions (though I am not a religious Buddhist) Compassionate focus Emotion Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Parts Work, Somatic Psychotherapy Person-Centred Approaches Early Life Attachment

I'd say the most influential philosophies/theories are field theory and attachment theory. Field theory: I am trained as a Gestalt therapist. One of the foundational pillars of Gestalt therapy is...

I'd say the most influential philosophies/theories are field theory and attachment theory. Field theory: I am trained as a Gestalt therapist. One of the foundational pillars of Gestalt therapy is field theory, which makes Gestalt a therapy of the situation - so we seek to always be raising awareness and adding greater complexity to a client's situation. This causes paradigm shifts as I find when one comes to understand their situation more complexly, self-acceptance is a natural result and through acceptance the possibility for change opens up. Another important component of field theory is that clients need both internal and external support for change. So, we work in an ongoing process of discovering supports that are already available, exploring and appreciating them, and also at cultivating new supports (internal and external). Attachment theory: This theory comes naturally to me. Since becoming a parent in my early 20s I've felt a strong drive toward justice, care and respect for children. My aim as a therapist is to create a secure attachment relationship with my clients. I find that often the secure relationship they develop with me is the first one of their life. This new therapeutic relationship creates new neural pathways - new internal schemas of relational possibility. A new way of being in relationship, with self and other. This means my clients develop new embodied skills and ways to create healthy, safe and supportive relationships in their lives - outside of the therapy room.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping emotions and behaviours. CBT techniques have helped to identify and modify negative thought patterns that contribute to...

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping emotions and behaviours. CBT techniques have helped to identify and modify negative thought patterns that contribute to distress. Humanistic therapy due to the inherent worth and dignity of self, and the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity in self. Psychodynamic therapy because this approach emphasises the role of unconscious processes in shaping behaviour, and the importance of exploring past experiences and relationships to gain insight into current patterns.

Process Oriented Psychology Anthroposophy Jungian Psychology

Process Oriented Psychology Anthroposophy Jungian Psychology

Behaviourism, humanistic / person-centred, Gestalt, Buddhism, Psychodynamic theories and Jungian Psychology.

Behaviourism, humanistic / person-centred, Gestalt, Buddhism, Psychodynamic theories and Jungian Psychology.

Arnold Mindell process-oriented psychology has influenced my approach as well as circle work. Family constellations and trauma work have also contributed to my development professionally and...

Arnold Mindell process-oriented psychology has influenced my approach as well as circle work. Family constellations and trauma work have also contributed to my development professionally and personally, as well as the individuation process and human development according to Rudolf Steiner. The development of a non-judgemental attitude and compassion and the development of deep listening and surrender to forgiveness and gratitude are foundational in my professional and personal development.

Being Non judgmental and totally accepting of others - we are all individuals and that should be celebrated, not berated or crushed.... I love the uniqueness of all...and not to take personally...

Being Non judgmental and totally accepting of others - we are all individuals and that should be celebrated, not berated or crushed.... I love the uniqueness of all...and not to take personally another's journey and experiences that may impact on how they feel and how they behave... this is not about you... it is about them. Can I learn from this? Your own life experiences can provide an incredible platform of learning about oneself... you have the power and choice to see that opportunity.

As a geneticist, I love the nature vs nurture debate. My personal view is that our genes influence our psyche. However, both my personal & professional experiences have shown me the crucial role that...

As a geneticist, I love the nature vs nurture debate. My personal view is that our genes influence our psyche. However, both my personal & professional experiences have shown me the crucial role that our environment & childhood experiences play in our early childhood development, our wounding, our protective strategies, our attachments etc, and all of these experiences shape the person we are today. As a developmental biologist, I understand and appreciate the profound physiological effects that stress, anxiety, depression & trauma etc have on our emotional body & physical nervous system. Hence, conditions that most people label as mental health care issues, I see as physical, mental & emotional. What happened to you affects the WHOLE of you. And while your brain may have forgotten/pushed the hurt aside - your body remembers. So its not all about talk therapy, we need to spend time together understanding at a deeper level, what your physical & emotional bodies need to feel safe once more. I am also deeply indebted to a wide variety of spiritual philosophies which have been KEY to me on my personal healing journey. These include: Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy, Taoism, Mindfulness and Arnold Mindell's Process Orientated Psychology. A support journey with me involves a rich eclectic mix of healing practices from intellect, spirit & Mother Earth.

I have always liked supporting others to look at the big picture when they are facing challenges and helping to guide them to use their strengths to solve problems.

I have always liked supporting others to look at the big picture when they are facing challenges and helping to guide them to use their strengths to solve problems.

Feminist practice, social justice, post modernism.

Feminist practice, social justice, post modernism.

It's really for me about discovery and creating awareness of who we are, right now in this moment. That was huge for me as I was so task and goal orientated. I have now completely changed my view on...

It's really for me about discovery and creating awareness of who we are, right now in this moment. That was huge for me as I was so task and goal orientated. I have now completely changed my view on this are focus on what is, rather on so many things we try to be. It has changed my world remarkably and I live in so much more inner peace now. The hardest person I ever had to deal with was myself and how I treated my own self. I have such a more gentle approach now.

Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In...

Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In recent years, I have undertaken skills development in somatic (body-based) therapy and long-term therapy (also known as psychotherapy), based upon the work of Carl Jung. I have found these modalities of treatment to be highly effective for supporting people through persistent psychological difficulties and suffering.

The philosophical approaches that have significantly influenced my professional development as a therapist include person-centered therapy, holistic therapy interventions, and somatic-based...

The philosophical approaches that have significantly influenced my professional development as a therapist include person-centered therapy, holistic therapy interventions, and somatic-based interventions. Person-Centered Approach: Person-centered therapy, pioneered by Carl Rogers, emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. This approach has taught me the importance of understanding clients' subjective experiences and fostering a supportive environment where they feel accepted and valued. Holistic Therapy Interventions: Holistic therapy considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in addressing psychological issues. It emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, incorporating techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and individualised treatment plans. Somatic-Based Interventions: Somatic-based interventions, influenced by therapists like Peter Levine and Vessel Van Der Kolk, focus on the connection between the body and psychological well-being. These approaches recognise the impact of trauma and stress on the body, and emphasize techniques such as somatic experiencing and body-centered therapies to address and release stored tension and trauma. By integrating principles from these philosophical approaches into my practice, I aim to create a therapeutic environment that promotes empathy, acceptance, authenticity, and holistic well-being. This comprehensive approach allows me to address the diverse needs of my clients and facilitate their personal growth and healing on multiple levels.

I do not try and 'fix' anyone.... I don't believe they are broken. I do however believe in a strengths based, person centred approach to best support the individual to feel empowered and become their...

I do not try and 'fix' anyone.... I don't believe they are broken. I do however believe in a strengths based, person centred approach to best support the individual to feel empowered and become their 'best selves'.

Many all the way to the basics of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs in University and forward through Solution Focussed therapies and Somatic therapies to pluralistic therapy. Believing different techniques...

Many all the way to the basics of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs in University and forward through Solution Focussed therapies and Somatic therapies to pluralistic therapy. Believing different techniques are different for different people at different stages of their lives. Putting people at the centre of therapy and supporting them on the basis that they know their own life best. I am constantly learning new tips, tricks and information which I enthusiastically share with others. “Knowledge not shared remains unknown.” Luigi l Lemencello from “Mr Lemincello's Library” written by Chris Grabenstein

If I were to name one philosophical approach that has influenced my professional and personal development, it would be Existentialism. As we travel through life, bigger questions arise. What is our...

If I were to name one philosophical approach that has influenced my professional and personal development, it would be Existentialism. As we travel through life, bigger questions arise. What is our purpose? What legacy do I wish to leave? The older you get, I find these questions require deeper exploration and understanding. If only we all had the wisdom of age when we were younger!

My belief is that we are the product of our experience and meaning making, more than we are the outcome of genetic expression. Furthermore, my belief is that mind and body are one. So approaches that...

My belief is that we are the product of our experience and meaning making, more than we are the outcome of genetic expression. Furthermore, my belief is that mind and body are one. So approaches that fully explore the impact of human experience, the meaning we give to those experiences, and consider how experience is reflected in mind and body is my great interest. In theoretical and therapeutic terms my philosophical orientation would include humanist, psychodynamic, narrative and systems approaches.

Regarding philosophical influences on my professional and personal development, I've been naturally drawn to a solution-focused approach from my software development background. It's all about...

Regarding philosophical influences on my professional and personal development, I've been naturally drawn to a solution-focused approach from my software development background. It's all about identifying issues and finding effective solutions. However, I'm equally drawn to narrative therapies, where clients can share their stories and collaboratively discover their paths forward. These philosophies have shaped my counseling style, allowing me to provide a well-rounded approach to address clients' needs and personal growth.

A wide range of trauma, existential. experiential trainings in Australia and internationally. Studies at Harvard University cemented my commitment to human rights and trauma and recovery.

A wide range of trauma, existential. experiential trainings in Australia and internationally. Studies at Harvard University cemented my commitment to human rights and trauma and recovery.

My philosophical approach to psychology has been influenced by a real-world, everyday approach. Having worked both in private practice and in the corporate sector, I believe in applying psychology...

My philosophical approach to psychology has been influenced by a real-world, everyday approach. Having worked both in private practice and in the corporate sector, I believe in applying psychology that is grounded and practical for people to apply in their everyday lives. From a personal point of view, working in remote and regional mental health in my early career gave me exposure to the reality that emotional psychological and mental well-being is truly personal and unique. I'm a believer that our physical, emotional and mental well-being are all intrinsically linked.

I have been heavily influenced by Jungian depth psychology and typology for more than 20 years.

I have been heavily influenced by Jungian depth psychology and typology for more than 20 years.

I really believe in working collaboratively with clients in assisting them to activate their strengths and abilities. Sometimes life stressors can affect people's confidence and self esteem whereby...

I really believe in working collaboratively with clients in assisting them to activate their strengths and abilities. Sometimes life stressors can affect people's confidence and self esteem whereby they consider themselves somewhat incapable of achieving their desired outcomes. I assist in empowering them through activating their hidden strengths and abilities so that they can go onto achieve what they really are so capable of achieving. In building up a good rapport with clients they can establish trust in my assistance, thereby instilling hope in them as well as providing them with encouragement and reassurance. All in all, this enables them to build on their resilience and become successful in achieving their desired outcomes.

My theoretical basis is steeped in psychoanalytic, intersubjectivity and developmental theory, and my interest as a counsellor and psychotherapist has always been stimulated by ideas of consciousness,...

My theoretical basis is steeped in psychoanalytic, intersubjectivity and developmental theory, and my interest as a counsellor and psychotherapist has always been stimulated by ideas of consciousness, embodiment and relational perspectives, and especially transference and countertransference dynamics. I work with these ideas alongside my deep entrenchment with eastern approaches to spirituality, within the broader context of self realisation.

Attachment theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Systems Theory

Attachment theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Systems Theory

Acceptance and Commitment therapy - the mindfulness, compassion, practicality and wide applicability make it my go-to therapy approach, (plus the generosity of the ACT community) Process-oriented...

Acceptance and Commitment therapy - the mindfulness, compassion, practicality and wide applicability make it my go-to therapy approach, (plus the generosity of the ACT community) Process-oriented psychology - for the deep, transformative, shamanic exercises and experiences, for the unique understanding of consciousness (which blends well with ACT) Client-centred therapy - so essential to take care of the fundamentals - connection, care, compassion, non-judgment, aligning with client goals CBT - sometimes you just need these rock solid cognitive-behavioural techniques

Existential philosophy and writers such as Albert Camus, Sartre and Simone Beauvoir. Carl Rogers Client Centred Counselling Gestalt Therapy Self Psychology: Heinz Kohut Object Relation Theory:...

Existential philosophy and writers such as Albert Camus, Sartre and Simone Beauvoir. Carl Rogers Client Centred Counselling Gestalt Therapy Self Psychology: Heinz Kohut Object Relation Theory: Donald Winnicott, Thomas Ogden, Ferenzci Mentalisation based approach: Fonagy and Bateman

Person centred Counselling, and Child Centred Play Therapy. Trusting the therapeutic process, and empowering people in their own journey of growth.

Person centred Counselling, and Child Centred Play Therapy. Trusting the therapeutic process, and empowering people in their own journey of growth.

My belief is that all of our challenges are relational in nature. Whether it is the relationship we have with ourselves, others or a lack of relationship. By developing self-awareness and...

My belief is that all of our challenges are relational in nature. Whether it is the relationship we have with ourselves, others or a lack of relationship. By developing self-awareness and understanding of our challenges we can create change that leads to more fulfilling and meaningful connection and wellbeing. I draw inspiration from many people including Ron Kurtz, Janina Fisher, Pat Ogden, Peter Levine, Carl Jung, Martin Buber, Epicurus, Fritz Perlz, Irving Yalom and Nitcheze to name a few!

As a practitioner I believe I take a Rogerian approach to therapy offering unconditional positive regard - validation - for a client's lived experience. I have an eclectic approach to my practice...

As a practitioner I believe I take a Rogerian approach to therapy offering unconditional positive regard - validation - for a client's lived experience. I have an eclectic approach to my practice drawing on a number of philosophical approaches and life experience.

Psychoanalytical approach has strongly influenced my personal development while Jungian and experiential approach have strongly influenced my professional development. In recent years systemic family...

Psychoanalytical approach has strongly influenced my personal development while Jungian and experiential approach have strongly influenced my professional development. In recent years systemic family constellation approach has cohesively strengthened all of my education and experience.

Various theories including process oriented psychology, attachment theory and mindfulness.

Various theories including process oriented psychology, attachment theory and mindfulness.