"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable but they're never weaknesses".
(B. Brown)
The Counselling Process
How does counselling work and how can it help me?
Having worked in the not-for-profit sector for a number of years I am well aware of the lack of accessibility to counselling services when people are going through difficult moments in their lives.
Struggling with difficult emotions is a very common human experience, however when we feel held back and unable to live the life that we want, it is helpful to unpack it with a trained professional and give ourselves permission to heal.
Counselling allows you to explore new ways of coping, make meaning of your experiences and move into a more hopeful space where recovery and regaining control of your life becomes a real possibility.
What is trauma work?
I use a person-centred approach in my counselling practice, and I will follow your lead when establishing your goals for treatment.
Whether you have decided to work on resolving a traumatic experience or you would like to address a separate issue which is not necessarily related to an adverse event in your life, I work within a trauma informed practice which means that I prioritise the principles of safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment.
In working with trauma I use a three phased approach based on stabilization, processing, and integration. This way of working with trauma is recommended by both international bodies (ISSTD, 2011), as well as trauma focussed Australian organizations such as Blue Knot Foundation.
Regardless of the reason you have been seeking support, your story will always be treated with respect and validation
What is the link between trauma and addiction?
The link between trauma and addiction has been well established in literature reviews and it happens when we turn to substances as a way to cope with difficult emotions or use try to self-medicate against the overwhelming symptoms of the trauma itself.
Substance misuse can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, together we can have a look at the patterns that are sustaining the addiction and find new ways of dealing with difficult situations and emotions.
Call me for a consultation and to see if my practice is a good fit for you.
Pacfa Register No. 22682
Clinical Supervision
I am a trained clinical supervisor and have provided trauma informed supervision to colleagues and new counsellors.
Supervision is not just a very important part of a counsellor’s development, but it is essential to prevent vicarious trauma and burnout, to identify ethical issues and identify the best interventions as well as to identify how transference and countertransference can come into play especially early in our careers.
Clinical supervision might be beneficial not only for counsellors, but it may be utilized by professionals in other fields who are exposed to environments that may be traumatic or trigger trauma-based reactions.
Give me a call or send me an email to discuss if this option is suitable for your circumstances.