Psychotherapy
My approach
Psychological difficulties do not exist in isolation. Our experiences, relationships and environments shape how we understand ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world. I believe meaningful therapy begins with understanding a person in the broader context of their life, rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
My approach is relational and integrative, grounded in trauma-informed and neuroaffirming principles. I recognise that the ways we learn to cope always make sense in the context of our experiences, even when they later become sources of distress or leave us feeling stuck. Therapy offers an opportunity to explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgement.
I see psychotherapy as a collaborative process that brings together deeper understanding and meaningful change. Drawing on different therapeutic techniques, I tailor our work to your unique needs and goals. Together, we might explore longstanding patterns, make sense of difficult experiences, or develop new ways of navigating challenges in the present.
Finding the right psychologist is important. You are welcome to get in touch to discuss what you are looking for, ask questions, and consider whether it might be a good fit.
I provide appointments in Wollongong and via telehealth.
I draw on several complementary, evidence-based approaches according to your needs, experiences and goals.
Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
The relationship is part of the work
Relational psychodynamic psychotherapy explores how our experiences and relationships shape the ways we understand ourselves, relate to others and navigate our emotional lives. It pays particular attention to longstanding patterns, including those that may operate outside our awareness.
The therapeutic relationship is an important part of this process. Beyond providing a space for reflection and understanding, it offers opportunities to explore familiar patterns as they emerge between us, and to experience different ways of relating.
Through curiosity, reflection and a genuine therapeutic relationship, this approach supports deeper self-understanding and meaningful change.
Schema Therapy
Understanding and changing patterns
Schema therapy helps us understand and change deep-rooted patterns in our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. These patterns develop from life experiences where our emotional needs were not properly met—leading to ongoing struggles with overwhelming emotions, difficult relationships, unhelpful coping strategies, and low self-esteem.
Through schema therapy we can understand the origins of our difficulties and develop more helpful ways of coping and relating to ourselves and others. It offers a compassionate path towards healing and growth.
EMDR
Process the past to live in the present
A traumatic event can trigger emotions that are so overwhelming they get in the way of the brain’s natural healing process. EMDR helps people heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories, by using bilateral stimulation (eye movements) to help the brain reprocess and release painful emotions. This unlocks our natural capacity for healing and can reduce the emotional impact of past events or memories on our everyday lives.
Who I work with:
I have particular interests in working with adults experiencing:
Complex and developmental trauma
Longstanding emotional difficulties and emotion dysregulation
Anxiety and mood difficulties
Relationship and attachment difficulties
Self-esteem, identity and self-understanding
Neurodivergence and the impact of navigating a neurotypical world
Difficulties that feel longstanding, recurring or difficult to shift
Understanding that our struggles are inevitable consequences of our life experiences, rather than personal flaws, opens up new possibilities for our lives.
