About My Approach
Over the last 25 years, I have studied many approaches to psychotherapy, including Cognitive-Behavioural, Solution-Focused, Process-Oriented, Narrative and Psychodynamic approaches. I have also studied yoga, meditation and mindfulness extensively, and read widely on psychology, spirituality and the human mind.
I am a an AHPRA registered Psychologist, and was first registered back in 1999, after completing 8-years of training, including an honours degree in Psychology, and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. In 2011, a major health issue saw me have some time off from psychology, and in those years I trained as an organic farmer, yoga teacher and life coach.
Since 2011, I have focused my training on an approach called ACT – which stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It’s a mindfulness-based approach which is supported by extensive research and clinical practice.
This is now the primary framework I use in my therapy sessions, so here is a quick overview of the main elements:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
The aim of ACT is to help you create a rich, full and meaningful life, while at the same time, helping you learn to accept and deal effectively with some of the inevitable pain that comes your way.
There are 6 core therapeutic processes that make up ACT sessions:
1. Be Present
2. Defuse Unhelpful Thoughts
3. Accept What Is
4. Locate Your True Self
5. Clarify Your Values
6. Take Committed Action
Together these 6 core processes contribute to something we call Psychological Flexibility.
The more psychological flexibility you have, the better you are able to cope with challenges and enjoy your life.