My Approach

Clients request services for a variety of reasons and under a variety of circumstances. Some people seek help to resolve personal issues, some with relationship problems and others with work related situations. As part of my family work, I see a lot of stepfamilies drawing from my research work. As a member of NALAG I also work with many clients dealing with trauma, grief and loss.

I work both in the short term and long term depending on the issue at hand and the clients preference. Some problems in living can effectively be resolved by drawing on an outside perspective of someone with considerable life experience and a wealth of professional knowledge. Therapy is a process of slowing down and reflecting on the present, providing a space to more fully become aware of our total experience in being. I see that people generally have the tools within themselves to create shifts and opportunities in their lives. Therapy works by drawing on these existing capabilities to help people overcome the challenges encountered in life.

My clients range in age from 10 to 80 and are varied in their cultural and religious practices.

My core theoretical orientations include the use of a range of theoretical models:

From Family Systems Theory I draw on an understanding that context is central. Individual strengths and weaknesses are learnt in our early experiences and impact on our behavioural patterns in the present. I also understand the unique contribution of culture.

I find Positive Psychology useful in highlighting the specific types of communication styles which enhance our relationships. This model also draws upon theories of mindfulness

I also draw on Behavioural Theories and on Cognitive-Behavioural Techniques (CBT) which have formed part of my practice since graduation but more recently, CBT has been recognized as an effective tool for addressing depression and anxiety. This works by helping people distinguish between thoughts and feelings and interrupts the manner in which these impact on behaviour.

Another set of theories which inform my practice are Attachment Theory and Psychodynamic Theory. These approaches facilitate understanding the significance of unconscious processes and how they serve to sabotage “logical” solutions to the obstacles and challenges we encounter. These theories emphasize the centrality of interdependence in human relationships.

I am thoroughly grounded in theories which aid me in understanding human nature and behaviour and have been described as insightful and pragmatic. I am an open and straightforward person who counsels in a manner where interpretations are shared and jointly constructed. My approach to therapy is very interactive within a safe, confidential and authentic relationship. My goal is to help people close the gap between where they are right now and where they want to be.

Back to top

Credentials

About Me:

I came to Psychology via Social Work. I have worked as a clinician since my twenties and therefore I bring to my practice considerable life experience and a wealth of professional knowledge. I have maintained a passionate interest in my work and I am fortunate to be able to balance an active life raising a family as well as working with a range of individuals and couples of all ages. In addition I work with groups, teach, train and continuously keep up my own learning.

Qualifications

Ph.D. Latrobe University (1991)

M.S.W. Latrobe University (1982)

Dip. Social Studies University of Melbourne (1971)

B.A.(Psych) Melbourne University (1972)

Memberships and Associations

• The Australian Psychological Society
• Australian Association of Social Work
• National Association of Loss and Grief
• Victorian Association of Family Therapy.

Back to top

Publications

• Pre-Conditions for Role Conflict in Social Work Supervision, Unpublished Masters Thesis, 1982. Latrobe University.
• “Supervision” Australian Association of Marriage and Family Counsellors Newsletter (17), May, 1983.
• “Theoretical Integration as a Basis for Social Work in a Marriage Counselling Setting”, Australian Social Work, March, 1989.
• “The Role of Self Awareness in Social Work Supervision”, Australian Social Work, June, 1987.
• The Parenting Puzzle, (with Ramon Lewis). Hawthorn ACER, 1989.
• Successful and Failed Remarried Families. Unpublished doctoral thesis, 1991, Latrobe University.
• Production of a video entitled Professional Supervision Training. Video Resource Guide in conjunction with Dorothy Scott and members of the supervision standing committee.
• Educational and Organizational Contexts of Professional Supervision in the 1990’s. Australian Social Work. September 1998.
• The Meeting of Meanings. Psychotherapy in Australia. November 1999.

Back to top

Selected Recent Professional Developments

• Co-Morbidity of Anxiety and Depression with Michael Yapko - 2001
• Mapping Narrative Conversations with Michael White - 2003
• Emergency Recovery Workshop with Rob Gordon - 2003
• Marital Conflict with Jeff Zeig - 2005
• Managing Sexual Difficulties with Dr Anita Elias - 2007
• Becoming an Effective Supervisor with Michael Carroll - 2007
• Anger Disorders and CBT with Raymond Trafate - 2008
• Recovery and Critical Incidents with Rob Gordon - 2008
• Narrative Therapy Workshop - 2008
• Taskforce Against Family Violence with Prof David Pelcovitz - 2008
• Healthy Eating - 2008
• Advanced Cognitive Therapy for the Emotional Disorders with Prof Ross Menzies - 2008
• Creative CBT: 50 Novel Procedures for Helping People Change with Prof Ross Menzies - 2008
• Attending and facilitating workshops conducted by Mental Health Professional Network - 2009
• Eating Disorders with Evelyn Field and Naomi Crafti - 2009
• Conference on Training the Mind. Mindfulness, Brain and Behaviour Israel - 2009
• Depression in the Post Natal Period MHPN Workshop - 2009
• Sleep Disorder MHPN Workshop - 2009
• Conference on International Preparedness to Emergencies and Disasters Israel - 2010
• Workshop on Treating Disordered Patients with Mindfulness Interventions with Bruce Stevens - 2010
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy by Mark Williams - 2010
• Protecting yourself as a Professional – Issues of Self Care with Bruce Stevens - 2010
• Positive Psychology by Dr Dianne Vella-Broderick - 2010
• Anxiety and Exposure Therapy by Les Posner - 2010
• Reconnexion – Treating Panic, Anxiety, Depression and Dependency - 2011
• Cognitive Therapy for Self Esteem: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Anxiety and Depression by Dr Melanie Fennell - 2011
• Trauma Recovery by Dr Rob Gordon - 2011.
• Framing Psychological Practice in the Context of Psychoanalytic Theory by Dr Peter Ellingsen - 2011.
• Sexual Abuse- Communal Response with Joe Tucci; Sen Constable J Russell - September 2011
• Obsession/Agoraphobia with Les Posner - May 2012
• Adolescent and Child Trauma with Dr Estie Galili Hadassa Medical Centre - 2012
• Love, Sex and Relationships with Shmueli Boteach - May 2012
• Support Systems for Men with Mental Health Problems Guy Avihod - June 2012
• Rob Gordon Trauma Recovery - July 2012
• Narrative Theory and Trauma. Jerusalem Institute of Narrative Therapy - 2013
• Chana Frumin and Gidon Friedman “Reclaiming Life from Trauma” - March 2013
• Dr George Halasz workshop on Relational Trauma – Sexual Abuse - April 2013
• Dr Fortunato Benarroch, Trauma Expert, Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem - April 2013

Back to top

Public talks over many years on the following topics:

• Intimacy and Communication
• Finding a partner
• Enhancing Relationships

Honorary Appointments:

• Member of AASW Supervision Standing Committee (1983-1994)
• Member of AASW Continuing Education Committee (1997-)
• Member of Board of Management, Drummond St. Relationship Centre (1997-2003)

Back to top