My Approach
I work from a standpoint of collaboration and compassion, emphasising working at my clients’ pace. I aim to focus both on managing symptoms and treating their underlying causes. The evidence-based therapeutic modalities I use are explained below.
EMDR
​Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychological approach that has been used clinically for over 30-years. It was initially developed in the late 1980’s by Dr Francine Shapiro. EMDR was first used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has now been used successfully in treating a large variety of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, complicated grief, dissociative disorders, complex trauma, addictions, panic attacks, personality disorders and phobias. EMDR is endorsed as an effective form of therapy by the World Health Organisation, Medicare and the Australian Psychological Society (APS). EMDR is listed as a first line treatment for PTSD, depression and phobias by the APS.
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Parts Work
Parts Work is a therapeutic approach which supports the exploration of an individual’s internal system, encompassing different perspectives, feelings and needs. Parts Work recognises that we develop different modes of functioning in response to our experiences and to manage or survive difficult or stressful circumstances. Parts Work is represented by several specific modalities, including structural dissociation therapy, internal family systems therapy, ego-state therapy and resource therapy. Parts Work is particularly helpful in overcoming internal conflicts and in treating dissociative disorders.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a somatic (body-based) modality, initially developed by Dr Pat Ogden. Somatic approaches to treatment allow for a wholistic approach to mental health and treatment, rather than limiting treatment to managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is particularly helpful in treating trauma and complex trauma. The importance of the body, and somatic therapy, in treating trauma has been highlighted in the bestselling book ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Dr Bessel van der Kolk (2014).
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) is a therapeutic modality combining a structured psychological intervention with medicinal compounds approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA approved prescription of psychedelic medicines in Australia in 2023 under the approved prescriber scheme. The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently working towards approving funding for this modality for treatment of Australian Defence Force veterans. This approach to therapy has a significant body of research evidence to support its efficacy, with current approved applications being for treatment resistant PTSD and treatment resistant depression. This is a modality still in its early stages in Australia, with limited availability, including through a clinic in Cairns. I am contracted to provide PAT services in Cairns.
Other Modalities
I have trained in other modalities which I also utilises depending on client needs. These other modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Transpersonal Psychology, Motivational Interviewing and general counselling.