About me
How I work
You are the expert in your life and my job is to guide you through processes of discovery and change so you can feel happier in your relationships.
My aim is to provide you with a safe, secure and collaborative environment to discuss your difficulties. Whether you’re coming to therapy as an individual or couple, we will start by spending time getting a shared understanding of your situation. On this basis we can agree about the goals and tasks of therapy.
Feedback is essential for therapy to work well and we will regularly check in on how the process aligns with your expectations as it evolves.
If you are interested in working with me, we will schedule a short (around 15 mins.) phone call to talk about what you’d like to work on and decide if I’m the right fit for you.
My approach to therapy
I have an integrative approach to therapy meaning that I draw from a range of theories and methods to tailor my work with you. Depending on your issue and where you are at in the therapy process, I can use techniques from the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy and IFS (Internal Family Systems, sometimes referred to as ‘parts work’) and others.
Gottman method
This approach was developed by the American psychologist Dr John Gottman and his collaborators including his wife Dr Julie Schwartz Gottman based on their research that involved observing thousands of couples’ interacting and identifying negative behaviours that were associated with later divorce. The Gottmans not only discovered what doesn’t work in committed relationships, they have also written extensively on how couples can change unhealthy behaviours and build a healthier relationship. I have trained in their evidence-based Gottman Method and use it regularly with clients to help develop better communication habits that build the friendship, respect and appreciation integral to a fulfilling relationship.
Emotionally focused therapy
This approach was originally developed by the late Dr Sue Johnson, an English/Canadian psychology academic following her observations of what did and did not work in couples therapy. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is built around attachment theory. It uses a structured approach to helping partners recognise their negative patterns, deescalate their conflict and withdrawal, then understand and express their needs to each other. EFT can be very helpful in diffusing negative cycles of behaviour in order to promote empathy and mutual support to create a more secure attachment to each other.
Schema therapy
Dr Jeffrey Young, an American psychologist developed Schema Therapy which identifies deep seated beliefs that we are usually unaware of, that strongly influence our thinking, emotions and behaviours in all aspects of our lives including relationships. The term ‘schema’ is used throughout psychology to describe cognitive meaning structures or beliefs, but Young’s model focuses on particular ‘maladaptive’ schemas that have negative effects on people’s lives. Schema therapy involves identifying problematic schemas as well as the ‘modes’ (automatic emotional states and behaviours) that people have developed to manage the effects of their negative schemas so these can be altered in the therapy process.
Parts work
Parts work is a therapeutic approach made popular through Internal Family Systems therapy. Developed by American psychologist Dr Richard (Dick) Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS views the self as being made up of multiple parts, which are like sub-personalities each with their own patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. Parts are often identified by their functions as exiles, managers or firefighters. Different parts may be dominant at different times in reaction to our life circumstances. For example, when feeling abandoned or neglected by our partner an angry, demanding part may can take control. A more detailed explanation of the IFS model can be found here.
My background
My professional qualifications are listed below. As well as being a practicing Relationship Therapist, I hold an Honorary Senior Fellow position at the University of Melbourne where I teach in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and undertake research. I have previously worked in academia, government, and entertainment industries.
Academic
PhD in Psychological Sciences – University of Melbourne
Master of Counselling – Swinburne University
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – University of Melbourne
Specialist training
Relationships Australia – Specialist Training in Integrative Couples Therapy
Relationships Australia – Clinical Internship
Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1
Emotionally Focused Therapy – Externship & Core Skills
Schema Couples Therapy
Professional registrations
Australian Counselling Association
Australian Psychological Society