As a psychotherapist trained in Somatic Experiencing, I work with clients whose distress shows up not only in thought and feeling but also in the body — in chronic tension, in shallow breath, in a persistent sense of being disconnected from themselves. For a long time, this somatic dimension of suffering has been sidelined in … read more

Choosing a therapist can feel confusing. Psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, psychiatrists… the options are many, and the system doesn’t always make it easier to understand. Since the Better Access scheme began, more people have been able to access support. At the same time, it has also created a particular way of thinking about therapy—often shorter-term, structured, … read more

Why Your “Attachment Style” Quiz Might Be Telling You the Wrong Story If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, chances are you’ve encountered a quiz, a reel, or a thread promising to reveal your “attachment style.” Anxious. Avoidant. Secure. Disorganised. These labels have become part of everyday language — the way people explain … read more

Easter often speaks of renewal, of new life, of beginning again. But in lived experience, renewal rarely arrives in dramatic or visible ways. More often, it is subtle.A shift in how we relate to ourselves.A moment of softening where there was once tension.A capacity to stay a little longer with something that once felt too … read more

Here’s something you probably weren’t expecting to read in a trauma therapy blog: pickle juice might be one of the most effective tools for managing dissociative shutdown states. I know, I know. It sounds completely bizarre. But stick with me here, because the clinical evidence – and the lived experience of people I work with … read more

The Body Speaks: How Our Physical Sensations Shape Our Emotional World Have you ever noticed how your stomach seems to “drop” when you receive disappointing news, or how your chest feels tight when you’re anxious? These aren’t just figures of speech – they’re glimpses into one of the most fascinating aspects of human experience: the … read more

When Our Past Shapes How We Respond to a Crying Baby I recently came across an interesting study that provides compelling evidence for something I’ve observed in my work for years – how our attachment history literally shapes our brain’s response to infant distress. The research, published in the Journal of Attachment & Human Development, … read more

After obsessively reviewing the extensive research paper by Bakermans-Kranenburg, Dagan, Cárcamo, and Van IJzendoorn (2024) on more than 26,000 Adult Attachment Interviews (AAIs), I was excited to share some fascinating insights about attachment patterns and their clinical significance. I tried to keep it short and accessible, but if you are interested in this topic as … read more

How to BRAVE the Holiday Season The holiday season arrives this year amid global uncertainties and economic pressures that many Australians are feeling deeply. While the festive season traditionally brings joy, it can also amplify our challenges. We’re navigating not just family expectations and complicated histories, but also conversations about rising living costs, climate concerns, … read more

Losing someone to addiction carves a unique kind of hole into our hearts. We don’t just lose them once – addiction steals them from us again and again. We watch as they choose substances over family gatherings, as they vanish for days to drink with friends. Watch them disappear behind lies, drift toward people who … read more

Why Online Therapy Platforms Like BetterHelp Miss the Mark: A Psychodynamic Perspective As a psychotherapist specialising in trauma and attachment, I’ve been watching the rise of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp with growing concern. While increasing access to mental health support is crucial, these platforms often overlook the fundamental aspects of what makes therapy transformative. … read more

Mental Health Day: A Time for Reflection and Action As we mark another Mental Health Day, we must pause and consider the state of our collective well-being. Recent years have presented unprecedented challenges for Australians and humanity in general. Natural disasters are continuing, and the global pandemic’s leftover disruption still affects us. The horror of … read more

The Nuanced Divide: Unpacking Psychotherapy vs. Counseling As a practising therapist and supervisor, I’m frequently asked to clarify the distinction between psychotherapy and counselling. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are distinct differences in each approach’s training, theoretical foundations, and overarching aims. At their core, counselling and psychotherapy both involve a trained professional … read more

Celebrating Mother’s Day with a Different Perspective Mother’s Day is a time for celebration and gratitude, but for many, it can also bring complex emotions to the surface. Not everyone has a positive relationship with their mother, and others may be dealing with the pain of loss. If you find yourself in one of these … read more

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace is more crucial than ever. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers a unique approach to achieving balance and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the history and practical benefits of SSP, a therapeutic auditory intervention developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges. The Genesis of Safe and … read more