For the national psychotherapy day I put together a little questionnaire to ask about experiences in therapy. The themes that came up were not surprising to me. Most people who answered the questions were appreciating their therapy experiences. Naturally there would be a bias because most people who this questionnaire reached are interested in psychotherapy. … read more

Psychotherapy helps us to develop a positive outlook for the future. Resolving past traumas, less then nurturing experiences and attachment disruptions is the main aim of therapy. Being heard, seen and supported in emotionally sensitive way can help to connect to our positive sense of self (Meares, 2000). Learning to relate via the safe containment … read more

We’ve all had moments when our mind is calm, loving, happy, present, and awake to stillness and possibility. But for many of us, that quickly gets covered over with daily stresses, distractions, fears, and regrets. In Dr. Rick Hanson’s new online program, Neurodharma, you’ll explore seven characteristics of the wisest people who’ve ever lived, and … read more

Mental health issues are constantly in the news. We are suffering  from relational problems, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and so on. These ‘disorders’ or other mental health diagnoses are often stem from untreated traumas in our life. Our government and the media only seem to know about one way of treating these life challenging issues … read more

In my practice many clients walk through my door looking for support with their relational issues. As a trauma and attachment specialist I often imagine what their life was like at the start? Who was around, how did they learn how to relate, how did they learn who they are?   When we are born … read more

Since the Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme began in 2006, there has been a great deal of confusion in the public about who can provide therapy and mental health services. Making an educated choice about who you would like to be your therapist has consequently become even more complex.  Being in therapy is … read more

Recently a client of mine showed me the book: Your Resonant Self. I love learning from my clients. Our work reminded her of what she read in the book. I become very intrigued so I had to check it out. Sarah Peyton managed to write a very accessible and practical book to help people with difficult issues … read more

http://www.childhoodtrauma.org.au/2015/august/practicing-shame-resilience Shame is not easy to talk about. It is a powerful emotion and can have trans-generational effects if it is not talked about and processed (Bradshaw, 1988). In order to develop a sense of worth, we need to have a parental figure giving our experience value. (Meares, 2005). If this is lacking, we believe … read more

On the Labour Day weekend just gone, I attended the 30th anniversary conference of ANZAP, the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy. While there was a strong sense of celebration at our collective achievements, and we were encouraged at the continuing success of the Conversational Model of Psychotherapy, we were also keenly aware that our … read more

The word “resolution” is rooted in a beautiful idea that’s nearly 700 years old: in Latin, it means the process of reducing things into simpler forms. Mmmhmm. We’ve gotten lost on the way to New Year’s resolutions, didn’t we? There’s a much better way to create the year you want. No baggage, less striving. More … read more

I love this quote. I feel it in my body, know it in my heart. Unfortunately there is so much disconnection in our lives and I find the current political tension is further dividing. In my practice one of the biggest theme that is surfacing is: loneliness. Loneliness and isolation is negatively effecting our physical … read more

Dear Brave Friends, I am sending you this nice warming image in this ‘cold winter’ morning. I am originally from Hungary so I still feel spoiled by our beautiful winter here in Sydney 🙂 The quote on the picture is from a book I read recently: The Examined Life, by Stephen Grosz. Such a beautiful … read more

Human memory is a sensory experience, says psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk. Through his longtime research in trauma treatment, he shares what he’s learning about how bodywork like yoga or eye movement therapy can restore a sense of goodness and safety. Source: Bessel van der Kolk — Restoring the Body: Yoga, EMDR, and Treating Trauma

A very brave mum wrote me an email. She wrote a book, based on her own experience to help kids understand depression. My name is Nina Mitchell. I am the mother of three boys, a qualified primary school teacher and now a first-time author. I have also suffered from depression for several years. While being … read more

Following the royal commission investigation and George Pell’s testimony, I feel furious. Shame and all effects of trauma grows exponentially if it is surrounded by, secrecy , silence and judgment. The royal commission is providing an opportunity to shine some empathy and compassion towards the survivors, and by doing so, reduce their suffering. It seems … read more