I offer empathically attuned, trauma informed psychotherapy and specialise in a relational and effective therapeutic approach called Brainspotting. 

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I understand that everyone has unique experiences in life and I support my clients to find their own way through therapy so they can begin to integrate and find meaning and healing. ​I am currently offering therapy via Zoom and via Telehealth and will soon be offering face to face sessions on the Central Coast NSW. I am a Registered Victims' Services Counsellor and also registered with WorkCover and offer services via NDIS.

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I offer classic psychodynamic psychotherapy based on 'talk therapy' which is deeple attunded and empathetic. I also offer therapy based around an approach called Brainspotting which is a contemporary therapeutic method developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It aims to help individuals process and heal from trauma or difficult emotions by focusing on specific eye positions, known as "brainspots," that correlate with distressing memories or emotions.

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I initially practised Brainspotting as a client and experienced deep healing from past trauma that 30 years of other forms of therapy had not touched to that point. After witnessing such profound healing in my own body and life, I felt so empowered that I dedicated myself to training in this modality to benefit my clients.

 

Brainspotting is a tool, a resource, a system to harness the

brain and body's natural ability to heal...

Dr David Grand

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As a PACFA Registered Clinical Psychotherapist with a career spanning over 25 years, I offer a safe and confidential space for you to explore your inner process and work on ways to increase your inner peace and vitality. I work with people experiencing a wide range of challenges including child and adult trauma, sexual and other violent abuse, stress, anxiety, attachment issues, relationship problems, self-worth issues, depression, grief and loss.

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What is Brainspotting?

• Brainspotting assists you to heal emotions or traumatic experiences.

• The approach involves identifying "brainspots" through eye positions, which are linked to specific memories or emotions. The therapist uses mindfulness techniques to help the client access and process these emotions.

How Does Brainspotting Work?

• Certain eye positions correlate with brain areas that store traumatic memories. By focusing on these eye positions, you can access and process these memories and integrate them into long term memory where they belong.

• Brainspotting serves you to access deep brain regions associated with trauma, such as the midbrain, which are less accessible through conventional talk therapy. It also incorporates body mindfulness to process bodily sensations and emotions related to the issue or trauma.

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Brainspotting uses the wisdom of the body to integrtate trauma held deeply within the neurocircuitry of your brain...

 

Differences from EMDR

• Brainspotting was developed from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) but is quite different.

• Brainspotting: Focuses on fixed eye positions where EMDR: Involves side-to-side eye movements.

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Conditions Brainspotting Can Help With

• Trauma and PTSD
• Attachment Issues
• Dissociative Disorders
• Emotion Regulation Problems
• Depression and Anxiety
• Phobias and Addictions
 

Potential Side Effects

• Risks: Generally safe, but clients may experience intense and challenging emotions during sessions.

• Physical or Mental Health Impact: Minimal risk compared to medications, and while the emotional experience can evoke distress, you will be supported with my caring presence and attunement.
 

Effectiveness

• Evidence: Research is still developing, but early studies suggest brainspotting can be as effective as EMDR for PTSD and may be beneficial for other conditions like anxiety and depression.

• Duration: Typically involves 1-6 sessions, with some studies showing continued improvement with further sessions for some clients.
 

What to Expect in a Session

1. Welcome, review and arrive.

2. What issue do you want to work with today?

3. Let's find today's brainspot: Most often I will use a pointer to locate your preferred brainspot. Sometimes we don't use the pointer but find a 'gaze spot'.

4. You will then hold your gaze on the spot as your brain processes emotions and memories.

5. Debrief of thoughts and feelings that emerged during session.

6. Planning further sessions if necessary.

Brainspotting is a promising contemporary therapeutic approach that offers a potentially shorter treatment duration compared to other trauma therapies. While more research is needed, initial findings are encouraging, particularly for trauma, anxiety, and depression. Many clients experience profound relief of symptoms.

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Please contact me for more information.

 

Fees

60 minute session $165 GST inclusive

• Available for WorkCover, Victims Services and NDIS clients

• Online via Zoom

• Telehealth via phone

• Face-to-face at Meraki Wellness Centre - Ground Floor  Platinum Building, 4 Ilya Avenue Erina.

​​​​Tax Invoice available on request