Finding a therapist you can trust
Firstly, If you’re considering getting some support — whether it’s about unhealthy habits, negative thought cycles, anxiety, recovering from trauma, or strengthening your self-esteem, finding the right therapist you can trust is the first hurdle to cross.
And it's super important to have someone you're talking to that you feel safe with, can trust and really understands where you are at. You need to know this person has your back and has some wisdom on how to move forward.
Researchers have found that the bond between you and your therapist is likely to have a big impact on your growth. That’s why it’s important to do your research, ask questions, and pay attention to your own responses in your search for the therapist that’s right for you.
It might sound obvious that not all therapists and healers are qualified equally - but what does this actually mean when you’re trusting a therapist to help you relieve your emotional pain and point you in the right direction out of the maze.
I don’t want to start finger pointing at the qualifications for hypnotherapy that can be obtained over a weekend, or how anyone can really call themselves a “coach” as the industry isn’t tightly regulated on that basis. Who am I to say that people who have minimal on paper qualifications aren’t inspiring, motivating and enormously helpful?
Let me instead, tell you about my pathway to being a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.
My studies in this direction didn’t start in my younger, wilder years that’s for sure! Although my experiences from those times, studies in philosophy, writing, media and communication taught me so much! Not least about what we do and mistakes that can be made on our road to self-discovery and authenticity.
Before I chose this vocation, I lived and worked across three states and travelled extensively in Australia and overseas. After a dynamic and mostly successful career in Public Relations and having my daughter ten years ago, I embarked on a new adventure in postgraduate study (i.e study after an existing Bachelors degree) specialising in Counselling, Psychotherapy and then Clinical Hypnosis.
My studies here trained me on how to develop and maintain a therapeutic relationship. The essence of this is how to be with people in therapy and to embody the essential core conditions of being a therapist. These are not necessarily skills to learn, but traits to integrate into the fabric of your being when you are in that space. Essentially, you have to effortlessly and naturally respond to your client with empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence. No matter what approach I take, these conditions are always present.
I also learnt a number of different theories and also modalities in therapy so you can see what resonates with you, your values, strengths and personality and how you feel you can help others most effectively. There is also extensive research and analysis in psychology and how we operate on this magical mystery tour as humans.
Understanding ill mental health and how someone experiences life with these problems is paramount. This knowledge is hugely valuable in learning to identify what struggles some of us are burdened with and what kinds of treatment plans might be suitable for relief.
It also teaches you to identify the “worried well” which is many of us may I add - the people that are functioning, often at a high level, but have struggles that they need support, insights and guidance through and benefit from a profound understanding of themselves and how they have become this way. This can often come out in relationships.
It was while I was studying my Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy I took an elective in hypnotherapy, and quite by chance and without a great deal of forethought, I somehow fell into a modality of therapy that harnessed my own potential and capacity to heal others.
This excellent foundation into the power of hypnosis was truly a light bulb moment for myself. It felt effortless for me to deliver healing, supportive and sometimes transformational words to people that addressed specifically exactly what they needed and what was holding them back.
After further studies with some of the great minds in this field - including an intensive face to face training program with Dr Michael Yapko who was the author of our university textbooks - I welcomed a new vocation.
And truly, I never stop learning.
My association requires commitment to complete training programs every year and also regular therapy sessions to work on myself and my own blindspots and blocks.
This is a blessing.
Every-time I confront an issue or an ingrained pattern and embody a new way of seeing myself in the world, I can then teach you from my own experience and wisdom. My extensive training allows me to be qualified to deliver this guidance safely and ethically.
I operate in private practice from Queensland, Australia seeing clients face to face and virtually all over the world. I'm currently also crafting self-paced online courses online to complement my one on one work.
If you would like the opportunity to see if I am the right therapist for your needs you can book a complimentary 15 minute discovery call to answer any questions you may have about Clinical Hypnotherapy, what success I may have had in the past and how I might work with your unique situation.
These calls provide an opportunity to see if we are aligned.
As it is a discovery call with the opportunity to ask questions, and not an actual session I won’t be offering actual therapeutic interventions.
But I would LOVE to talk to you...
Find a time here:
