Attachment-based Counselling in Morpeth, NSW

I am a psychologist, with an approach to therapy that is person-centred and holistic in nature, taking into account the many aspects of the human experience and the influences that shape us. I have experience in assessing and providing therapeutic services to adolescents and adults with a diverse range of mental health conditions, and have a special interest in working with complex trauma and dissociation, anxiety, and attachment difficulties. I strive to create safety for individuals to explore their vulnerabilities and am passionate about supporting clients to reduce suffering, to live authentically, and achieve their goals.

I am a Hunter Valley based therapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years experience. I offer a wealth of knowledge and in-depth experience of complex trauma, life-controlling issues, addictions and relationships. Co-founder/CEO of a women's rehabilitation program, Destiny Haven, our mission is to see the lives of broken women restored. I have received significant recognition for my achievements, including finalist in Telstra Businesswomen's awards (2017). I use proven approaches offering unique expertise to help you quickly begin to experience relief from life controlling symptoms that hinder your relationships and limit life

I am a clinical psychologist who works with a range of psychological and emotional concerns. I specialise in working with anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues. I have a particular interest in working with young people and adults who are experiencing eating disorders. I strongly believe that with supportive, effective, and personalised intervention, people living with eating disorders can experience a full recovery.

I'm a clinical psychologist with experience in both the public and private sector helping teenagers and adults overcome emotional challenges. I believe people need someone to be in the moment with them as they face their feelings in response to everyday struggles and past issues. I prioritise emotional regulation and understanding so people feel empowered to meet their true capacity and overcome life's challenges.

I'm passionate about supporting the healing journey of people with a lived experience of trauma. I have a genuine desire to connect with people and build a trusting working relationship where we can learn and grow together. I have worked in the mental health field since volunteering (as a uni student) 20+ years ago. I am honoured to have the role I hold.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of mental health and wellbeing concerns. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment difficulties, stress, emotional difficulties, trauma, and family and relationship problems for individuals. I use a holistic and collaborative approach with clients to develop individualised psychological treatment to optimise their mental health and wellbeing. My ultimate goal is to help individuals enhance their quality of life, foster positive change, and promote lasting well-being.

The one constant we all share, regardless of our gender, wealth, race, location or religious beliefs is that we will spend our life in our body. This will also be one of the most confronting, challenging and potentially beautiful relationships we'll ever experience. Can we fully embrace our body? Can we come to terms with the social and cultural factors surrounding our body and, when the time comes to leave our body, will we do so with love and gratitude for how it helped us to connect with ourselves and others? Let's explore those questions together.

I am passionate about working collaboratively with people through processes of change that improve their overall health and wellness so that they can live a fulfilling, self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential. My counselling style is gentle, empathetic and non-judgmental that provides an authentic, comfortable space for the people I support. I value really getting to know people and their life journeys and forming a solid relationship with them so they feel comfortable to talk freely with me about their concerns and struggles. I am here to listen, be present, walk alongside and support you towards your goals.

About you: You are a person who wants to rest in a safe space. You may be seeking a place to be vulnerable, held and supported while you process your experiences and discuss your inner thoughts. You may have experienced trauma, be a new parent, undergoing stressful life changes and adjustments or looking at learning new coping skills. Please note: I accept Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP), your Medicare rebate will be $89.65. We are not a bilk billing practice. Your out of pocket expense will be $135.35.

Every person's journey is unique, and I like to understand the background and goals of the people I support to ensure we create a personalised plan for them. I am very experienced in supporting adults, and adolescents and I have a strong interest in supporting people navigating anxiety, grief and loss, PTSD, developmental trauma, and the myriad of life's challenges. My approach is twofold: I believe in equipping you with immediate tools to cope with present concerns, while also delving into the roots of these issues – be it past events, deep-seated beliefs, or coping mechanisms – to pave the way for a brighter future.

Are you struggling with major changes, loss or uncertainty about the future? Maybe you're contending with a child’s worsening behaviour or mental health and you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or at a loss. Your family or intimate relationships may be more strained or volatile and you find yourself reacting to or retreating from others more than you'd like. Real Life Counselling provides a supportive space to explore and address your concerns about the realities facing you and your loved ones.

I currently work at McKinnon Psychology and Southside Health and Wellbeing in private practice seeing individuals with a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties and emotional dysregulation across adolescence to adulthood. Additionally, I also work with parents adjusting to the perinatal period with moderate to severe mental health challenges at the Perinatal Mental Health Service (PIMHS), Sydney Local Health District. Additionally, I have previous experience working at Nepean Hospital at the Nepean Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Family Metabolic Health Clinic and Nepean Antenatal Clinic.

I support self-discovery and self-expression by offering a respectful, compassionate and attuned presence, therapeutic skills and experience; honoring the emergence of clients' deep inner wisdom and a self-empowered way of living. I offer support with meaning making and facilitating post-traumatic growth. My clients are those affected by childhood trauma / attachment traumas, re-living emotional pain from the past; dealing with addictive patterns, disordered eating, complex family dynamics, ancestral trauma, relationship issues - family or peers, body image and self-identity.

I have over sixteen years experience in treating mental health conditions in adolescents, adults and older adults. I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). In my journey as a therapist, I found CBT was not reaching the heart of the issue for my clients and was a surface level treatment. I searched for more and found ISTDP to be a more thorough explanation of the human person, particular what causes problems and psychopathology. I use ISTDP with an attachment based lens now as my main therapeutic modality.

My therapy approach is trauma-sensitive, attachment-based and acknowledges that suppressed emotion and unresolved trauma is held in the body. Avoiding our emotions is one of the main contributors to mental health issues and my approach provides a greater understanding of our emotions and the behaviours that go with them. Our emotions organise our inner experience and avoiding them means missing out on the vital information they hold. For lasting change to occur, we must fully engage with our emotions, rather than fear them.

I work with adults (18+) and couples wanting to improve their mood/anxiety, relationships, and for those wanting to understand and change how their history continues to shape their relational patterns today. This may be particularly pertinent during the perinatal period (during pregnancy and postpartum). I also work with couples to prepare for and adjust to transition periods of marriage and parenthood. I believe in the wisdom of working to strengthen and bolster relationships from a place of preparation rather than waiting until things become difficult to seek support.

Leisa is a psychologist providing tailored assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and adults. Leisa provides comprehensive assessment for developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Intellectual (Cognitive) difficulties using gold standard measures. She is experienced in the treatment of ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, PTSD, attachment difficulties, and selective mutism. Leisa is an accredited Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) practitioner and is currently providing Telehealth support online (Zoom).

I enjoy working with people from all ages and stages in life including children, adolescents, parents & their families with concerns such as anxiety (including OCD & selective mutism), depression, emotion dysregulation, issues at school, family relationship difficulties, self-esteem and traumatic experiences. I also enjoy working with adults of all ages who are experiencing relationship difficulties, adjusting to life stages/changes, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma/PTSD, burnout, perinatal & postnatal support & sleep issues.