Counselling in Catalina, NSW

BodyMatters Australasia provides treatment for eating disorders, body image issues and problematic exercise. Specifically clinical eating dosorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and arfid. Also subclinical eating issues such as orthorexia. Our large team enables specific expertise within this such as an overlap with neurodivergence including adhd and autism, trauma, other health issues such as diabetes. We also service the LGBTQI+ community. We have immediate availability for new clients due to our growing team. We offer face to face (Sydney) and Telehealth treatment.

Hi, I am Alexandra. I am a qualified social worker, with lived experience. I know how it feels to need support. I work with individuals who have a mental health diagnosis. I will walk alongside you on your mental health journey. I offer a non-judgemental space where you can talk to me about your journey and goals for the future.

I have been working as a psychotherapist & counsellor for over 30yrs in a variety of government agencies (including sexual assault services, rape crisis services, victims of crime support services & women's health services) and private practice (11yrs in Sydney & 6yrs in Canberra). I have specialised in working with people whose histories include complex trauma, attachment trauma, developmental trauma and trauma in adulthood (including childhood sexual abuse, emotional & psychological abuse, childhood physical abuse, family violence, coercive control in relationships & adult rape). I also work with people struggling with PTSD.

Neurological conditions affect both the patient and their family. I offer my services to both. Neurological disorders are doubtless among the most frightening illnesses that human beings face. Knowledge is sometimes the only power there is against the vagaries of these ailments. That is where counselling from a specialist psychotherapist comes in. I will make an assessment of the patient’s condition and take a medical history. I will also work with the patient’s doctor to coordinate the psychotherapy with medical treatment. I offer sessions by Phone, Skype, FaceTime and ZOOM. Call me and let’s discuss possible therapeutic options.

I work primarily with folks who’re struggling in their relationships. Mostly, I work with romantic partners, but also with mothers & daughters, business partners, friends and individuals. My clients typically have difficulties in communicating effectively with others, especially during conflict when they’re feeling all the feelings. Clients also often approach me because they’ve been betrayed in relationship. Sometimes, there’s been an affair, an experience of sexual assault, or an unexpected separation...

My wealth of lived experiences including gender transition inform my collaborative client centred counselling approach. Whilst presenting issues may include depression, anxiety, identity incongruence, dysphoria, trauma, interpersonal challenges, addiction, loneliness, and more, I seek to work with the underlying causes as I believe that through addressing the root causes of the presenting symptoms that psychological wellbeing can be achieved without judgement or further pathologisation.

Men are often taught not to reach out for help. You may have been made to believe that to seek help for yourself was to admit weakness or that it would make you a burden. Maybe you don't know where to start. But you've been thinking about getting professional support for some time now, that's why you are here. You know you need help, maybe because you're experiencing social anxiety or an overwhelming difficulty to get out of bed. You might no longer enjoy the things that used to make you happy, or you're having darker, more intrusive thoughts. It's starting to impact your relationships, your work & your physical health.

Are you someone who feels overwhelmed more often than productive? Do you constantly go from inspirational-world-changing-momentum to collapse-on-the-bathroom-floor-moment, with little peace in between? For people who are walking with anxiety, sadness or loneliness. If you're ready to stop the chaos, find connection and get in rhythm with your self, your dreams and your best life, I can help you.

It is your ability to integrate change, to identify valued ways of living and to build connection that is the key to living well as you grow older. You may be coping with life transitions or change, managing a chronic illness or disability, or caring for someone. You may be experiencing loss, or dealing with stress, anxiety or depression.

I am privileged to work with individuals who are on a profound quest for self-discovery. Many people initially seek therapy as they navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, or an inexplicable sense of unease. You may find yourself perplexed by a persistent feeling that something is amiss, despite your apparent success in some or many aspects of life. Together, we can embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of your inner world, fostering a deep understanding of your psyche. I provide a warm and welcoming space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Bush fires, floods and pandemics…. because life wasn’t stressful enough! We are locally based clinicians with a combined 45+ years of experience which includes working in government organisations, inpatient mental health units, community mental health teams, not for profits and private practice. The Stress & Trauma Clinic use trauma-focused and evidence-based practices tailored to the needs of the client and honour the individual as the expert of their experiences. Our clinic is in Bowral NSW and we are available to provide services throughout Australia.

I hold a safe space where you can be yourself and be fully listened to in a way that may be different from what you have experienced before. Having the freedom to talk about confusing thoughts and feelings will eventually allow you to understand yourself better. I believe that the quality of the relationship we build together is key to fostering safe and in-depth self-exploration and healing. I foster authentic and meaningful communication and connection to strengthen your sense of self. I am passionate about helping you understand, process and accept your inner experiences and trust your inherent resources to resolve them.

Modern mothering is wild. Whether you’re just at the beginning, been at it a while or somewhere in between, the changes and challenges of mothering continue throughout our lives. You are not alone - I can help. I specialise in working with mothers who are figuring out how to find a sense of self and steadiness in this messy existence. You want to be the mother you imagined, to live your values and juggle it all. But sometimes, you fall short. We can work together towards your goals; to feel like yourself again, to be able to show up for yourself and your children, to understand, to heal and to grow.

You might want help with anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, trauma, or relationships. Or you are looking for a translator to help you communicate across different neurotypes (NT/ND)? Do you want to break old habits, create new patterns, talk through things that you are still holding on to. Maybe you have been (newly) diagnosed with Autism or ADHD and you want to process your diagnosis in a neurodiversity affirming way? (Whilst I have a special interest in neurodiversity and trauma, I see a range of clients for a range of issues.)

I am a clinical psychologist with specialist skills in LGBTIQA+ affirming support and eco-therapy offering both face to face and telehealth. I have experience with clients from all walks of life, ages, neurodiversity and sexuality and gender spectrums and have published internationally on the topic of minority stress and the effects of discrimination on mental health. I also do WPATH assessments. I am also passionate about the benefits of connecting with nature and the environment and offer eco-therapy for individuals and groups including working with climate change anxiety. I am also trained in Buddhist Psychology.

I am a registered psychologist and board-approved clinical supervisor. A decade of experience in the psychology field has seen me undertake a variety of work including: child and adolescent therapy; parenting support; group facilitation; university student counselling; adult therapy; clinical supervision; and service management. I practice from an attachment-based and relational framework and am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Schema Therapy; EMDR; the Circle of Security protocol; and the 'Becoming Us' Perinatal Mental Health Facilitator Training.

Many of my clients are exhausted from a life in which everyone else's needs have always been made more important than their own. From the earliest age, they weren't supported to have boundaries, and now find themselves struggling with self-esteem, low mood, anxiety, problems with keeping supportive friendships and partnerships alive, struggling to assert themselves at work or cope with professional demands, and feeling stuck in relationship dynamics in which they can't be their true self. They want to put their painful past behind them, and to have their needs recognised and allowed space going forward.

People often feel confused, unsure or overwhelmed. Anxiety, distress, emotional pain and sadness can impede one's ability to engage fully in life. I will work with you to explore your own strengths, and build your resilience and coping skills. Together we will explore your challenges, and find ways to move forward. Safety, warmth and respect for individual differences are key to my approach. With a foundation of trauma informed practice, I use strengths based, person centred counselling, deep listening, art therapy, goal setting and mindfulness meditation. I have counselled people from all walks of life, on all life's challenges.