How I Work
Want to work with a caring therapist on the Sunshine Coast?
Approaching a psychologist to ask for help to deal with challenges in your life is no small thing. Quite the opposite, it requires courage and honesty to acknowledge you can’t do it on your own.
For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life to watch them prosper and live life to the full. It doesn’t mean the journey was easy, it rarely is, but the rewards are definitely worth it.
So, what does the therapy or counselling journey look like?
Therapy or Counselling Journey
Step 1 – Your First Session
During your first session, the main focus is to decide if I’m the right psychologist for you. You’ll soon discover if you like my style and approach, and whether you feel comfortable talking to me. Building trust is paramount as the best possible outcome can only be achieved when you feel you can trust me completely.
I’ll ask lots of questions as I want to understand you and learn to see the world through your eyes. In terms of therapy, I use a variety of therapeutic interventions based on your personality and the particular issues you’re dealing with.
Step 2 – Exploration
The best results are accomplished when you actively work on the issues that have been identified in the previous session(s). Also called tasks or homework, you commit to putting into practice what you’ve learned or making observations, if that’s what’s needed.
Clients who attend regularly and faithfully commit to set goals and tasks between sessions generally see faster results than those who don’t.
Step 3 – Going Deeper
Our lives can be compared to an onion, as it has multiple layers. Our task is to peel back layer after layer to uncover the core issues so you can deal with them.
Step 4 – Understanding
As people, we’re complex beings. And everyone is unique. Part of the therapy journey is to help you understand who you really are, and what makes you tick. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be much better equipped to deal with life’s issues.
Step 5 – Flexibility
Life is busy, and things happen unexpectedly. It’s completely up to you how often you’d like to see me. Some clients come weekly whereas others prefer to come fortnightly, monthly, or sporadically.
Step 6 – You’re in control
I don’t believe in forcing clients to talk about issues or trauma if they don’t want to. Personal autonomy is of the utmost importance, so you never have to worry about sharing things you’re not ready for. You run the show.
The therapeutic process has the best chance of success if you’re behind the wheel and in control at all times.