What is said in session stays in session, unless:
- there is a risk of harm to self
- there is risk of harm to another
- you give me permission to share
I will be open with you if I ever feel I need to breach confidentiality, and am open to discussing hypothetical scenarios if you’re ever unsure about disclosing something

In sessions, you are the boss, and will always have choice. You get to take as long as you need to decide how much you can trust me, and while I will always intend to do my best, it’s ok for this to change. I assume that everyone who makes contact has experienced hurt of some kind before, it’s unfortunately common. Just know that it’s not necessary to go in to detail about the difficult things you’ve been through in order to heal, unless you want to. My primary job is to provide a safe, or safe enough, space for you to begin to breathe better again.

You are the expert on your life, I will support you to access the wisdom that you do have within. Active listening, including open questions and noticing non-verbal communication, helps us to explore what’s going on

I believe that we are all doing the best we can with what we’ve got. It’s all too easy to be hard on ourselves. You will have amazing resources and insight that you are already using. Even our “problems” (eg difficult emotional states, dysfunctional behaviour) often hold a real silver lining once we can understand them more fully

Your environment will be impacting your wellbeing, for better or worse. What relationships are you in? How is your family history, neighborhood, school, workplace? Do social norms or government policy affect you somehow?

Emotional and mental states cannot be separated from the physical body. At times I may ask you to bring attention to any physical sensations that you may be experiencing in the moment- it can show us the way forward.

Using figurines and perhaps a tray with sand to explore your reality. Normal therapeutic conversation may continue, or some may prefer silence. Particularly useful for working with different aspects of self, relationships (eg families), and trauma. Often incorporates art therapy and somatic techniques.

CBT- related therapy skills particularly useful for safety and stabilisation. Dialectics involve being able to see truth in two seemingly opposing ideas, eg fully accepting myself while also seeing a need for change. Includes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills.

The ability to have attention in this present moment, rather than the past or future. A multitude of methods exist: exercise, meditation, art, martial arts… even washing the dishes. We can find out what suits you best. Empower yourself to be free, and more effective in life.

At times, it could help to discuss a theory relevant to your situation. I may provide handouts, worksheets, or recommend other resources.