Welcome!
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My name is Astrid and I am a PACFA registered clinical counsellor with nearly 20 years of experience, a certified Level 2 IFS psychotherapist, and a certified mindfulness teacher. I have a special interest in trauma informed, mindfulness and body-based approaches. I specialize in working with complex childhood trauma, but can also help with a range of other issues.
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I am based in Witta, just west of Maleny, and see clients in person or via Zoom. A lot of people find the beautiful drive to and from their appointment valuable to prepare for their session beforehand and reflect on it afterwards. And on busy days there is always Zoom.
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Please do be in touch if you are wondering if I might be able to help you.
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My values
I see counselling and psychotherapy as a collaborative process between you and me and not something I 'do' to you. You remain an active participant the entire time. ​My style of counselling is gentle, authentic and compassionate.​ My priority is to help you feel safe, at ease, respected and understood. And empowered and confident about being able to make positive, lasting changes in your life.
Together we look at what is bothering you in your life and I help you explore those issues, find the root causes and discover ways forward.
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I have a deep trust in people’s own capacity to overcome difficulties in their life, no matter how long standing. I see the therapy process as simply the catalyst they need for change, healing and growth to take place, and my role as one of the facilitators of that process.
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I am also very pragmatic and flexible in how I work: whatever works for you, works for you, and we'll work with it, even if what works for you does not fit into theoretical models or mainstream paradigms. Models and frameworks are useful, but when someone's lived experience is different, we need to honour that.
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About
How I work
In my work I integrate a range of therapy modalities, depending on what is needed for the person and in each session. I draw on person-centred counselling, various mindfulness based approaches, a range of (somatic) body-focused modalities, and in more recent years very often Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
I have been finding IFS a very powerful, deeply transformative and holistic form of therapy that combines very well with mindfulness and somatic therapy modalities. IFS can often bring clarity and significant transformation when things are complex and stuck, and other approaches have not led to lasting change.
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Underneath a lot of our psychological and emotional struggles, including a lot of mental health issues, are often difficult childhood experiences that we may or may not have awareness of. IFS therapy can help us access those early life experiences in a way that is safe and not overwhelming, and to start changing and healing very deeply rooted, long standing difficulties.
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I have also done training in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, a very promising therapy modality that is being revived all around the world for treatment resistant depression, PTSD, end of life anxiety and an increasing range of other issues. I am not a licenced subscriber of psychedelics, but can support people in the preparation and integration of therapeutic psychedelic journeys.
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What I can help with
Life can be pretty complicated these days, and we can all find ourselves struggling with it sometimes. Most of us also don’t quite have the social supports human beings simply need to thrive. Having someone to talk to who is completely there just for you, who is patient, understanding and caring, and who has a lot of knowledge and experience in helping people explore and resolve their problems can make all the difference.
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Some of the common reasons people seek the help of a counsellor or psychotherapist​:
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Wanting to change self-restricting, sabotaging patterns that keep getting in the way of you being the kind of person you would really like to be, and living life the way you would like to​.
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Issues with self-confidence and self-compassion​ – having a very loud inner critic!
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​​​​​Feeling stuck, or lacking direction in life​
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​Relationship difficulties
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​All sorts of mental health issues such as ​anxiety, depression, and other mood problems, (complex) PTSD, dissociation. ​
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And then there is also •Anxiety & Panic Attacks •Assertiveness •Childhood Issues •Communication Issues •cPTSD •Decision Making •Depression •Dissociative Disorders •Dual diagnosis •Emotional Overwhelm •Existential Issues •Grief and Loss •Guilt Feelings •High Sensitivity •Life Transitions •Loneliness •Performance Anxiety •Personality Disorders •Phobias •Psychosomatic Issues •PTSD •Relationship Issues •Self Criticism •Self Development •Self Harm •Sex Related Issues •Sexual Abuse •Social Skills •Stress Management •Suicidal Feelings •Trauma Recovery •Workplace Issues
The Practicalities
There is no referral from a GP or other health professional needed to come and see me, just get in touch and we'll make an appointment. Sometimes I will be able to book you in for an appointment within a few weeks weeks, sometimes it will take a little longer.
​I see people in person at my studio in Witta or online from anywhere via Zoom or WhatsApp.
​I charge $120 per hour. Some private health funds might cover some of these costs. Medicare rebates through a Mental Health plan unfortunately do not apply.
If you would like to see me but can not afford my full fee, please do be in touch to discuss a discounted rate.
​If you are an NDIS participant, and have a budget for Capacity Building, sessions with me will usually be covered by your Plan - do check with your Plan coordinator.
