Counselling for anxiety & low mood in Bendigo
If you are feeling persistent inner turmoil, a sense of nothingness inside, or exhaustion from the harsh thoughts of an inner persecutor, Narrative Therapy and psychodynamic understanding offer a way of exploring and making sense of such terrains—including the shame and guilt going with nothingness and the inner persecutor. As a Master’s-qualified narrative therapist and counsellor based in Greater Bendigo, I provide medium- to long-term psychotherapy in Kangaroo Flat for adults who want to explore their inner landscapes and build the capacity to reflect compassionately on their emotions and experiences.
Making sense of who you are
Although I may explore diagnostic labels with people if they wish, I do not diagnose people using worksheets or give them homework.
I don't provide advice or general strategies about what to do. That said, if you feel like asking me a question, please do—ask what you think you cannot ask a therapist!
Importantly, what you ask or say in therapy is fair game and part of exploring who you are, or figuring out a different way of being in relationship—where you can bring yourself as you are, and speak with a more authentic voice, with less fear.
I come from the stance that people’s internal struggles are deeply individual and shaped by life experiences as well as culture, family systems, and groups we are in, but may not feel, we belong to.
Instead of labeling or trying to banish feelings of inner terror or dark thoughts, I help people who come to therapy make sense of who they are, give space for them to speak in their own voice about what frightens them, and what takes their joy away.
Finally, not diagnosing people and not using CBT, which is often perceived as the sole evidence-based therapy for anxiety and low mood, does not mean I am not committed to evidence-based practice. I hold a strong interest in evidence-based practice and what truly makes people well—as a way of thinking critically about therapy, which I discuss in my reflection, Can we talk about evidence-based therapy?
Anxiety as a metaphor of perpetually falling
There are many kinds of anxiety that a person can feel, and you may have your own metaphor for what anxiety feels like?
A colloquial, often-used description of anxiety is feeling like the other shoe is about to drop. Another metaphor for a feeling of anxiety may be that you are falling perpetually, as if there is an abyss below you and no one will catch you.
The dark thoughts of low mood
You may have had dark nights of the soul for a long time or a sudden life change or significant life transition has brought it on. I hold a space where any thoughts are welcome, including what you may have to say about our work together or way out thoughts.
It is my experience that over time, what is hard to say may gradually become less formless and easier to deal with even for darker shapeless things that have troubled you.
Collaborating and thinking together
You might have come here with a sense of hopelessness and feel that even therapy is futile and something you cannot do right. Finding hope and then solid ground may take some time. Particularly if your struggles have lasted a lifetime.
The therapy I provide is grounded in the two of us collaborating and thinking together—with emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and the process of regular therapy to become connected to yourself and others.
Curious about exploring your inner landscape?
You can read more about my specific practice framework on my How I work page. If you would like to see if we are a good fit for therapy, please reach out for an initial call back from me, where we can discuss the next steps.