Welcome!

My name is Syd.
I am an integrative psychotherapist working and living in Narrm/Melbourne.

In my practice, I am influenced by attachment theory, trauma theory, existential philosophy, phenomenology, developmental and psychodynamic theories and transpersonal developmental theories. I see experimentation, expression, and playfulness as important catalysts for growth. My ultimate aim is to facilitate an increase in self-awareness and regulatory capacity so that my clients can become ever more themselves.

I have has particular interest in working with individuals who feel themselves to be generally misunderstood. This includes (but is not limited to) those who identify as queer, transgender or gender non-conforming, first nations people, artists, activists, divergent thinkers, highly sensitive people, sex workers, former gifted children/gifted adults, and more.

How it works

Individual therapy

During the first 1-3 sessions my focus will be on getting to know you, what has brought you to see me, what your needs and goals are, and your history. During this time I may take some notes, and these will be kept confidential, as will anything you share during our sessions.
From these first sessions onward, we will begin the work. This will involve us developing familiarity and trust, as well as a shared understanding of your dilemma/s and goals.
Together we will develop and practice novel solutions to your unique challenge/s and find ways to become yourself.
Your role

During sessions it will be your job to share what’s on/in your mind (verbally, non-verbally or otherwise) as freely as is possible for you, and as your trust develops.
You may share thoughts, feelings, sensations, dreams, and beyond. All is welcome—whether it is contradictory, joyful, fearful, spiteful, dismayed, confused, or other. You can share about your outside world, your inside world, the future, past, present, and anything—everything—else.
My role

My job will be to facilitate your deepened awareness of your self through my own deep listening to you.
I offer you my full attention while being open, curious, non-judgemental—and encouraging you to develop a similar stance toward your own experience. I may prompt you to slow down, look deeper, or stay with something a little longer than you might otherwise do.

FAQ

Sessions are 50 minutes for a fee of $180. I also offer concession rates, but these places are limited.

Medicare rebates are not yet available for psychotherapy or sessions. However, many clients looking to undertake more in-depth or longer-term work (e.g., for trauma or attachment related issues) tend to find that, overall, the cost compares favourably.
Just like with paracetamol, psychotherapy has a ‘right dosage’… but that dosage will differ from person to person.
Typically, weekly sessions are advised. Fortnightly would be the maximum space recommended between sessions, and this would be more appropriate for someone seeking counselling around making life changes, or practicing new behaviours for life, school, or work.
For someone dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship/attachment difficulties, trauma, self-esteem issues or other more pervasive challenges, weekly is recommended. Less than this may prevent the therapy from ‘accumulating’ and leading to meaningful change.
As to how long… for the more pervasive challenges mentioned above, 30 - 50 sessions at a weekly pace is generally considered effective. Some may need longer, some may need less. Figuring out with your therapist what it will ‘look like’ when you can consider therapy to have been successful will help you to track your progress and find the right place to stop.
There is theoretically endless value to be achieved through therapy, provided your therapist adapts with you. More is not necessarily better, but length depends on your goals, values, and your particular therapeutic relationship.
No. Individuals with tougher life circumstances, those who experience pervasive psychic pain, and those without adequate support are often first to seek therapy. However, this does not mean that therapy is only in service of those with “serious” problems. Many people looking to make big achievements or changes turn to a life coach for services that many psychotherapists can also offer. There are those who have a vague feeling all is not as fulfilling as it could be, and psychotherapy is perfectly suited to them too. “Psychotherapy” may seem like a daunting, uncomfortable undertaking, but it can be light, playful, experimental and exploratory too.
Virtually endless discovery can be made and resources gained with the support of a trusted professional who centres your needs, experiences and feelings. Many people find therapy restorative simply due to having someone completely focus on them—someone who won’t betray confidence, derail the conversation, take things personally or make demands. This kind of space makes room for your mind to unknot. It can be a rare and precious experience for many, especially if there was short supple of this kind of attention during childhood or adolescence.
Item descriptionFrom my perspective, the key difference is in specific vs. non-specific ‘interventions’ (or ‘change processes’). Psychologists specialise in specific interventions, whereas psychotherapists specialise in non-specific interventions.
Specific interventions are particular treatment protocols supported by empirical scientific research. Examples include “a 10week course of CBT” or “Exposure therapy.”
Non-specific interventions refer to the therapeutic relationship, which should be characterised by trust, empathy, understanding, hope and empowerment. The relationship is considered to be a powerfully healing factor—Which is also supported by research.
What about the difference between psychologists and psychotherapists?
Any given psychologist may also have training in non-specific/relational factors. Psychotherapists may also have training in specific interventions.
Ideally, you will work with someone—be they psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist—who is an expert in both domains. That is, someone who is capable of building a strong, empathic and supportive relationships, who also has a strong theoretical grasp and is able to assist you with change processes that are a good fit for your situation, problem, and preference.
The right therapist for you could be all kinds of different things, and I can’t define that for you.
But typically, a good therapist is someone who feels kind and curious, who helps you to feel hopeful, who gives you a sense of confidence in them as a practitioner, and confidence in yourself as someone able to grow.
They should help you to define your problems and goals in a way that feels empowering for you. If you have difficulty trusting people in general, it might take time for you to assess whether your therapist is trustworthy. Let them know how you feel and see if they can support you to take a chance and trust them. That might be a big part of the work.
A good therapist will also challenge you, and therapy won’t always feel comfortable. Therapy is often referred to as a “safe emergency.” It’s a place wherein you experiment, push yourself to the edge of your comfort zone, and learn new skills. It’s also a space to celebrate strengths, wins, and joys, as well as stop and feel what anything you might have been running away from.

Always was, always will be

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that my practice is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I recognise with heartfelt regret that their sovereignty was never ceded. I wish to do my part to contribute to more collaborative, respectful and sincere engagement with the facts of our history and the demands of the present, so we may together have a more beautiful future.

Welcome!

Individual therapy

Your role

My role

Find me in Coburg

Let’s work together

FAQ