A good fit, in
both directions

Research on therapeutic outcomes shows fit with the psychologist matters more than the modality they use, their skill, age or anything else.

It’s great that there are so many different clinicians in the world – what suits one person may not suit another, and that’s ok. 

Looking through this website can help you discover if we might be a good fit, but often you just need to have a first session to see if it feels right to you. 

For more on the practicalities, see the FAQs page.

AREAS I WORK WITH

Much of my
work sits in the
grey zones

People often come to me because something feels unresolved, tricky, or out of alignment, even if it’s hard to name exactly what it is. 

Sometimes people arrive with a previous diagnosis, or a range of symptoms that may match up to a diagnosis they are keen to explore.

The list below isn’t exhaustive, so drop me a line if something is on your mind and you’re unsure whether I can help.

Work, Leadership & High Performance
Such as managing a difficult situation, environment or choice at work, identity loss or confusion, a career cross-road, leadership challenges that have a deeper base than coaching can reach, being a senior leader who needs a confidential space away from work, friends and family, or managing competing demands and pressures
Anxiety, Stress & Overthinking
For example, chronic stress or feeling constantly 'on', excessive worry, rumination, mental rehearsing or memory playback, difficulty tolerating uncertainty, panic attacks, Generalised Anxiety or other anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or difficulty switching off and detaching from things.
Identity, Purpose & Life Transitions
This may include questions of purpose, direction or meaning, loss of identity, role or future expectations, major life transitions, adjusting to the after-effects of a big decision, trying to make sense of something confusing, or wanting to step back, map life out and rediscover joy and meaning.
Relationships, Boundaries & Family
For example, repeating relationship patterns, boundary-setting and assertiveness, parenting or supporting someone with complex additional needs, or making sense of an estrangement or whether one may be necessary.
Confidence, Mood & Emotional Wellbeing
Such as emotional numbness or disconnection, a crisis of confidence, overwhelming self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy or failure, or symptoms of depression and a loss of joy and vitality.
Trauma, Grief & Difficult Experiences
This includes grief and loss, working through something very difficult from your past, making sense of a difficult upbringing, understanding the impact of trauma, or working through another medical diagnosis..
Habits, Behaviour & Emotional Regulation
For example, repeatedly getting stuck in the same patterns, unhelpful behaviours that keep getting in the way, anger, frustration or reactivity, emotional regulation challenges, or developing emotional skills for yourself and your family
Mental Health & Assessment
Such as wanting to better understand anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or possible neurodiversity, or simply not knowing where to start with a significant mental health concern
Decision-Making & Moving Forward
For example, making a difficult decision, needing an independent sounding board, deciding whether something can be solved, or finding a way forward when it can't
Growth & Psychological Skills
This may include developing psychological skills, having a regular space to think and reflect, or simply wanting to understand yourself better and live with greater clarity and intention

Practices

should be
intentionally
focused

There are some client groups and contexts I don’t work with, because they are outside my areas of competency and experience, or I am not registered to do so.

  • Children or adolescents
  • Couples or families seeking relationship therapy
  • Court-ordered, forensic, or medico-legal assessments
  • Reports for legal proceedings, compensation claims, or disputes
  • Assessments or treatment required as part of employment, insurance, or legal processes
  • Primary substance dependence where specialist services are required
  • Acute crisis situations where immediate or intensive support is needed
  • Clients through TAC, Victims of Crime, NDIS, Workcover or other third parties

 

Many of my clients are men. Have a look at the FAQs for more info. 

The fit matters

We could be a good fit if
  • You are willing to give this the time and space it needs, even if we start a bit chaotically
  • You are open to therapy that adapts over time
  • You want a thinking partner, not only a sounding board
  • You value being met with care and warmth, but also rigour
  • You appreciate having your assumptions gently (or robustly) explored
  • You are comfortable working with someone who names patterns respectfully but clearly
  • You want therapy that engages your mind as well as your emotional world
  • You are interested in understanding how you think and decide, as well as what you feel and believe
  • You just happen to click with me
We may not be a good fit if
  • You are looking for immediate solutions or motivational coaching
  • You prefer prescriptive advice over collaborative exploration
  • You want therapy to stay light or unchallenging
  • You are needing crisis or emergency support
  • You are seeking a formal diagnosis in line with the DSM-V upfront
  • You are looking for support in a particular area outside my training and scope
  • You need to carefully consider cost, as while you can get rebated sessions with me, there will still be out-of-pocket expense
  • You don’t have the bandwidth right now
  • You just happen to not click with me

Timing matters too

Therapy is often most useful when there’s a bit of space around it — not squeezed between meetings and seen as another stressful item on the to-do list.

It tends to go better if you can attend sessions without rushing in or out. Over time, we can start to reserve this space to reflect and openly engage with what comes up between sessions. 

If now doesn’t feel right, that’s okay. Part of our first call can be about whether it’s the right support now, or if it might be better revisited later.

Sometimes unblocking the things that stop you from being able to actually make space for yourself is part of the work!