Psychotherapy - Natural Mind Therapy

“The human capacity for healing and growth is the most profound force we possess.
Therapy is about learning to listen to that force and let it guide us.”

Virginia Satir.

Natural Mind
Integrative Psychotherapy

As your therapist, I’m here to walk alongside you in those difficult places, through the hard times, and into a renewed sense of self.

Our work will seek to understand the source of your presenting concerns and to find a way through it – together.

I offer sessions to individuals in-person from a clinic space in East Melbourne and via telehealth.

Learn more about my integrative approach and what I may be able to help you with below.

“Before there is a self, there is relationship…
and it is from that relationship that the self emerges”

Alan Sroufe.

What is Integrative Psychotherapy?

Integrative psychotherapy weaves together diverse therapeutic approaches to address the full spectrum of human experience, meeting you with flexibility and depth. It honours the interplay between somatic, emotional, imaginal, and cognitive dimensions of your experience, cultivating a holistic understanding that adapts to your unique life challenges and needs.

What Natural Mind Therapy
can help you with…

Depression
Anxiety
Stress & Insomnia
Trauma
Attachment Issues

Grief & Loss
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Meaning & Purpose
Emotional Dysregulation

Natural Mind Therapy
Core Principles

Collaboration

We do this together

I believe that the best therapy is collaborative.
By working collaboratively we can ensure that every step of the process starts and stays aligned with your needs and preferences.

Although I will draw upon tried and tested models and techniques, I’m not an expert on your lived experience. That’s why we’re always guided by you, working at your pace, and on your terms.

Curiosity

We do this with openness

I believe that only by approaching our uncomfortable edges and most tender parts with openness and curiosity, without trying to force or fix, is change possible and sustainable.

Research shows that curiosity, being our innate drive to seek and explore, underpins how we write and rewrite patterns at the neural level. Any therapy that leverages this powerful instinct is a game changer – literally.

Compassion

We do this with heart

I believe that by orienting to our own and others’ experience with empathy, kindness, and compassion, we are tapping into natural and remarkable human capacities.

When we do this in therapy and in life, we activate profound healing pathways in our brains and bodies, proven to reduce stress, increase immune function, and help us regulate our emotions, becoming more resilient and capable humans.

Integrative Psychotherapy
Process

1. Intake & Interviewing

In the initial intake and interviewing phase, I will seek to establish a highly detailed, experiential, and embodied understanding of your presenting issue/s, and all the other threads that when woven together make up the fabric of your life.

This will usually require 2-3 sessions.

These sessions will typically be held in a conversational interviewing style, but may also include some formal scored assessments where applicable.

This comprehensive intake phase will explore:

-Main issue/s
-Goal/s
-Work life
-Medical history
-Relationships
-Family history

-Lifestyle
-Identity
-Religion/Spirituality
-Past traumas
-Grief and loss
and more…

2. Collaborative Formulation
& Treatment Planning

Through this understanding, together we develop a kind of map that applies established and well-researched theories of mind, emotions, relationships, and the process of change. With this map in hand, we develop a treatment plan – this is a living document that we are continuously adapting as needed.

This may take 1-2 sessions depending on complexity.

Some of the main theories/models we draw upon:
-Attachment theory
-Somatic (Body-Based) therapies
-Emotionally Focused therapies
-Mindfulness-Based therapies
-Trauma-informed therapies
-Psychodynamic/developmental therapies
-Couples Therapy models
-Dreamwork
-Ecotherapy
and more…

3. The Work

Once we have established this treatment plan, we do the work. Every step of the way we’re always checking in to make sure we’re on track and aligned with your goals and priorities. If any adjustments are needed, we course correct as we go.

Depending on your schedule, there may be homework assigned to support our work between sessions. It’s also important to know that therapy isn’t always easy and does require a commitment from you to show up and be prepared to do the work. Rest assured – there can be a lot of positive change and growth that is possible when you make this commitment to yourself.

Treatment time will vary with different factors, but most people should feel a noticeable difference after 8-10 sessions. Ultimately, my goal is for you to arrive at a place where therapy is no longer necessary.

Yet as time progresses, and your life and relationships naturally evolve, I also offer an approach that is flexible and adaptable to changing and expanding with you by providing ongoing support for no matter what life throws your way.

Are you ready to take that first step?

Book a Free Consult Call

FAQ

How are psychologists and psychotherapists different?

Psychologists focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions using evidence-based approaches that typically emphasise cognition and behaviour in their interventions. Becoming a clinical psychologist requires an undergraduate degree in psychology, and a masters degree in clinical psychology in order to be registered to practice.

Psychotherapists are typically more developmentally focused but also aim to improve mental health and well-being. While grounded in scientific principles, psychotherapists will also incorporate a wider range of theories and approaches which may include more emphasis on emotions, embodied experience, and the therapeutic relationship as key elements for facilitating change. Psychotherapists generally complete an undergraduate degree along with extensive personal therapy and ongoing specialised training in different models.

Do you accept mental health care plans?

Currently psychotherapy sessions are not eligible for Medicare rebates. However, I price my sessions to be matched closely to the out-of-pocket expense for a psychology session after the Medicare rebate.

Note: The standard Mental Health Care Plan only covers 10 sessions, and the arc of psychotherapy treatment tends to be longer in duration.

How much are sessions?

Natural Mind Therapy offers sessions for individuals for $150 per session, with some limited concession and financial hardship places available. Please contact me for more information.

How long are the sessions?

The standard psychotherapy session is 50 minutes long, but in some cases we may consider 90 minute sessions if it would support you in our work together.

How many sessions will I need?

The duration of therapy varies for each person and depends on factors like personal history, character, specific concerns, and the history/duration of present challenges. While significant improvements often occur within 8 to 26 sessions, lasting change may take longer for chronic issues.

Therapy is a highly personalised process, and the timeline will be collaboratively determined to best support your needs and goals. My aim is to help you reach a point where therapy is no longer needed.

How often should I attend therapy?

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and the issues we’re working on. Weekly sessions are often most effective, providing consistent support and accountability to foster change. However, I recognize that everyone is different and will work with you to determine the best schedule—whether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly—to support your goals and well-being.

Do you offer telehealth sessions?

Yes, although I primarily operate out of an in-person clinical setting I do offer telehealth sessions as required.

What if it doesn’t work?

In the unlikely event that our work doesn’t yield the results you were seeking, or if you feel like we’re not a good fit for any reason, I will happily refer you to another practitioner or service – I won’t take it personally.

When we’re working together I tend to be in the habit of inviting feedback at every step of the process. This is because I’m always motivated to be and do better for my clients. If something isn’t working for you, I’d welcome the opportunity for us to work that out and find a way through it together.

Meditation Coaching

Natural Mind meditation coaching blends timeless wisdom from the meditation traditions with cutting-edge insights from modern science.

Together, we’ll clarify your goals, create a customised practice plan, and provide the ongoing support and accountability you need for your journey.

More about
Meditation Coaching

Group Programs & Workshops

Natural Mind group programs and workshops span a wide range of topics, enhancing other offerings or serving as standalone learning experiences.

These programs provide accessible, practical tools and insights to support your healing and growth, helping you integrate meaningful changes into your life.

More about
Programs & Workshops

Taking the First Step…

Reach out today to book a free 15-min consult call to learn how
I can support you on your path of healing and growth

Book a Free Consult Call