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The Benefits of Psychotherapy

In psychotherapy, psychologists apply scientifically validated procedures to help people develop healthier, more effective habits. There are several approaches to psychotherapy —  including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and other kinds of talk therapy — that help individuals work through their problems.

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Anxiety

Anxiety (also called angst or worry) is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. It is the displeasing feeling of fear and concern. The root meaning of the word anxiety is 'to vex or trouble'; in either presence or absence of psychological stress, anxiety can create feelings of fear, worry, uneasiness, and dread.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (also known as posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else, or to one's own or someone else's physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, overwhelming the individual's ability to cope.

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Domestic Violence

Domestic violence occurs within the private sphere and is one of the most common and least visible forms of violence against women.

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Attachment

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  • Being able to build a collaborative relationship is an essential part of achieving a successful outcome.  So it is really important to find someone that you have some confidence in and you feel comfortable with.  Well, as comfortable as possible given the circumstances of meeting a stranger and talking to them about personal issues that you may never have spoken to anyone else about. It’s a big ask, but worth the effort.

    You may have tried a number of people already who have not been helpful or this could be the first time you have had a look. Wherever you are in the process of deciding whether to call, it may help you to know a little about me, what brought me to become a therapist, my training and what I am able to offer you.

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  • The Conversational Model

    The Conversational Model was devised by the English psychiatrist Robert Hobson, and developed by the Australian psychiatrist Professor Russell Meares who is based at Westmead Hospital here in Sydney.

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  • Why therapy?

    A positive experience of ourselves can be shattered or stunted by a range of events.
    Those can be:

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  • Sonya Lawler - Professional Ethics

    Abiding by a code of ethics is an essential element of the counselling and psychotherapeutic relationship. Such a commitment provides protection for the client and the therapist and establishes important boundaries for behaviour and responsibilities.

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  • Sessions are 50 minutes long and usually occur weekly at the same time.

    When you call to make an appointment, we will organise a time to meet. During the initial assessment I seek to gain a detailed understanding of you and your needs. This process usually takes up to three sessions. You will also be deciding whether you feel comfortable working with me.

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  • Parenting Program

    This attachment-based parenting program has been thoughtfully developed using over fifty years of research, integrating insight and understanding from attachment theory, mother-infant research, object relations theory and neuroscience. 

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  • Psychotherapy deals with more deeply rooted and persistent problems that may require longer and more intensive support and work to be alleviated. These issues can stem from trauma, dysfunctional family relationships, abuse and neglect.

    Therapy works to alleviate your feelings of distress and facilitate your capacity to move forward with a clearer and more vibrant experience of who you are and what is important to you.

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  • There are many occupations that provide ‘front line’ services to people.  By ‘front line’ I mean services where you are in direct contact with people who are in distress or traumatised.  This kind of work is very demanding and can take its toll emotionally, physically and psychologically.

    These occupations often require a high level of confidentiality coupled with high expectations of success and capacity to cope.  This can mean that there is little opportunity for you to talk freely about difficult encounters, reflect on their impact or develop strategies to de-stress.

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  • Sonya Lawler Counselling and PsychotherapyCounselling is most helpful for those who are experiencing short term difficulty about a specific issue or crisis.

    Most of the time we are able to resolve our difficulties with the support and care of our friends and family if we are lucky enough to be surrounded by a supportive network of people. There are times, however, when we are overwhelmed by the magnitude of emotions and complications that surround a particular event or problem.

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  • Reactions following abortion can vary from relief and a quick return to normal through to extended and deep feelings of regret and distress. It is not uncommon to feel sadness and regret immediately following the procedure for a limited period of time and this reaction is exacerbated by the fading presence of pregnancy hormones.

    For some women however, the grief following abortion does not abate and for others, it can be months or years after that they experience an emotional reaction to what has happened. These women can experience an array of distressing symptoms that can be triggered by many things such as the break up of a relationship, the birth of another child, seeing a pregnant women or a significant date such as Mother's Day.

    Seeking supportive counselling is an important step towards processing the aftermath of unexpected feelings and resolving the grief they are experiencing.

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  • At present, counsellors and psychotherapists are not covered by medicare and this is generally reflected in the fees they charge. I am a counsellor and a psychotherapist, but not a psychologist, so I am unable to offer medicare rebates at this stage. However, my standard fee of $130 takes this into account and is less than the standard fee of a psychologist.

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