What is psychotherapy like?

When we first meet I will ask you about what brought you to therapy, and if you aren't sure that is fine, we can start with that. I will try to create a safe, accepting space for you to talk freely and for you to share with me whatever is on your mind. The very act of talking openly is usually a good beginning and that, in and of itself, can be therapeutic. We will talk back and forth for 45 minutes with the focus being your thoughts and feelings and what has happened to bring you to this point. This will include your current situation as well as your history.

Should the fit between us feel comfortable we can decide on a time and day to meet and we will then meet weekly either for a brief period or continue over an extended period.

Over time, our own unique therapeutic relationship will naturally start to develop. As we talk together, a particular ‘flow” or style of conversation will start to emerge between us which will allow me to get a sense of what it feels like to be you, and together we can find a way of making sense of your situation, your thoughts and feelings. Talking like this helps change the way you relate to yourself and to others. Fears start to dissipate and possibilities and a greater aliveness generally start to emerge.

I often get asked the question- do I provide solutions and tools to manage difficulties. My answer to this is, as we develop a relationship I will introduce my thoughts, ideas and suggestions that may be helpful to you and we can decide together what is best for you. I see it as us joining our minds together to help you.

How does change happen in psychotherapy?

Over time as our therapeutic relationship develops and you start to feel safe and valued when talking with me, trust will develop and with trust, will perhaps come the ability to expand what you can talk to me about. This will include not just the content of what has happened to you, but also all the associated feelings about what happened.

Together we will seek to develop your capacity to understand these feelings, to accept them, and to cope with them without avoiding or becoming emotionally overwhelmed. The uncovering and acceptance of buried feelings leads to a stronger sense of self, better relationships and a greater feeling of vitality.

Additionally, a narrative of your own will begin to emerge and come together in a clearer, coherent, way - a way which may look and feel different from that which you may have taken on from others.

What kind of issues and problems do you deal with?

Over the years I have had extensive experience in working with adults, dealing with all kinds of life issues and feelings. These have included: anxiety, depression, perfectionism,trauma, self esteem issues, relationship problems, conflict issues, work and ambition issues, adjustment difficulties and more. My particular areas of interest are the development and maturation of the self, attachment trauma, anxiety, and the perinatal adjustment period.

What would my commitment be?

Typically, sessions are 45 minutes long and occur at the same time once a week, unless we make other arrangements concerning frequency. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your doctor (gp or psychiatrist), I will give you a weekly invoice that you can submit to Medicare for reimbursement. At the first session we will discuss my fee and if you have financial constraints we can discuss the possibility of a fee adjustment.

Where are you located and how would I contact you?

My office is located in Woollahra. Feel free to leave me a message at 9018 9299 with your phone number and I will return your call promptly. Alternatively, you can email me at: nicky@nickyabitz.com.au