About Cate ... I am a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist (PACFA) and worked previously as a senior clinician within the public mental health system. I have been in private practice for over 15 years. My tertiary education in psychotherapy includes a Masters degree in Psychoanalytic Studies and a four year training program in Gestalt Therapy. I have completed further education and training in PTSD, Complex Trauma, Neuroscience, EMDR , MIndfulness and Grief and Loss. I've been around a while and worked in a lot of different areas in mental health including inpatient units, community mental health services, self harm and suicide intervention programs, crisis management, Youth, gender dysphoria, sexual assault and trauma and group therapy programs. When am not working I read, swim, hang out in the bush, enjoy art/music of all genres, learn French, and hang out with my dog, Elliot. I love the ocean, but live in the bush, which I also love. I am passionate about human rights, am a student of Buddhism (for most of my adult life), love neuroscience and fascinated with theories of the mind and consciousness. I was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for my work at ground zero - Paddy's Bar and the Sari Club - following the first Bali bombing in 2002. Professional Memberships and Registrations PACFA - Clinical Member (Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation Australia) ARCAP - Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists ISSTD - (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation)- member I am listed as : A recommended therapist for students undergoing training through Gestalt Institute of WA. Registered Counsellor with Cancer Council WA Therapist on ISSTD website experienced in working with clients who present with CPTSD / Dissociative Disorders. |
What I do ...
I see clients for both short term counselling and long term psychotherapy in Bunbury, Fremantle and online (anywhere!). My approach to therapy is to facilitate emotional and personal growth through developing awareness, insight, self acceptance and self compassion.
I use IFS (Internal Family Systems) / ego state or ' parts' model with most of the clients I work with. Some of the things that people come to see me about on a regular basis include but certainly not restricted to: Depression and Anxiety Childhood Issues Trauma and Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, neglect, abandonment/attachment) Complex PTSD EMDR for trauma Personal Issues and Life Transitions Birth Trauma Addictions Relationship Issues Grief and Bereavement Difficulty Managing Emotions (including Borderline PD) Lack of life satisfaction Clinical Supervision for Therapists I offer clinical supervision and case consultation for therapists and counsellors working with clients presenting with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. |
I know that the thought of counselling can be a little (or a lot) daunting for some people. See blog entry 'First Sessions'. . No matter what issues you are coming to counselling for the most important goal is for you to feel emotionally safe (trying to stay within the window of tolerance) as much as possible. I am always lead by you in the work that you want to do and the direction you want to go in therapy.
I do ask lots of questions, both for me to find out about you and for you to think about things that you might not have thought about. I used a 'phased approach' (as per best practice guidelines Blue Knot Foundation and ISSTD) if we are working on trauma. This means that we don't go to places that you are not ready or don't wont to go. I am quite open, fairly unshockable, at times irreverent (but never about my clients) and like to be able to share a few laughs, which, even in the most bleak and desperate of situations, can help healing. |