Blue Mountains Therapies

“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength” Sigmund Freud

" I am passionate about working with people so they can make a real difference & improve their life. It takes a bit of time & courage to open up honestly about your struggles, heartaches & vulnerability.
Working with a trusted & experienced therapist can actually make a significant difference in how you move forward in your life.
One of the goals of therapy is to give you more understanding, satisfaction & tools you can apply in your life.
I have found it very rewarding to play a role in improving the lives of individuals, couples & families"

Individual Psychotherapy

Face to face & online sessions available

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Everybody experiences hardship at various times in their life. Often people will try to solve their own difficulties by themselves or with family & friends. If these efforts have not worked, then people usually seek out a Professional Therapist for a period of time.
A safe holding environment is created where a client’s feelings, no matter how difficult are received with empathy and a reliable stance where together we work through their ups and downs. Over time, through processing, understanding and integration the client transforms challenges into insights. Where eventually a more solid sense of self can emerge and change can take place that is both rewarding and strengthening for the client.
I also have a lot of experience working with people with cancer and their carers. Working with clients during treatment, post treatment and after care. Providing an environment and position that can meet the client where they are at as they navigate a range of emotional states. Including the impact cancer has had on their life and loved ones.

What happens during sessions ?

Talking with a Professional Therapist is very different to talking with people in your own life. Sessions are non judgemental, confidential and a safe place to talk over a range of issues.  Sessions build trust as the client & therapist work together in a therapeutic relationship to help find solutions to the issues presented. I may draw on a range of theoretical approaches and strategies when working with clients.

What approaches do you use?

Theoretical Approaches: Humanistic & Existential Psychology, Jungian Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Systemic Therapy, CBT, Trauma Informed Therapy, Emotionally Focussed Therapy for couples & families, Family Systems Therapy.

Reasons people book sessions

Relationship/Marriage conflicts
Trauma & complex trauma
Anxiety & panic attacks
Depression
Parenting & concerns for your child. Pre school age through to young adults
Grief & loss
Cancer. Living with cancer or caring for a loved one
Work conflicts
Drug & Alcohol issues

Do I need a Referral?

No GP Referrals are required all you need to do is contact me to book a mutually convenient time.

Ready for the next step?

Book Appointment

Couples Counselling

Face to face & online sessions available

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Couples counselling can help a couple through crisis and bring them closer together. Sessions are a safe and non-judgemental space to talk and understand each other better.
I will guide couples to gain insights and learn strategies to enhance their relationship. I may identify blind spots a couple are unaware of and provide tools to improve their relationship.
De-escalation and damage control strategies can be applied.
The role of the therapist is to assist the couple to move forward in a constructive way and re-connect in their relationship.

What happens during sessions ?

In my experience, it is not the differences that a couple have about their relationship, it is their approach to dealing with these differences that becomes an issue.

Couples usually book sessions when things have been going in the wrong direction for some time. Initial sessions are 90 minutes. This gives a couple enough time to talk over their perspectives on where the relationship has broken down. Most couples will have different issues and perspectives. My non-judgemental role is to understand where things have been going wrong and to find better solutions and strategies for the couple. I encourage the couple to talk as honestly as they can so I can assist them.

Some common dynamics that occur in relationships:

A demand/withdraw pattern; where one partner demands more from the other partner and they withdraw.
Attack/counterattack pattern; where both people attack and blame the other person. This increases defensiveness and isolation
Avoidance pattern; where one or both people avoid the issue so it is not dealt with at all.
Blaming & shaming pattern; where one or both people put the other person down and hurt each other. This increases isolation.
Assumptions pattern; where one person assumes things about a person’s behaviour or thinking which is often misguided. This often occurs when there has been communication breakdown.

I often give a couple homework where they can constructively and collaboratively work on their differences together.

Follow up sessions are important for a couple to consolidate what’s working and trouble shoot in the areas that are still problematic. Couples usually book 4-6 sessions depending on their situation.

I work with heterosexual and same sex couples.

What approaches do you use?

My therapeutic approach is to create relational self-awareness through Emotionally Focussed Therapy, Conflict Resolution & De-Escalation strategies and Mindfulness strategies. My focus is on enhancing relationship satisfaction, improving communication styles and helping a couple build a healthier & more resilient relationship.

Reasons people book sessions

There are usually a range of reasons a couple will book sessions.
Some common reasons include:

Communication issues
Relationship breakdown
Escalating conflicts & arguments
Affairs/infidelity
Issues around intimacy
Different expectations of each other
Family pressures
Economic/work pressures
Blended family dynamics
Cultural differences
Resourcing a couple who want to separate or divorce (costs & legal advice)

Ready for the next step?

Family Therapy

Face to face & online sessions available

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Family Therapy provides sessions for one or both of the parents to attend to the concerns for their child/children. A range of strategies can be applied for the parents to implement into their family life. This can include effective ways to engage and communicate with your child. Parents know their children better than anyone else. Therefore, it can often be more effective for the parents to address their concerns in sessions and then apply the insights and resources from sessions within the family home. 
When things go wrong in the family, it doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you as parents or there is something wrong with your child. In my experience it usually means there are pressures and challenges affecting family life or your child’s life and these can be addressed and reworked. Finding what is going to work for your child will be individually tailored to suit each family.

More Info about Family Therapy:

My Family Therapy sessions are a relational approach. Drawing from Psychoanalytic theories on early childhood development & relational dynamics within family systems. Applying the theoretical work of D.W Winnicott, paediatrician & psychoanalyst. Where a child is viewed not in isolation as a problem but as an integral part of the family system and wider community (school & other activities). When a child is behaving outside of their normal/natural self these concerns can be addressed with one or both parents in sessions. Once challenges have been identified, then investing in constructive change for the child and family is the next step in moving forward. This is a commitment in working towards a better outcome for your child and the family as a whole. Where heart to heart dialogue can be a part of building a child’s resilience and a stronger sense of self. It is a commitment for better resolution over a period of time.

Reasons parents may book a Family session

Child is isolating & withdrawn
Child is not communicating
Bullying
Child is being aggressive
Stealing
Too much time on devices
Impact on child/children when parents go through divorce/separation
Blended family dynamics
Low self esteem
Anxiety
Self-harming
Trauma
Risk taking

Ready for the next step?

Book Appointment

Remedial Massage for Women

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“Today I’m grateful for this body. How it still carries me after everything I put it through. This is the love I’ve been looking for and it’s been there inside me all along” Ava

I have 30 years of Remedial Massage experience to reduce your pain, stress and recovery from injuries. I provide a range of therapeutic techniques to skilfully work towards improving the health of the muscular skeletal system, circulatory system and other systems of the body.
The aim is to restore muscular function & increase range of movement. A range of remedial techniques, trigger points, mobilisation & stretches are incorporated in treatments.
I have also been trained in Hawaiian massage.
I use Hawaiian forearm massage techniques in Remedial massage treatments.

People have treatments to relieve a range of body pains, injuries as well as to relax their body and mind. Sessions are individually tailored to suit your needs. Quality cold pressed natural oils & essential oils applied.
Stretches and professional recommendations provided where necessary.
A range of lovely music used in sessions will transport you to relaxation and inner reflection. Candles and aromatherapy infuser creates an ambient environment and the essential oil aromas will enhance tranquillity. 

60 Minute Session $ 115

90 Minute Session $ 160

Ready for the next step?

Book Appointment

Additional Benefits of Massage Therapy with a Psychotherapist

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As a Psychotherapist, I have a good understanding of how stress and trauma affects our bodies. If you have experienced ongoing stress, burnout or trauma such as sexual assault or domestic violence, my massage treatments can offer you a safe place where your body can relax and be treated with respect while you receive therapeutic massage sessions. I may use certain essential oils to assist you to relax, calm your mind and feel nurtured during your massage session. 

Pregnancy & Post Natal Massage

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There is no other time in a woman’s life than when she is pregnant that she will go through the greatest changes in her body over 9 months. Pre-natal massage may include resourcing the mother with information on perineal massage to help the mother prepare for birth.

More Pregnancy Massage Info:

Pre-natal massage is offered to women from 12 weeks onwards.
Therapeutic techniques are applied to the mother’s body while she is comfortably positioned on the massage table in a side lying position.
Techniques are adjusted and also applied as the mother’s pregnant body changes throughout each trimester.


Some of the benefits of pre-natal massage:


* Relief of lower back, shoulder & neck discomfort.

* Relief of sacral iliac pain 

* Reduce fluid retention, leg cramps
* Relief of varicose vein discomfort. .

* Reduce tension headaches.

* Improved quality of sleep.

* Quality nurturing time for mother & baby.

* Calming the nervous system.

* Respecting the mother & baby connection. May include resourcing the mother with information on perineal massage to help the mother prepare for birth.

More Post Natal Massage Info:

Some of the benefits of post-natal massage:


* Postural re-alignment of the lower back after pregnancy and birth.

* General back relief.

* Relief of shoulder discomfort from carrying & feeding their baby.

* Reduce fluid retention & relief of varicose veins.

* Quality nurturing time for mum. 

Ready for the next step?

Book Appointment

Herbal Medicine

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After practising Herbal Medicine for 35 years in private practice as well as working at a Health Resort, I now offer advice and recommendations to psychotherapy and massage clients on diet, herbal medicines and supplements.

Herbal remedies are available at my clinic in Katoomba.

I have formulated an Immune Tonic tincture for adults, which has been very effective for combating colds & flu and supporting Immune Health.

Immune Tonic Info:

This Immune Tonic tincture for adults is made up of the following formulation:
Astragalus, Echinacea, Grindelia, Liquorice & Ginger.

Liquid tincture Herbal extracts are stronger medicines and more easily absorbed than herbal tablets.

Only available after a mini health consultation.

200ml bottle $56.

You can also purchase Rescue Remedy which is a well known natural remedy to relieve shock, stress, trauma and to calm the body & mind.

Rescue Remedy Info:

My Rescue Remedy Formulation contains the following:

The Fower essences of Star of Bethlehem, Clematis, Rock Rose, Impatiens and Cherry Plum.

Handy to have in your handbag for those moments you need some centering and relaxation.
Very effective with children when they are stressed, overwhelmed, frightened and ungrounded.
Can also be used with your pets and put in their drinking water to help calm them.

25ml bottle $19

Available at my Clinic in Katoomba

Ready for the next step?

Book Appointment

About Paula

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I have had a long interest in helping people.
I am genuinely passionate about helping people find solutions and better ways to move forward in their life.
Whether it is psychological help or relief from physical symptoms I can make a positive difference to many areas of your life. Get in touch if you would like to discuss how I can assist you.

I am also a team member at Blue Mountains Counselling Centre

Qualifications:

Clinical Psychotherapy 2008
Post Graduate Training:
- Infant Observation
- Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
- Transference & Countertransference
- Complex Trauma 2015

Certificate in Pre Natal & Post Natal Massage 2001
Diploma in Remedial Massage 1995
Certificate in Hawaiian Massage 1994
Diploma of Herbal Medicine 1990

Associations:

Clinical Members of Australian Traditional Medicine Society 1990 - current

Clinical Member of The Institute of Clinical Psychotherapy 2008 - current

Clinical Member of International Association of Relational Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy 2012-current

Professional Development:

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Paula attends regular Professional Development webinars and seminars each year to expand her knowledge and skills.

In addition, she is engaged in writing & presenting clinical papers on the Practice of Psychotherapy at The Institute of Clinical Psychotherapy.

Contact Me

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Book Appointment

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Our Service

We offer professional Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision and Training.
We will endeavour to respond to e mails within 24 hours Monday to Friday.
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