Brainspotting and EMDR online therapy

 

Compassionate brain-body based therapy to help stabilise, process and integrate past wounds and burdens so you can find your spark of joy again.

Do you feel like you’re stuck by past trauma or overly responsible for everyone else’s problems, neglecting your own needs in the process?

If you’re ready for change and want to build a future full of connectedness and choice,  you are in the right place.

I offer compassionate brain, body, and mind therapy, free from judgement, to help you gain clarity and confidence, reignite creativity, and reconnect for a more satisfied and purposeful life.

Your brain has the capacity to self-heal, and your body is wise – it will only go at its own safe pace.

No matter how long it’s been, you can get your life back.

What I offer

My therapeutic support is guided by a holistic action plan that includes psychoeducation, social-emotional learning, and creative problem-solving.

In-person (NW Coast Tasmania) and online brain-body therapy using IFS-Informed EMDR and brainspotting techniques to help you recognise persistent trauma-related challenges and reconnect for a brighter, more satisfied life

A grounded presence with an intuitive, integrative brain-body experience that allows you to unpack and process your "trauma capsule" safely

Professional and confidential support with processing, witnessing, and acknowledging the hard stuff and then shining the light of hope as you integrate the new shift from your brain-body work

ONLINE | REMOTE | IN-PERSON

Brainspotting Therapy

Brainspotting (BSP) uses relevant eye positions to identify, process and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms.

BSP is a brain-body and bottom-up approach that works with your innate ability to heal. It integrates diagnosis and treatment, using biolateral sound for its deep, direct, and powerful yet focused and containing effects.

Rather than being a standalone therapy, BSP has been designed to integrate with all other therapeutic modalities.

ONLINE | REMOTE | IN-PERSON | INTENSIVES

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is designed to resolve distressing memories or symptoms that lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

EMDR therapy aims to reduce emotional distress and strengthen useful and positive ways of thinking and re-learning related to the traumatic event(s).

Unlike talk therapies with a trauma focus, EMDR can be effective with pre-verbal trauma, that is often described as a ‘felt sense’ or a knowing, such as birth trauma.

The EMDR protocol does not necessarily require:

  • Detailed descriptions of the event(s). You choose how much you want to share.
  • Direct challenging of your beliefs.  You are often asked to identify a negative cognition, such as “I am not good enough” and also a preferred positive cognition that you would like to strongly believe.
  • Exposure to your traumatic memories.  You may be asked to identify a target memory or the worst part, yet again you choose how much you want to share.
  • Work between sessions involving further exposure to memories. Often new relevations and insights may pop up like fragments of a jig-saw puzzle. 

This is what makes EMDR a more direct form of therapy over a shorter period of time, and a less stressful process for you.

I offer EMDR online and in-person. Remote or virtual EMDR therapy does not suit everyone but is just as effective, making it an ideal option if location is a barrier.

You can choose between regular intensive EMDR sessions (90 min sessions) or EMDR Therapy Intensives (6-12 hours within blocks over a month).

ONLINE | REMOTE | IN-PERSON

EMDR & BSP Therapy Intensives

 

 EMDR & BSP Intensives uses a more immersive format, creating an environment where you can deeply uncover and explore the patterns that have shaped your life.

The extended duration of each IFS-Informed EMDR & BSP Intensive session, either virtual or in-person, enables accelerated progress. Instead of waiting weeks between sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into your healing process intensively, building momentum and continuity.

This concentrated focus enables us to address core issues more efficiently and move toward resolution at a faster pace.

Accelerated EMDR – scheduled within a fortnight:

  • Initial session (90 minutes)
  • 1 x half-day session (1 x 3 hours)
  • Follow-up integrative session (90 minutes)
  • Includes a personalised workbook, creative journalling tips and a self-care visual.
  • Cost $1295.
  • Payment plans via Halaxy now available.

Accelerated EMDR – scheduled within a month:

  • Initial session (90 minutes)
  • 3 x half-day sessions (3 x 3 hours)
  • Follow-up integrative session (90 minutes)
  • Includes a personalised workbook, creative journalling tips and a self-care visual.
  • Cost $2590.
  • Payment plans  via Halaxy now available.

ONLINE | REMOTE | IN-PERSON

IFS-Informed Services

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a powerful transformative tool that views each individual as a complex system comprising protective and wounded inner parts, all guided by a core ‘Self’.

We believe the mind is naturally multiple, and that is a good thing. Similar to members of a family, these inner parts often take on extreme roles. Yet ‘Self’ is in everyone, and it knows how to heal.

As an evidence-based psychotherapy, IFS enables you to access and heal these inner parts, fostering both inner and outer connectedness.

IFS is also a way of understanding personal and intimate relationships and stepping into life with the 9 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, control and connectedness.

How I work; Using the Three-Phase approach to treating trauma

My therapeutic practice – incorporates EMDR, brainspotting, and IFS-informed services – follows a clear three-phase approach designed to guide you through the work we do.

An animated brain with multiple flowers in yellow, orange and magenta growing out of it. EMDR online/virtual and in-person therapy based in Tasmania Australia to help you integrate past trauma and reignite your spark of joy

Phase One

We begin by ensuring your safety and stabilisation, which is measured in skills, not time.

Establishing a secure base for your therapy, safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment is essential so you’re prepared for what might come up in our sessions and have practical strategies to manage.

As you develop awareness, you will be able to build on your innate strengths and reframe your symptoms more effectively.

An animated brain with multiple flowers in yellow, orange and magenta growing out of it. EMDR online/virtual and in-person therapy based in Tasmania Australia to help you integrate past trauma and reignite your spark of joy

Phase Two

Next, we move on to treating trauma by processing, witnessing, acknowledging the hard stuff, and integrating.

It involves disrupting the automatic responses you experience, such as fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses or feeling a cascade of emotional overwhelm and catastrophe.

This phase may also involve memory resolution and predominantly involves using brain-body activities for ‘affect regulation’ – the skills to manage your emotions effectively to cope with what’s happening around you.

An animated brain with multiple flowers in yellow, orange and magenta growing out of it. EMDR online/virtual and in-person therapy based in Tasmania Australia to help you integrate past trauma and reignite your spark of joy

Phase Three

Lastly, we work towards consolidation, integration, and reconnection. As well as building your life skills, such as assertiveness, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Through your resolution and recovery, you will begin to make meaning out of your past experiences and start confronting the destructive beliefs that developed, such as “I’m not good enough”, which has kept you stuck.

There can be some discomfort during this phase as significant shifts occur. Stepping out of the shadows into a new role – releasing unrealistic expectations, shame, guilt, blame, and fear as an informed, wiser adult Self – carries some adjustment and courage.

Who is this type of therapy BEST for?

People who are open to using “non-talking” therapies that integrate brain-body methods, such as using your imagination and learning to tune into your body and identify emotions and body sensations.

People struggling with stress related disorders. And people who are stressed due to being stuck in patterns of self-doubt or self sabotage, people-pleasing, co-dependency and Imposter syndrome.

People who are challenged by symptoms of anxiety, sleeplessness, addictions, and depression related to major life transitions, who are often experiencing isolation, shame, guilt, fear and not feeling in control.

Who is this type of therapy NOT suited to?

Anyone who is involved in an active legal case.

Anyone whose primary method of coping is self-harming behaviours.

Anyone who is in active addiction to substances or taking benzodiazepine medications (which usually end in “-pam”).

Anyone looking for a quick fix and not willing to invest in their own safety and therapy.

Common Concerns and FAQs

Regular sessions or intensive therapy – which one should I choose?

Regular therapy sessions provide a valuable space for exploration, but the IFS-Informed EMDR & BSP Intensives takes it a step further. Through a longer and more immersive format, together we create an environment where you can deeply uncover and explore the patterns that have shaped your life.

The extended duration of each IFS-Informed EMDR & BSP Intensive session enables accelerated progress. Instead of waiting weeks between sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into your healing process intensively, building stabilising resources, momentum and continuity.

This concentrated focus enables us to address core issues more efficiently and move toward resolution at a faster pace.

What type of trauma does EMDR help?

The most widespread use of EMDR is for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it’s also becoming widely used for anxiety disorders, addictive behaviours, vicarious trauma from work, medical trauma, grief and loss, and domestic violence.

It can also be useful for adult children of “emotionally immature” parents to address issues such as feeling overly responsible, holding criticism, and seeking perfectionism.

EMDR can also address adverse childhood experiences such as neglect, unmet needs and safety, exclusion, rejection, humiliation, and instances of physical and sexual abuse.

How long does brain-body therapy take to work?

In most cases, people who undergo EMDR & BSP therapy will start to see a reduction in their symptoms within a few sessions.

For some people, the effects of EMDR & BSP therapy may last for a long time after treatment has ended. For others, the results may be more short-lived, and they may need to return for additional sessions.

What type of outcomes can I work towards?

At the end of your EMDR or BSP therapy session, you can expect to feel differently about the experience.

You may find you can talk about it, should you wish, without experiencing the usual flashbacks, physical sensations, or all the negative thoughts and emotions associated with the experience.

With BSP you may just notice, that whatever the issue was no longer bothers you, it holds no charge over you.

Where and how are therapy sessions held?

I offer both in-person and online/remote therapy sessions.

Face-to-face sessions are held in my therapeutic space in Burnie, Tasmania. Online sessions are held virtually via Zoom telehealth.

Do online/remote/virtual EMDR therapy sessions work as well as in-person?

The good news is that online or virtual EMDR & BSP therapy is just as effective as visiting your therapist in person.

In fact, there are extra benefits to working with a therapist remotely:

You don’t have to leave your house, which means you can work through trauma or anxiety in a place that makes you feel safe – whether that’s your home, your car or somewhere else.

This also means there’s no travel time to worry about.

Plus, having an online therapist allows for complete confidentiality and privacy. No one needs to know about your sessions or what is discussed unless you want them to.

What will I feel like after a trauma therapy session?

It’s normal to feel drained after EMDR sessions. The process of revisiting and processing traumatic memories can be exhausting. Your brain is also building new, positive neural connections. And that takes a lot of energy. 

After BSP you may experience a deeper sleep, as an added benefit.

Be reassured that your body will only go at its own safe pace. So, although there will be a level of discomfort, you will be able to handle it.

Be kind to yourself after each session, and allow time to rest and drink plenty of water.

I’m worried about sharing such personal information. Is therapy confidential?

Ensuring your privacy and personal safety is my top priority.

I strictly follow all confidentiality and privacy regulations as required by law and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) professional standards.

Do you work with people of any age?

My brain-body therapy mainly focuses on adults over 18 years of age.

However, I have worked extensively with children over my career. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss therapy for your child (5 years or older).

How much do therapy sessions cost?

Regular individual sessions are $225.00 for 90 minutes (paid in advance). The accelerated EMDR Intensives are charged at a set packaged rate.

Are there any concessions or rebates available?

Unfortunately, I am unable to offer payment concessions, private health care rebates, or Medicare rebates for my trauma therapies.

What is the process to get started?

For the first step, You have two options:

1. Complete the intake form on this website with your details.

2. Schedule a 15-minute introductory call (via Tidycal) find the link on this website, so we can briefly discuss the challenges you’re struggling with and how I can help.

3. If I am the right fit for you, then  I’ll arrange to send you Intake Forms (via Halaxy) to collect more details, explain my policies and procedures and payment information.

4. Then the next step is to set up our first session. This first 90-minute session is about getting to know you, discussing your concerns, and  identifying your supportive resources and strengths.

5. From here, we’ll arrange a schedule for continued sessions and plan therapy ‘checkpoints’.

For example, I highly recommend for you to  consider planning 6 x 90 min sessions regularly, then re-evaluate and re-assess.

Or for Intensives, I highly recommend after an initial block to plan a maintenance session within three months to re-evaluate and consolidate integrative processing that may continue long-term.

Imagine a future full of clarity, connectedness, and choice

Don’t go on thinking things can’t improve. A better life starts here, with evidence-based supportive therapy for your brain, body, and mind.

In-person (NW Coast Tasmania) and online/remote.