Approach
“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” Pema Chödrön
Paula works uniquely and intuitively with each individual, combining her clinical psychology skills within a holistic approach that is client centred and trauma informed. She brings deep care, compassion, wisdom and extensive knowledge to her sessions with people and utilises both top down and bottom up approaches. Paula has an in depth understanding of the nervous system and her warmth, sensitivity and accepting presence has a way of making people feel comfortable, safe and supported.
Paula believes that all people have the potential to live a life that is more wholehearted and authentic, aligned with their true self, with greater meaning and fulfilment. It is often the patterns, beliefs and management strategies we have developed over time to cope with life's challenges, that have taken us away from our more wholehearted self.
Paula combines a range of approaches including neuropsychotherapy, polyvagal theory, somatically based approaches (which explore the mind-body connection), EMDR, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy (Mindful Self Compassion).
Paula is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and has a particular interest in working with trauma including childhood trauma (early relational attachment trauma), medical trauma and other traumatic events (motor vehicle accidents, sexual trauma, etc).
Paula has experience in a range of areas including anxiety and stress, trauma (including PTSD), depression, family of origin issues, parenting, grief and loss, personal growth and development, relationship issues, health related concerns, postnatal depression. She is currently working with adults (18+ years).
ABOUT ME:
I am a wife, and a mother of two young children. I love growing and learning, nature, the beach, music and dancing, being active, exploring, traveling and adventure. I love simple quiet time, especially with a cup of tea at my favourite time of the day, 'golden hour' as we call it, right before the sun sets and the light and colours are all intensified. I have always been fascinated by the make up of us humans, and from a young age, biographies have always been a favourite read. A simple dinner with friends, or sitting around a fire together brings me great joy. Being a country girl growing up, I love having nature, space and animals around me. I love the colours of the northern rivers in which I am now living. Welcome to my webpage.
