Psychotherapist & Couples Counsellor
MEET SHAUN
My name is Shaun and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling, and a Foundation Certificate in Counselling Skills. I am a member in good standing with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). While I was born and raised in Melbourne, I've spent several years travelling the world and have lived in a variety of places including Europe, the UK and North America.
As a psychotherapist, I see my role not as someone trying to “fix” or “cure” you. Instead, my main priority is understanding you and the challenges you’re facing, and then cooperating and collaborating with you as we work on things together. Having had a tough start in life, I can relate to the difficulty of coping with life’s challenges, especially when things feel helpless. My journey hasn’t been easy, but along the way I’ve learned the importance of honesty, integrity and authenticity, and endeavour to embody these values in my practice. I can also relate to how nerve-wracking it can be to take the initial step of seeking help, and realise the importance of finding the right therapist that is a good fit for you. As such, I make it a priority to ease your concerns around the counselling experience, and make sure you feel safe and comfortable during our sessions.
Qualifications:
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Foundation Certificate in Counselling Skills (WPF Therapy, London)
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Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IKON Institute)
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Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, Level 1 & 2 (The Gottman Institute)
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Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFTT Australia)
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Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy, Level 1 (Integrative Psychology Training and Consulting)
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Enneagram Typing Practitioner (Enneagram Training UK)
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Enneagram Panel and Workshop Facilitator (Enneagram Training UK)
In addition to providing psychotherapy and couples counselling services, I am also a qualified practitioner and teacher of the Enneagram of Personality. To find out more visit my page on the Enneagram.
My Approach
I’m trained as an integrative psychotherapist, which involves finding the right approach and treatment to match you, rather than trying to match you to a specific approach. Many mental health practitioners receive extensive training in one or two approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). While these methods prove effective in some circumstances, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to therapy. Instead, many clients desire to have an approach that is suited to their current circumstances and matches their challenges.
Research shows that the relationship we have as therapist and client, as well as an expectation that therapy can work, have a greater effect than the specific techniques that are used during our time together. As an integrative psychotherapist, I first ask myself what your relationship is to the challenges you’re facing. For example, are you still contemplating the problems and in need of further clarity, or are you ready to do something about them, but need guidance on what steps to take? I then draw from a variety of approaches that will best facilitate your progress in resolving these challenges. Throughout this process, I will to continue to keep you in the loop regarding what we're doing, and why we're doing it, to ensure that we’re on the same page about the path we’re following.