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If you would like to know more I would be very pleased to talk to you further by phone or email.
Phone: 0435 760 451 | Email: centralsparkpsychotherapy@gmail.com
If you would like to know more I would be very pleased to talk to you further by phone or email.
Phone: 0435 760 451 | Email: centralsparkpsychotherapy@gmail.com
CAREENA COOK
Why seek psychotherapy?
In my experience people come to therapy for a variety of reasons, usually at a time when they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed in some way and would like some support to understand, manage or change a new, recurrent or long-standing difficulty in order to move forward.
Reasons include being overwhelmed by emotions; struggling with a sense of loneliness; facing life crises; experiencing extended periods of grief or noticing a difficulty in keeping up with their usual responsibilities, like the demands of work, study, family or other relationships.
FEELING LOST OR FLAT?
Sometimes people feel lost or flat and disconnected from their selves and others, like they have lost their inner spark.
Often people choose to work with a therapist for support in exploring long-standing issues like a chronic feeling of emptiness or numbness; a pattern of bad choices; unstable emotions; recurrent distressing memories; relationship roller coasters; a sense of being trapped; lack of motivation; procrastination, perfectionism or questions around identity.
ADDICTIONS AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS
People also struggle with addictions and chronic mental or physical health conditions. Often, despite accessing the necessary medical care, they are left feeling confused, alone or stigmatised.
Sometimes it is several of the above, all at once, that prompt a person to reach out.
The good news is that genuine, individualised support to work toward a better future is available right now.
As an experienced, qualified and registered practitioner I can offer support in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space.
I work with my clients to help raise their awareness and to explore outdated and unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour and to develop new ones.
This work can lead to profound changes in a person's ability to access more positive emotions and to have more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others.
Trauma and therapy
Traumatic experiences can have traumatic effects.
There are times in life when people are exposed to terrifying and tragic events. Sometimes they will develop symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
These experiences may be events such as natural disasters or accidents or they may involve deliberate harm by other people, such as in the context of war and combat, domestic violence, sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
Trauma can be both caused and hidden by addiction, illness or disability and it can be brought on by witnessing others experiencing traumatic events.
WHEN COPING MECHANISMS CEASE TO FUNCTION
EXPERIENCE WITH TRAUMA SURVIVORS
Whatever the cause of the trauma, the common factor is that during the experience a person's normal coping mechanisms were overwhelmed and ceased to function.
It is a physiological response which has nothing at all to do with a person's character and help is available.
In the aftermath of traumatic events people may experience distressing, unrelenting or recurring physical, psychological and emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, flash backs, uncontrollable anger outbursts and crippling fear.
Some people experience a sense of flatness and disconnection. They may space out or lose time.
Some trauma survivors find themselves relying on alcohol or drugs to get through life.
For people living with the effects of traumatic stress it is as though the past continues to be present in both body and mind, long after the event has passed.
If you are living with any of these experiences please contact me and we can talk about your specific circumstances.
I am experienced in working with trauma survivors, in assessing your needs at an initial meeting and in making referrals to other health professionals, if appropriate. A diagnosis is not necessary.
Trauma as a child
I also work with adults who have experienced trauma as children.
Early traumatic experiences, such as sexual, physical or psychological abuse or neglect or other forms of trauma, can continue to have far reaching effects across the lifespan and render a person more likely to experience further trauma.
Less than optimal early relationships with care givers, such as a lack of touch, mirroring or a loving, secure, predictable presence can have a big impact on the developing brain and sense of self of a child, who may develop trauma like symptoms, which can be missed or incorrectly diagnosed.
As adults they are often confused by the behaviour of others and overwhelmed by the responsibilities they face.
LATER EMERGENCE OF SYMPTOMS
Symptoms related to past trauma can emerge at stressful or difficult periods of a person's life although they may not recognise them as such.
These are often times when people seek psychotherapeutic support.
Unfortunately, many people struggle alone when help toward recovery is available.
Safe and supportive therapy
Whatever the cause of the trauma the best way to understand it and to recover is through a safe and supportive relationship with a trauma-informed therapist who understands its far reaching consequences.
In fact, whatever it is that has prompted you to be reading this page, you will be welcomed into the safety and protection of the therapy room and given time and space to explore, grow and heal.
It is never too late to reconnect with yourself and to rekindle your central spark.
So, if you know you are interested and in current need of support; are ready to experiment with therapy or would like to discuss things further, I am available by phone or email.
I am curious about your questions and comments and look forward to hearing from you.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. Ill meet you there.”
Rumi
