Treatment Approach
My treatment approach has been moulded over the years, always driven by efficiency, effectiveness and supportive evidence.
There are three core elements to my evidence-informed approach:
(i) A trauma-informed orientation - a consideration of the role that unresolved life issues - including ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) - have in the maintenance of the actual problems we want fixed.
In essence, the trauma-informed practice orientation approaches the task of assisting a client with the question: "What has happened to you?" as opposed to the conventional medical model characterised by the question: "What is wrong with you?"
(ii) A philosophical change emphasis - consistent with working toward a bottom line of "having a good life" while operating with the full realisation of the realities of an imperfect world populated by fallible (prone to making mistakes) human beings. These realities mean that frustration and adversity are inevitable and unavoidable - to a greater or lesser degree.
(iii) A skills-based learning agenda - which includes assisting clients to be optimally equipped with knowledge and understanding about emotional management and the ability to implement strategies consistent with limiting or eliminating the interfering effects of the problems we want changed.
Techniques: I utilise - REBT (rational emotive behaviour therapy), TFT-tapping (Thought Field Therapy), Clinical Hypnosis and hypnotherapy, and general CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy).
Dr Albert Ellis' Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
I was first introduced to Albert Ellis' REBT as an undergraduate student at the University of Western Australia by one of my lecturers, Dr Barbara Bubna-Litic (nee Hudson), who enlightened us about the then newly published (1975) second edition of Albert Ellis's A New Guide to Rational Living. It immediately resonated with me and has been the grounding for my work. I later went on to train with Albert Ellis in New York, Oxford, Copenhagen and Toronto - 8 times in all.
Ellis' approach is essentially a philosophical one that emphasises the direct connection between our thinking processes (attitudes, evaluations, and judgements) and our emotional, behavioural and physiological reactions and responses. This is in contrast to the common misconception of a direct link between things, events, and circumstances and these reactions and responses.
By reaching an understanding and an awareness of these connections, we become enabled to apply choice and thereby influence the quality of our reactions and responses to our circumstances - a process that is more in line with us having a better life.
Albert Ellis emphasised the application of what he called technical eclecticism, by which he means the application of a wide variety of techniques and strategies from diverse sources, all aimed at achieving the required outcomes for each individual.
Dr Roger Callahan's Thought Field Therapy (TFT-tapping)
Developed from within clinical psychology, Thought Field Therapy tapping (TFT-tapping) - the original iteration of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) involves tapping on acupuncture points using certain sequences with the resultant direct alleviation of emotional distress associated with traumatic stress, fear, loss, grief and guilt as well as addictive urges.
There exists strong research evidence that these tapping techniques can be effective in this way in around 75% to 80% of cases.
TFT-tapping is the result of a progressive clinical psychologist's search for greater efficiency in the provision of effective assistance to people whose lives are interfered with by the experience of psychological distress and disturbed emotional and behavioural states.
Clinical Psychologist David Feinstein, in his 2008 American Psychological Association (APA) journal paper, states that tapping approaches (including TFT-tapping) have reached the minimum threshold for being designated as an evidence-based treatment, with one form having met the APA Division 12 (clinical) criteria as a "probably efficacious treatment".
Influential clinical psychologist and author Dr Raymond Corsini, in his Handbook of Innovative Therapy (2e) 2001, has said, "What is to be made of TFT-tapping? It is either one of the greatest advances in psychotherapy, or it is a hoax.”.
More than two decades later, we have numerous journal reviews of the evidence - including many APA journal reviews - that have well and truly debunked the hoax proposition.
Ref: Journal of General Psychology, 2012
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
This development of Albert Ellis' REBT places more emphasis on the logical testing of one's thinking and behaviour and less attention on the philosophical aspects.
I am one of fifteen Australian members of the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy (IACP), having trained with most of the leading international figures in CBT and regularly attending major international meetings.
Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
By accessing the power of the subconscious mind we can favourably alter emotional and behavourial patterns resulting in benefits for dealing with IBS, chronic pain, addictive urges and unexplained infertility. Since 1984, I have held a diploma in Clinical Hypnosis (University of Melbourne) issued by the Australian Society of Hypnosis.
Consultations
By Appointment Only.
During Business Hours
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