Inside the Therapy Room

Noula dives into the world of Brainspotting, a trauma therapy that skips story retelling and focuses on therapist-client attunement and somatic markers in the body. It's a "bottom-up" approach, recognising trauma's presence in the body and the body's innate healing wisdom. Noula emphasises client empowerment and the modality's versatility, especially in her creative practice. We discuss its effica...

Jodie discusses the complexities of eating disorders, highlighting the limitations of a medical model and advocating for a holistic approach that considers trauma. Drawing from her personal experience, she emphasises the importance of lived experience in understanding these issues. We explore the distinction between eating disorders and disordered eating, emphasising the harm of pathologising lang...

Kim provides an insightful overview and brief history of Narrative Therapy, emphasising its client-centred approach where the client is seen as the expert. She highlights the strengths-based and non-blaming nature of Narrative Therapy and shares what drew her to this approach, despite its initially complex language. Through vivid examples, Kim illustrates how Narrative Therapy is applied in practi...

Kayte introduced horticultural therapy 's origins and her personal connection to it. We discussed why nature complements counselling and the differences between nature and garden therapy. Exploring its beneficiaries, Kayte highlighted its accessibility and benefits for neurodivergent individuals and children. She stressed the importance of working with trained therapists and distinguishing horticu...

In our conversation, I asked Rae to define key terms regarding the intersection of Queer and Neurodivergent identities, which they're passionate about as someone embodying both. We discussed the importance of lived experience and self-disclosure in therapy, emphasising the non-pathologising nature of Queer and Neuroaffirming approaches. Rae highlighted the need for therapists to be mindful of lang...

Jemma began by explaining EMDR and its connection to REM sleep. We discussed how trauma processing doesn't always involve retelling the story and what 'activation' means. I asked about Jemma's journey into EMDR and the training involved. She outlined different types of EMDR and bilateral stimulation methods. We explored the broad range of issues EMDR can address, even beyond recognised trauma. I q...

In our conversation with Fiona, we explore perinatal and birth trauma . Fiona shares her personal journey that led her to specialise in this area. We discuss the diverse manifestations of traumatic birth experiences and the intersection with post-natal depression. Fiona highlights symptoms and the impact on relationships, including non-birthing partners. She emphasises the importance of seeking he...

In our conversation with Anita, we explore Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and dispel misconceptions. Anita emphasizes that AAT involves more than just having animals present; it requires therapists to understand their animal partners, like her dogs Bacardi, Bailey, and Kaluah, whose distinct personalities contribute to therapy. She explains how these dogs assist in regulating emotions and stresses...

In this discussion with Kate, we explore life-limiting illnesses like cancer and motor-neurone disease. Kate, a therapist with a nursing background, shares her journey into this field. We touch on the significance of therapists being well-informed without overwhelming clients. Grief, loss, and the multifaceted impacts of cancer, including on sexuality and finances, are discussed. Kate highlights t...

Kristy paints a vivid picture of equine therapy's diverse approach, sharing personal insights and the powerful impact of working with horses. We explore its benefits, especially for children and trauma survivors, emphasising the horses' gentle presence and intuitive nature. Kristy showcases the experiential aspect of equine therapy and its role in somatic inquiry, correcting misconceptions and hig...

Tanya shares insights into Dramatherapy, debunking myths and highlighting its therapeutic power for all ages. From its somatic approach to trauma to its fun activities in group settings, she explains its effectiveness and who can benefit. Tanya emphasises the distinction between dramatherapy and therapeutic drama, showcasing its adaptability and dispelling misconceptions along the way. Who Is Tany...

In this episode, Bronwyn dives into Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) and Polyamory, clarifying the 'ethical' aspect and debunking myths around these relationships. She shares insights into the stigma against non-traditional relationship structures and how misconceptions arise, including the idea that ENM can't be committed or stable. Highlighting her experience with clients facing negative therapy exper...

In this episode, Sarah delves into her varied experience in community work. She introduces Child-Centred Play Therapy, emphasising the importance of therapeutic relationships. We discuss Filial Therapy's benefits and the universal applicability of Play Therapy, highlighting its advantages for expressive and somatic healing. Sarah explains Play Therapy's significance for neurodivergent individuals...

In this episode, Khadine introduces Emotion Freedom Techniques (EFT) or EFT Tapping, a powerful mind-body therapy. We discuss its effectiveness in addressing diverse mental and physical concerns, including a notable case with a client experiencing Parkinson's disease. Khadine shares insights into trauma's somatic impact and her personal journey into EFT. She highlights its broad applicability, esp...

Emma Nelson is Mum, wife and friend first. Therapist and helper second. She runs an Art Therapy practice called Zen Zebra Art Therapy and is a lover of all things cake and cheese however not cheesecake. In this episode, Emma provides an insightful glimpse into the world of art therapy. She discusses her journey into art therapy, the diverse beneficiaries, and how creativity provides unique avenues...

Have you been hurt by the church? Maybe you have experienced abuse at the hands of clergy or a minister? Or maybe you are part of a marginalised group often discriminated against by the church. This episode with Sam and Jane, Religious Trauma therapists is for you.   Today’s episode is a double whammy, because Religious Trauma is the speciality of both host Sam and guest Jane. In today’s epis...

Are you a part of the Trans or Gender Diverse Community? Maybe you support members of the Trans community? Perhaps you have family members who are Trans, Gender Diverse or Non-Binary. This episode with Tasha, a LGBTQIA+ Counsellor is for you! In today’s episode Tasha explains who falls into the Trans and Gender Diverse community. We discuss why it is so important for Trans people to know that comi...

Have you ever lost a faithful animal companion? Maybe they were a beloved family pet? Perhaps you work with animals, you might be a vet or a pet groomer and feel impacted when those animals pass away. This episode with Renee, a Pet Loss Counsellor is for you! In today’s episode Renee shares her own story of losing her dog Buckley. We discuss why it is so important for people to know that coming to...

Ever had someone, maybe even a therapist, judge you for your interests in gaming? Maybe you have never had a therapist really understand you? Perhaps you just love the idea of your therapist being just a much of a nerd as you. This episode with Mike, the nerd therapist is for you! In today’s episode Mike chats about how he uses things like video games, role playing and other nerdy interests to con...

Ever had someone just want to slap a label on you? Maybe your experiences of therapy in the past haven’t been beneficial? Perhaps you just love the movie Inside Out movie. This episode with Stef, an IFS Therapist is for you! In today’s episode Stef lets you in on what Internal Family Systems is all about. Where we discuss how IFS was so powerful for Stef personally and how it values human uniquene...

Are you a man or a father? Maybe you just have men in your world? Perhaps you are a guy who has never been to therapy before and has no idea what it would be like. This episode is for you!   In today’s episode Matt lets you in on what it is like for men to seek and engage in therapy. Where we discuss why role modelling as a therapist is so powerful, Matt shares the challenges for men seeking...

Do you experience pain daily? Maybe you were born with a chronic illness? Perhaps you have never found a therapist who understood what living with chronic pain was like. This episode is for you!   In today’s episode Melanie lets you in on what it is like for someone who manages a chronic illness or chronic pain to seek and engage in therapy. Where we discuss why lived experience is so powerfu...

Do you love nature or just being outdoors? Maybe you’re not sure whether talk therapy on its own is entirely for you? Perhaps you have a spiritual connection to the land. This episode on Forest Therapy is for you!   In today’s episode you get a glimpse of what it is like to sit Inside the Therapy Room or rather the outdoor therapy space. Where we discuss why being in nature is so powerful, Ma...

Are you an introvert? Or an empath? Do you know what an INFJ or a HSP is? If you do, chances are you will LOVE this episode. If you don’t, here is your chance to learn about a beautiful group of people around you. In today’s episode you get a glimpse of what it is like to sit Inside the Therapy Room with someone who celebrates your gentle soul. Where we discuss the conversation around being an INF...

Ever wondered what sex therapy is like? Maybe you have wondered whether you could benefit from an open space to share about intimacy?   In today’s episode you get a glimpse of what it is like to sit Inside the Therapy Room with a sex therapist. Where we discuss the conversation around sex, society, relationships and of course therapy.   Naomi, more commonly known as ‘The Australian Sexol...