I work from a trauma-informed perspective, tailoring my approaches to the uniqueness of each client. I incorporate a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, Person-Centred Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Narrative Therapy, and Solutions Focused Therapy.  

 

I view the mind and body as an innate connection. When it comes to significant events and trauma, the preferred approach to use with clients are those which work with the client's deep, implicitly held  body felt memories or sensations. As such Rise and Shine Counselling and Play Therapy Wodonga excels in Sandplay Therapy, Expressive Therapies, Guided Drawing, EMDR, and Play Therapy for children and also for adults. 

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Emotional Support Dog

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I am mindful new and old clients can experience shyness or anxiety in the initial days of counselling  and sometimes ongoing.  These symptoms are uncomfortable, distracting and may escalate. Ollie is a 9 year old Cavoodle. He is our resident emotional support buddy (emotional support animal, EMA).  In his innate way Ollie provides comfort and affection to all. Ollie is a natural at easing feelings of stress and anxiety. We practice ethical treatment of Ollie, as such, we like to think of his service being free-range. Ollie is allowed to enter or exit the space as he needs to. Providing Ollie with a free-range working experience is at the top of our animal-care priorities. ESA dogs are known to support people through depression, anxiety, nervous dysregulation and other medical conditions, but this does not mean that the animal is specifically trained to do so. Emotional Support Animals are not recognized under Australian law ... ssshhh !!! ... Ollie doesn't know this! 

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Developing therapeutic safety and unconditional positive regard commences the moment we meet. Your safety and wellbeing are a priority. The quality of our  connection is one of the most Important elements of the therapeutic process. Here, you progress at your pace. You explore, express, process and integrate how you want. The depth of your inner work occurs at a subconscious level therefore not dependent necessarily on higher order thinking and talking. My task is to companion you as you journey towards your personal discovery and growth. By increasing your awareness, recognising your forgotten strengths, and fine-tuning your problem solving skills you will be better able to move forward and to make desired changes which lead to living a more satisfied life. The process is natural.

You will be amazed at how simple yet profound it is. 

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Each care plan is uniquely tailored to the individual's goals and needs. 

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I have come to appreciate not everyone is ready or able to talk about their experiences. For others it's a struggle finding the right words. Others have long, lost their voice. Many are apprehensive because they think they may become re-traumatised, feel shame or judgment. There are those who prefer to take the 'let sleeping dogs lie' approach however this is a band aid, it's only effective until the next trigger occurs. 

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Rise and Shine is mindful and respectful of the barriers. And this is where Rise and Shine truly sparkles! 

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As an additional, specialised intervention, Ollie, my 9 year old Cavoodle can be introduced to assist clients to regulate, increase confidence, improve communication  ... and more.  I am experienced in working with the aide of an emotional assistance dog in sessions and have seen remarkable connections and developments. 

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If talking isn't your thing or you're nervous about being asked probing questions or you're apprehensive about rehashing your past at Rise and Shine Counselling & Play Therapy Wodonga you wont have to.   Non verbal / minimal talk therapies such as Sandplay Therapy, Guided Drawing, EMDR, and other mediums used during Expressive Therapies are safe, natural fits for most. 

 

Alternatively you may consider one of our small group programs. 

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