therapeutic approaches...

whole person healing.

Below are the core therapeutic approaches I use in my practice—each selected for its evidence base, relevance to trauma and relational complexity, and alignment with my client-centred philosophy.

1. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing)

I use EMDR to access and transform distressing memories, helping the brain and body process trauma in a safe, paced way. It’s particularly helpful when the past still intrudes into the present.

More information: EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) 

Also the EMDR Institute for international context. 

2. Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy helps uncover and heal the deep emotional patterns (“schemas”) that originated in early life, and which continue to shape present-day struggles. It’s especially suited to complex presentations and longstanding relational/identity difficulties.

More information: International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) 

3. DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)

DBT is a skills-based approach focused on helping regulate intense emotions, tolerate distress, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and build a life worth living. Useful for high-emotionality, impulsivity, self-harm risk and relational volatility.

Tools: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Tools 

More information: Linehan Institute

4. MBT (Mentalization-Based Treatment)

MBT emphasizes enhancing your capacity to understand your own mind and the minds of others — how feelings, thoughts and behaviours emerge within relationships. It’s especially helpful for attachment-related issues, identity confusion and relational difficulties.

More information: Anna Freud Centre

5. Polyvagal-Informed Approaches

While not a therapy in itself, Polyvagal Theory provides a critical framework for how the nervous system responds to safety, threat and connection. I integrate polyvagal-informed practices into all modalities: helping regulate your system, restore safety, and shift from survival to presence.

More information: Polyvagal Institute – What is Polyvagal Theory? 

And here: Deb Dana Rhythm of Regulation

Why This Blend of Modalities Works

  • Depth + flexibility: The combination of body-nervous system (Polyvagal), cognitive-emotional (Schema), skills-based (DBT/MBT) and trauma-processing (EMDR) offers a full spectrum of support.

  • Trauma-informed: Each method honours how trauma and early relational experiences shape our nervous system, sense of self and relationships.

  • Tailored for complexity: These are not first-line “one size fits all” therapies, but are well suited when people are dealing with layered, longstanding, or attachment difficulties.

  • Recovery-oriented: Rather than simply symptom-reduction, the goal is deeper change: nervous system flexibility, secure self-identity, effective relationships, and meaningful living.

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