a note from ashra
Entering therapy can seem a daunting prospect, and I first wish to acknowledge your courage in stepping forward into this work.
Whether your difficulty is anxiety, depression, trauma, poor self-esteem, or loss of meaning and direction in life, I absolutely believe that it is possible to heal, find new inner strength, a more authentic self, and craft a life worth living from these ‘dark nights of the soul’ that can be experienced by anyone, at any time in their life.
the sanctum approach
I take an integrative approach to clinical psychology, and Schema Therapy is my primary model. Schema Therapy was developed by Jeffrey Young in 1990 and, since that time, has proven to be effective for a range of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. It is particularly useful in the case of chronic or long-standing unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It combines elements of Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), attachment theory, psychoanalytic theory, and Gestalt Therapy.
Our ultimate aim in Schema Therapy is to heal Schemas – unconscious patterns made up of beliefs, emotions, body sensations, images or memories – and build new positive, empowering, and healthy ways of being.
In addition to Schema Therapy, I incorporate mindfulness and compassion-based skills building to assist clients to develop strong, healthy coping skills. This self-resourcing is important, not only for the therapy process, but for long-term stress management and wellbeing. I also integrate somatic and nature-based interventions into my therapy practice.
My therapeutic framework is diverse, and includes elements of Depth Psychology, Existential Psychology, Ecopsychology, Somatic Psychology, and Neuroaesthetics (the psychology of artistic beauty).
If you feel my therapeutic approach is a good fit for you, please reach out via the connect page.
sanctum /ˈsæŋk.təm/
a sanctum is a sacred place, refuge, or sanctuary, and it is my aim to assist clients to cultivate a sanctum in themselves and their life.
FAQs
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This is completely normal! For many people coming to therapy for the first time, it can seem a daunting prospect to open up to a stranger about your feelings, your problems, and your past. Rest assured, you are always the one in control, and I aim for a gentle and collaborative approach with my clients. You are always very welcome to bring any questions or feedback forward with me. I am here to support you.
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A session (46-60 minutes; sessions are usually 50 minutes long) costs $241.65 (the APS recommended fee schedule is currently set at $280). If you have a referral from your GP under the Medicare Better Access Scheme (also known as a Mental Health Care Plan), then you will receive a rebate of $131.65. This means there is a gap of $110 per session. You can access up to 10 Medicare Better Access sessions per calendar year.
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No, you can see me privately if you prefer. This means, however, that you will not receive a rebate for your session and will need to pay the full fee yourself. If you do wish to attend therapy under a Mental Health Care Plan, it is a relatively simple process – phone and make a longer (double) session with your GP – you can let the medical practice reception know you are seeking a psychology referral. The GP will ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and you can request that your referral be directed to a particular psychologist.
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This is a very difficult question to answer; it depends on a range of factors including your presenting concerns, and what your goals and financial/time constraints are. For most clients, change takes time. My primary therapeutic approach (Schema Therapy) is particularly well suited for more chronic, long-term presenting concerns. Therapy with me incorporates both healthy skills building and deeper process work, and this takes time. As a guide, a very common therapy timeline is minimum 20 to 40 sessions, however, you are welcome to discuss your needs with me at your first session.
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Your first session is basically about meeting each other, information gathering (e.g., I will ask you questions about how you have been feeling, what your current circumstances are, and also about your background), and clarifying your therapy goals and specific needs. I send out an email prior to your first appointment which includes some introductory information about working with me which you might then like to ask questions about when we see each other. Sometimes, if there is a lot of background/other information to disclose, our initial assessment phase can take longer than one session.
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Yes! In-person is preferred (especially for the first session), however, you are welcome to access Telehealth appointments with me if this is needed on occasion. I am also happy to consider Telehealth as the primary platform, however, we need to discuss this first to determine if this is appropriate to your situation.
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Sometimes, ‘life happens’, and you are very welcome to cancel or reschedule your appointment. However, you do need to provide at least 24 business hours’ notice. If you cancel or reschedule your appointment within this time – regardless of the reason – then you will be charged a $110 cancellation fee, which you will need to pay yourself (i.e., there is no rebate on cancellation fees).
I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.
– Maya Angelou
