About
Alice Robertson
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there."
- Rumi
I have worked in a variety of settings as a Psychologist since 2006, and have developed my own unique way of seeing what is going on for my clients, along with approaches to working with them that provide release and relief of symptoms of distress and disconnection.
Over the years I have worked in a number of University student counselling services (Macquarie University, Southern Cross University, and the Australian Catholic University), in women - specific counselling services (Sydney Women's Counselling Centre and Lismore Women's Health Centre), and on crisis mental health phone lines. I have volunteered at Lifeline as a telephone counsellor, and worked as a specialist Gambling counsellor and project manager.
Over the last 13 years I have run my own private practice in Lismore, and this is now where I work 4 days per week.
I work with people struggling with and exploring concerns and experiences, such as:
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anxiety, fear and stress
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relationship difficulties
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feelings of disconnection from self and others
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grief and loss
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legacies of trauma residing in the mind and body
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existential/life meaning
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self-esteem/self-love
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workplace supervision
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parenting concerns and needs
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spiritual experiences and integration of transpersonal work
I consider my work to be eclectic, intuitive and based on grounded and evidence based practices. I draw on theories and approaches coming from different models, depending on your needs, the issues you present with and the different stages of the therapeutic work. These approaches include:
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Family of origin / attachment informed work
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Buddhist based mindfulness and compassion practices
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Relational Neurobiology (predominantly the work of Dan Siegel)
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Somatic practices
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Gestalt therapy
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Existential therapy - predominantly the work of Irvin Yalom
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Inner child work - strongly influenced by Internal Family Systems (IFS) practices and therapy.
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Guided Drawing for Healing Trauma - Certificate from The Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy.
I strive to provide a safe, supportive and empowering space where you can explore areas of worry, disconnection or uncertainty in your life.
Most people just need some practical and embodied tools, and a safe harbour in which to land for a while, in order to grow and heal.
If given the space to express freely and become more fully themselves, I find healing naturally begins to take place.
I generally don't believe therapy is about gaining more skills or qualities, but rather it is an uncovering or de-layering process, to reveal who we truly are, and have been all along.
I believe that given the opportunity to explore your feelings and needs in a safe and respectful space, a sense of movement can result, leading to the most beautiful self-discovery, understanding and acceptance.
I also engage in my own therapy and deep inner work, and believe this is essential for any therapist.