Christina is an experienced Counselling Psychologist, Couples Therapist, Supervisor and the Director of the Hurstwood Clinic. She is passionate about supporting people on their journey to greater psychological well-being, deeper understanding of Self and others, and creating healthy, vibrant relationships.
Her therapeutic practice is person-centred and she likes to work in an experiential way, with a specialization in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Her work is guided by the Rogerian principles of integrity, respect, and authenticity to create a compassionate and safe space for her clients. Christina considers therapy to be a journey that the client and therapist take together to find out what is not working in the client’s life, to heal the wounds of the past, to discover more of who we are, and to explore new, more useful ways of thinking, feeling, acting, and being in the world. In addition to addressing the challenges and difficulties that life presents, Christina’s counselling work also focuses on building and enhancing the strengths and resources that are already present in the client’s life. Christina works holistically and she combines a variety of therapeutic approaches to suit each client’s unique situation and needs. Christina works with adults (18 years and over) and couples with a wide range of concerns.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES AND INTERVENTIONS
COUPLES COUNSELLING
Christina is also a passionate relationship and marriage counsellor. She has completed specialized studies in Imago Relationship Counselling, Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, the Gottman work and various Intimacy and Sexuality trainings. In her sessions, Christina helps couples utilise the conflicts and difficulties that arise in their relationship as opportunities for healing and growth. She provides a warm, non-judgmental and safe space where relationship concerns can be worked through together and both partners feel heard and validated. Relationship is a skill, and Christina focuses on teaching couples skills and tools to build a strong, healthy foundation for their relationship, communication, and intimacy and connection.
“Every conflict, every misunderstanding, and every painful experience in a relationship is also an opportunity for growth and healing, and an invitation to step into deeper connection, love, and intimacy with each other.”
CLIENT ISSUES
Depression ~ Anxiety (e.g. Social Anxiety; Panic Attacks; Phobias) ~ Trauma ~ PTSD & C-PTSD ~ Sexual Abuse ~ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ~ Eating Issues ~ Relationship and Marriage Issues ~ Life Transitions & Crises ~ Grief, Loss & Bereavement ~ Chronic Pain & Chronic Illness ~ Stress ~ Sexuality Issues ~ Self-Esteem Issues ~ Spirituality & Existential Concerns ~ Sleeping Difficulties ~ Communication Skills ~ Assertiveness ~ Finding Purpose & Meaning ~ Anger Management ~ Work/Career Issues ~ Self-Exploration & Personal Development.
QUALIFICATIONS
AFFILIATIONS
§ Full registration and endorsement as a Counselling Psychologist with AHPRA
Registration as an accredited Supervisor with AHPRA
§ Member of the Golden Key Honour Society
CONTACT DETAILS
To arrange an appointment or for further information please contact Christina on 0402 432 607 or at [email protected].
Medicare rebates for Counselling Psychologists are available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and private health insurance rebates may also apply.
Her therapeutic practice is person-centred and she likes to work in an experiential way, with a specialization in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Her work is guided by the Rogerian principles of integrity, respect, and authenticity to create a compassionate and safe space for her clients. Christina considers therapy to be a journey that the client and therapist take together to find out what is not working in the client’s life, to heal the wounds of the past, to discover more of who we are, and to explore new, more useful ways of thinking, feeling, acting, and being in the world. In addition to addressing the challenges and difficulties that life presents, Christina’s counselling work also focuses on building and enhancing the strengths and resources that are already present in the client’s life. Christina works holistically and she combines a variety of therapeutic approaches to suit each client’s unique situation and needs. Christina works with adults (18 years and over) and couples with a wide range of concerns.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES AND INTERVENTIONS
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Individuals and Couples
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Hypnotherapy
- Mindfulness-based therapies, incl. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Imago Relationship Counselling
- The Gottman Method for Couples
- Positive Psychology Interventions
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Voice Dialogue Facilitation
- Meditation Techniques
COUPLES COUNSELLING
Christina is also a passionate relationship and marriage counsellor. She has completed specialized studies in Imago Relationship Counselling, Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, the Gottman work and various Intimacy and Sexuality trainings. In her sessions, Christina helps couples utilise the conflicts and difficulties that arise in their relationship as opportunities for healing and growth. She provides a warm, non-judgmental and safe space where relationship concerns can be worked through together and both partners feel heard and validated. Relationship is a skill, and Christina focuses on teaching couples skills and tools to build a strong, healthy foundation for their relationship, communication, and intimacy and connection.
“Every conflict, every misunderstanding, and every painful experience in a relationship is also an opportunity for growth and healing, and an invitation to step into deeper connection, love, and intimacy with each other.”
CLIENT ISSUES
Depression ~ Anxiety (e.g. Social Anxiety; Panic Attacks; Phobias) ~ Trauma ~ PTSD & C-PTSD ~ Sexual Abuse ~ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ~ Eating Issues ~ Relationship and Marriage Issues ~ Life Transitions & Crises ~ Grief, Loss & Bereavement ~ Chronic Pain & Chronic Illness ~ Stress ~ Sexuality Issues ~ Self-Esteem Issues ~ Spirituality & Existential Concerns ~ Sleeping Difficulties ~ Communication Skills ~ Assertiveness ~ Finding Purpose & Meaning ~ Anger Management ~ Work/Career Issues ~ Self-Exploration & Personal Development.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master of Counseling Psychology (La Trobe University)
- Advanced Diploma of Hypnotherapy (The Australian Academy of Hypnosis)
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) (Inspiritive)
- Honours in Psychology (Monash University)
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology; Philosophy) (Monash University)
AFFILIATIONS
§ Full registration and endorsement as a Counselling Psychologist with AHPRA
Registration as an accredited Supervisor with AHPRA
§ Member of the Golden Key Honour Society
CONTACT DETAILS
To arrange an appointment or for further information please contact Christina on 0402 432 607 or at [email protected].
Medicare rebates for Counselling Psychologists are available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and private health insurance rebates may also apply.