My experience…
Hello, I’m Lesley. I am a qualified counsellor and Gestalt psychotherapist and also a trained yoga and meditation teacher.
I am also a long-term Buddhist practitioner, Reiki and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner, and so draw on the knowledge and experience of both western psychology and the eastern wisdom traditions, including cultivation of awareness and mindfulness techniques, deep relaxation, somatic/body awareness, breathing and meditation techniques. My approach is wholistic, taking into account the physical, emotional and spiritual components of your experience, plus the environment you live and work in.
My private practice is based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. I have worked with hundreds of clients on a wide range of issues over the last 20 years. I have a long association with Petrea King and the Quest for Life Foundation, where I worked for many years as resident therapist on their programs for people suffering from life-threatening illness, grief, loss and trauma.
Over the years, I have intermittently taught on the faculties of the Sydney Gestalt Institute on their post-graduate Psychotherapy degree, and Naturecare College, teaching the Psychology of Yoga for their Yoga teacher training diploma course.
My story…
Once upon a time, I worked as a senior executive at the ABC in Radio around Australia. A series of life challenges, including managing long-term illness resulted in a profound change of direction at the age of 40. This has given me a deep and personal insight into the healing process at all levels: physical, emotional and spiritual.
My professional and personal experience has convinced me that great transformation and healing can take place in the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship. I know just how much the insight and deep support of a competent, compassionate therapist can help weather some of the stormy passages of life…
What am I like to work with…?
I’ve been described as warm and intelligent, with a down-to-earth sense of humour.
I aim to create a safe and non-judgemental space, so that with warmth and sensitivity, we can deeply explore together what stands between you and peace of mind, however complex or difficult that may seem.
I am skilled in helping you to move beyond the habitual ways you may present yourself and interact in the world, to go deeper, and to identify and resolve underlying issues.
Having worked for many years in the corporate world, I combine a results-oriented focus, with an understanding that real and lasting change takes time and integration.
