Restoration Counselling Services
Restoration Counselling specialises in bringing healing and wholeness from complex trauma, spiritual abuse, addictions, family and relationship difficulties, and grief and loss. Therapy of this nature takes time and occurs at a pace that is good for you.
Short-term counselling for general issues is another area of specialty, usually completed between 6-12 sessions. Individual counselling is provided for adults and adolescents from eight years of age.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma arises from events of childhood abuse and neglect, family violence, and from all types of abuse, occurring at any stage of life, whether psychological, emotional, sexual or physical. Other causes of complex trauma include living with a parent with a mental illness or who abuses substances, war and refugee trauma, separation and loss.
When there has been deep hurt, abuse, trauma or losses, living each day can be very difficult. It can be a daily struggle with your mental health, well-being, emotions, relationships, and sense of self and identity.
“A single event that overwhelms your ability to cope or is experienced as a threat to your life, is a trauma. When you experience repeated traumatic events, that are extreme, occur over a long period of time, or are perpetuated in childhood by caregivers, this is called complex trauma.”
You may identify with these symptoms
Anxiety
Avoidance of situations, places or people that may remind you of your trauma
Confusion
Deep sadness
Depressed mood
Difficulty with concentration
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty trusting others
Dissociation
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
Feeling numb
Flashbacks
Hypervigilance
Night terrors
Overeating or under-eating
Overreacting in ordinary situations (Triggers)
Panic attacks
Rage and anger
Self-destructive behaviours, including self-harming
Uncontrollable emotions
Deciding to start your journey from brokenness to wholeness is a decision only you know when it’s time to make.
When you are ready, the first place of your healing journey is to help you to have safety and stability, both internally and externally. Agency is given to you with choosing a pace for counselling that you feel comfortable.
Spiritual Abuse
Spiritual abuse can be defined as any abuse or trauma that occurs by a person or people who are representatives of God, and the abuse has been done in the name of God.
Spiritual abuse is especially damaging to you, as you may not only experience the normal symptoms of post traumatic stress or complex trauma, there is a second deeper wound of feeling guilt and shame associated with believing you are responsible for the abuse.
It is devastating and heartbreaking when places intended for refuge, safety and love, were abusive.
Spiritual abuse counselling includes
- Listening to your story of what has happened to you
- Helping you gain safety and support
- Helping you to make sense of what may feel incomprehensible
- Working through your grief and losses
- Healthy boundaries
- Reconstructing your faith, beliefs and values
- Adjusting to life after spiritual abuse
Like grief and trauma, healing and restoration needs time, self compassion, safety and support.
You are worth this time, to find renewed purpose within your spiritual context, and a strong sense of self and identity.
Grief and Loss
Grieving is an important and healthy response to a death, or other loss. Grieving is not limited to a loved one dying. You may be grieving a loss of relationship, family separation, a loss of income or employment, a loss of independence, or pregnancy loss. Any loss necessitates a need to grieve.
When there has been a sudden death or loss, or previous losses that have not been grieved, grief can be complicated or delayed.
Are there losses in your life that are difficult to grieve? Are you finding daily life to be more and more difficult, because of your losses?
Counselling can help you to
- Grieve your loss/es
- Move through the stages of mourning
- Adjust and adapt to life that is now different
Short Term Therapy
Short term therapy is a 6 to 12 weeks tailored designed counselling, providing tools, materials, and strategies for a general issue. It is almost inevitable that at some point in your life, you may experience an unexpected life event, emotional or psychological challenge where short term counselling can help.
Engaging in 6 to 12 counselling sessions I use evidence-based therapies and practical applications to learn new tools and skills to equip you in overcoming the current difficulties.
Short term counselling also helps you to regain stability within yourself, and to re-engage with your life with more resilience.
In your first session, we work together to define your goals, make a plan on how to achieve your goals, and discuss the number of sessions needed.
Some examples of issues that are suited to short term counselling are
- Generalised Anxiety
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Communication Skills
- Relationship Issues
- Stress
- Life Adjustment
- Self-esteem and Confidence
CLINICAL Supervision
Emma is a Clinical Supervisor and has registered membership to the Australian Counselling Association College of Supervisors.
Emma has worked as a school Chaplain and as a school counsellor for students and families at a K-12 private school. She has also worked for several years in Pastoral Ministry.
Emma offers Clinical Supervision to both Counsellors and Students in post-grad counselling degrees.
Neurodiversity
Counselling people with neurodiversity, such as ADHD (Attention-Deficit/
For people with ADHD, counselling can focus on developing strategies to manage impulsivity, improve attention and organization skills, and enhance self-esteem. A supportive and structured environment that allows people with ADHD to thrive and reach their full potential is provided during the counselling sessions. Similarly, counselling people with ASD involves understanding your unique communication and social interaction difficulties. The counselling process can focus on developing social skills, managing sensory sensitivities, and promoting self-advocacy. Emma is knowledgeable and experienced about the specific needs and strengths of children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and ASD in order to provide effective support and guidance.
A person-centred and strengths-based approach is used with neurodivergent people. Emma recognises and values the unique abilities and perspectives of people with ADHD and ASD to foster a positive therapeutic relationship. By focusing on your strengths Emma can help you build self-confidence and develop strategies to overcome challenges. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express your thoughts and emotions freely. Tailoring counselling techniques and interventions to accommodate your specific needs, such as visual aids or structured routines, enhances the effectiveness of the counselling process. Emma is empathic and patient and has a commitment to understand and support your journey towards personal growth and well-being.
Relationship Counselling
Counselling couples can be a transformative process that helps partners navigate the complexities of their relationship and work towards a healthier and more fulfilling connection. Couples counselling provides a safe and neutral space for partners to explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a constructive manner. Your counsellor acts as a facilitator, helping both partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen your understanding of each other. Through various therapeutic techniques and evidence-based interventions, such as the Gottman Method, couples can gain insight into patterns of interaction, identify underlying issues, and develop effective strategies to enhance the relationship.
Counselling can address a wide range of concerns, including trust issues, intimacy problems, financial conflicts, and differences in values or goals. By fostering open and honest dialogue, couples counselling can promote empathy, strengthen emotional bonds, and ultimately lead to a more satisfying and harmonious partnership.
In couples counselling, the focus is not solely on resolving conflicts but also on fostering growth and promoting long-term relationship satisfaction. Your counsellor works collaboratively with both of you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement and to set goals for your relationship. Through the counselling process, you can learn effective communication skills, develop problem-solving strategies, and cultivate a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and desires.
Couples counselling can provide a platform for exploring individual issues that may be impacting the relationship, such as unresolved trauma or personal insecurities. By addressing these underlying factors, both of you can create a solid foundation for a healthy and resilient partnership.
Couples counselling offers an opportunity to strengthen your bond, enhance your emotional connection, and build a more fulfilling and resilient relationship. Sessions are 90 minutes, with weekday and evening appointments available.