Psychologist, MAPS, B Psych ECowan, GradDipCounselMurdoch,
I am a mature-aged Cisgender Gay Male Psychologist, Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist, who came to psychology as a mature-aged student (studying mainly part time) after working in a variety of blue and white-collar jobs.
I find it interesting to investigate (therapeutically) how an individual (or couple) came to be where they are at this time of life. I refer to it as my "benevolent curiosity" which I use to seek to assist clients who come to see me (in person or online).
My belief is that for some clients they like the idea of working with a Gay man who is also a psychologist, and therefore (potentially) has first-hand knowledge and experience with some of the issues that an LGBTI person may experience. (i.e. the client is unlikely to need to "educate" me on aspects of LGBTI life.)
I also like the thought of being able to assist other LGBTI people feel more comfortable with where they are in life, by making use of my over half a century's life experience, decades of volunteer experience, all combined with my tertiary training.
We work together through your present experiences, supporting you to understand, love and care for the parts of you that may be stuck in the past, in pain or isolated. I bring experience from my years of working in facilitation, group work and therapy to be with you as you connect in with all parts of yourself. We can use these sessions to be deeply curious about the truth you have stored deep within your being. I believe we all hold the answers to the questions that can hold us back, keep us small and stuck in a life that doesn't bring us true happiness. My style of being works alongside your own brilliance to co-create the session that you need.
The focus of my practice is to facilitate the client's self-concept and self-esteem. Issues include anger management; addictions; depression; sexual assault/domestic violence; PTSD; career counseling; and multicultural and diverse populations, among others.
I work with individuals & couples from diverse backgrounds to help with issues related to marital and pre-marital relationships, stress, anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, separation, women's health, adjustment post immigration and maternity, and work-related issues. I use elements of Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, and have a trauma-based approach in my practice.
My name is Shareen Birges & I am a social worker who specialises in online counselling. I have been practicing for over 15 years & as a result, have a broad range of experience. I have worked with adolescents & their families, adults & couples. I specialise in the care of people with cancer and chronic illness, mental health, dual diagnosis/comorbidity, trauma background (including sexual abuse/assault & childhood abuse and trauma) & people with offending behaviour & people living with BPD. Due to my extensive experience working with adolescents and young people, I have developed an ability to work closely with families & other professionals, whilst keeping the boundary of privacy & confidentiality. I believe I am approachable & create a good balance between challenging clients & allowing their therapy to flow at a pace that feel comfortable to them.