Mary Strachan

B.A, Grad Dip SS (Counselling)

Person Centred Counselling, Mindfulness, Solution focussed depending on client's needs.

Stress Ball"Invariably life throws us some curveballs. Whether it be work or a relationship, a new life situation, trouble with friends or loved ones, or life in general. Sometimes it is important to stop and unravel the confusion so that life can function smoothly again. There are some things we just don’t want to discuss with friends or loved ones. Sometimes we simply need to offload.

It takes up a lot of energy thinking negatively and before we know it, those thoughts have snowballed into a depressive or anxious state. I can help you untangle your thoughts to create a more positive, energized life. Along the way you will pick up tools to help you become a more resilient, confident and self-aware individual. My principle focus is on person centred counselling, mindfulness and self awareness. Let’s talk."

The foundation model I use for my counselling is based on Person Centred Counselling but I would say I have an eclectic style based on the client’s individual needs.  Some clients like a more solution focussed approach. 

Although I counsel people with all sorts of issues, I have been working in the area of Eating Disorders.  Another area of interest to me is Post Natal Depression.  It is something I feel can be missed so easily and detected early can make a huge difference in the enjoyment of a newborn.  Techniques on managing broken sleep are an important part of treatment.

Some issues can be worked on in a short space of time but others may take a while to unfold over a number of sessions.  My aim is to have my clients finish treatment and leave my office feeling at peace and confident within themselves.  To feel in control of your own life is not a luxury it is a necessity.

  • PERSON CENTRED COUNSELLING:  is a type of counselling that focusses on what the client is saying and from that meaning is created.  This meaning allows the client to explore deeper into their own mind with the guidance of the counsellor.  It is a self empowering form of counselling that leaves the client equipped with tools to use should the same triggers or situations occur in the future.  The 3 core characteristics of this type of counselling are 1. Unconditional Positive Regard, meaning that the counsellor accepts the client unconditionally and non-judgementally.  2. Empathic understanding, meaning that the counsellor accurately understands the client's thoughts, feelings and meanings from the client's own perspective, in other words the counsellor can "wear the client's shoes".   3.  The third characteristic is "congruence" which means that the counsellor is authentic and genuine.  I am present and transparent with the client, straight forward and put things in lay mens' terms to be easily understood.  I believe these three core characteristics enable the client to develop and grow in their own way - to strengthen and expand their own identity and to become the person that they 'really' are independently of the pressures that are put on them by others to act or think in particular ways.
  • MINDFULNESS:  is a type of awareness.  This involves living in the moment and exploring our feelings in our day to day life.  It is a practice which encourages awareness of our feelings, thoughts and perceptions on a daily basis.  Mindfulness is an attentive awareness of the reality of the present moment and is considered to be empowering to the individual when it is brought together with a clear understanding of whatever is taking place for that person.

FEES:  $85 per one hour session

To find out more or making a booking please contact
Camberwell Health and Healing  9888 6749