APPROACH TO THERAPY
I do not have availability for new clients. All my work is currently conducted via telehealth. I will update this message when places become available, not until 2024.
I am a clinical psychologist and researcher in the fields of women’s mental health and healthy aging. In my clinical practice I work with adults of all genders aged 18 and over. I specialise in treating anxiety, depression and stress influenced by factors such as life transitions, relationship issues and living with illness. I completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and The University of Melbourne. My research focuses on how psychological resilience factors can help women navigate the menopause, as well as aging and physical health issues more generally. After studying meditation in a Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery during my 20’s, I developed a lifetime interest in self-compassion and meditation. I remain an active meditation practitioner and teacher, exploring the Buddhist understanding of suffering and compassion. Alongside research and clinical practice, I teach into the University of Melbourne’s Masters of Clinical Psychology program, helping train the next generation of psychologists.
SERVICES
PRIVATE COUNSELLING
Our first session starts with an assessment, where I ask you some questions to better understand life stressors and/or psychological symptoms (e.g. feeling flat, anxiety or stress) that are causing you distress. In sessions two onward, we continue the conversation, and I weave in evidence-based strategies to support you to regulate emotions, cope with stressors, be kinder to yourself, increase well-being and/or heal from the past. I will often invite you to apply any strategies discussed in session to your daily life, to help reinforce lasting positive change.
EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENTS
I have a warm and gentle approach to therapy. I have a special interest in self-compassion and mindfulness-based techniques. Broadly, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) forms the foundation of my approach. I work with a range of conditions including:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Chronic stress
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Low self-worth
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Post traumatic stress
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Adjustment to illness (including pain)
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Healing from the past
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Life transitions
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Cultivating well-being & personal growth
GIVING BACK
Returning in June 2022, I will be offering a free 30-minute guided meditation via Zoom on Monday evenings at 7:30pm Melbourne time (GMT + 11). The group is open to everybody, but note that meditation is not suitable if you are acutely distressed. While meditation can be therapeutic, it is not a substitute for therapy. If you are interested in participating, email me for more details: info@lydiabrown.com.au.