Psychotherapy, Somatic Psychotherapist, Psychotherapy, Counselors, Therapist, Counselling, Psychology, Carlton and Yarra Valley

Leonie Hibbert

Hello there, I am a somatic psychotherapist working in private practice at North Carlton, (Melbourne) and Yarra Junction (in the Yarra Valley) just over an hour east of Melbourne.

After starting out my working life in the accounting and administration area - the opportunity to professionally pursue my emerging passion in the wellbeing arena came in the 1980’s after I left work to start a family. Subsequently I trained as a natural health therapist.

After working in a clinic for a year or so I moved into private practice in 1989 and continue with that today. It has been an ongoing journey of study and learning which has seen me exploring many health and related holistic disciplines, both ancient understandings and traditions and the latest research, doing my Life Coaching accreditation, Archetype Soul counselling with Dr Caroline Myss PhD and then on to a Certificate in Embodied Relational Dynamics immediately followed by a Clinical Diploma of Contemporary Somatic Psychotherapy with the Australian College of Contemporary Somatic Psychotherapy. (ACCSP).

My contemporary Somatic Psychotherapy training included philosophy, theory and practice of Gestalt, Self Psychology, Dynamic Systems theory, Intersubjectivity, Existential Phenomenology, Biodynamic bodywork, Infant research and Attachment Theory, Neurobiology and Contemporary Trauma Theory.

As this field is so dynamic and evolving I believe it is crucial to remain at the leading edge of new information and so I continue to immerse myself in these contemporary theories and practices by attending regular trainings and conferences with world leaders in these fields such as Dr Pat Ogden, Dr Janina Fisher, Dr Bruce Perry, Ernesto Spinelli, Dr Allan Schore, Bessel Van De Kolk, and others. I also attend a regular study group for couples therapy, and regular reading groups and Association conferences and PD sessions.

After many years of working with people coming to consult with me about their health and wellbeing it was evident that wellbeing is a 'mind body' event. Whilst there is much that can be done to effectively support a person biochemically with herbs and various complementary supplements or by attending to their nutrition or embarking on a stress management activity such as meditation, yoga or walking, there is not usually a simple remedy for the ongoing effects of trauma, the experience of loss, abandonment, relationship conflicts, parenting issues, loneliness, anxiety, depression, self doubt, low self esteem etc.

New research on infant attachment and neurobiology tells us how the psychotherapeutic process can offer transformation through a new experience in the therapist-client relationship.
This incorporates both verbal and non verbal body mind understandings and practice where you may, for example, move safely from a feeling of isolation to one of intimacy, or you may find a way to make room for a mind of your own.

My personal journey has informed these understandings and has been crucial to my development as a Psychotherapist, especially experiencing the role that the therapeutic relationship plays in the change process - It gave me hope that change is possible.

Much of my work now focuses on the Somatic Psychotherapy which is, by nature, more intensive and usually over the medium to long term, with people who are wanting to explore more deeply the issues that influence their daily lives, their relationships and their life choices. With my natural health background I am able to include that knowledge and, if appropriate, can make available complementary remedies. I do not prescribe medication, (that is the role of a medical doctor) however some people may find themselves in need of that type of support whilst embarking on the psychotherapy journey.

My clients are people very much like you and me, people who function well in most areas of their lives, often successful out there in the world. They may, however, feel that they are not able to establish successful intimate relationships for instance or they may be unhappy despite a earning a good income in a good job, or may plagued by a repetitious encounter with addiction, loss, abuse etc. Sometimes they simply need a safe place to make sense of things with an empathic other, to find a place for them to be how and who they are right here, right now whatever that may mean. Whilst the past is seen as relevant in so far as it impacts the present, our work will tend to focus on the here and now as that is where the opportunity for a new experience dwells.

The relationship in the room is really a microcosm of the relationships out there in life, so it is "live" for both of us to reflect on together and make sense of together, opening up a place for a new sense of yourself, relationship and life.

Somatic Psychotherapy recognises that it is through relationships that we are formed and it is through relationships that change can occur. Thanks to neuro-plasticity change is possible in the therapy relationship.

I also work with people in more of a Coaching or Mentoring role supporting them with specific issues or strategies for getting clear about their life direction or goals in key areas. This can be short-term, long-term or occasional. This also includes the natural health oriented work. Sometimes a person can start in this area and we find over time that they wish to transition to the deeper psychotherapeutic work. Should that become evident then we make time to discuss this and it may mean, over time, coming to a new agreement about the nature of our relationship and the framework of our sessions.

Generally psychotherapy sessions are once per week or more, for 50 minutes. Different rates apply at each location and we can discuss this when we meet. Establishing an agreement to enter psychotherapy may take time. Once agreed upon it usually involves an open ended commitment from both parties in a set place, a set time, at a set fee. Included in that is the therapist's commitment to hold that space available for the client and hold it in an emotional sense as well. The ending contract is solely in the hands of the client although part of the contract is usually that the therapy is not ended precipitately and time is allowed for the working through the meaning of ending.

People often ask about the difference between psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy. Click here for Alison’s explanation of these terms.

I am a Clinically Accredited member of AASP and our association is a member of PACFA (the Psychotherapist and Counsellor Federation of Australia). I am listed on the PACFA register. I am also eligible to be listed on Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP.)
Also, I am an accredited member of The Australian Traditional Medicine Society no. 2842 (see http://www.atms.com.au for further information)

I adhere strictly to my association Code of Ethics which includes Client Confidentiality. Click on http://www.somaticpsych.org.au to read more on the AASP Code of Ethics.

Thank you for taking the time to read my page - please call or email me if you would like to make an appointment.