Meet Brad
Psychotherapist and Counsellor, my journey towards this profession begun as a child being intrinsically curious about the human mind and why people behave the way that they do.
Known by those closest to me as someone whom sought out others to ask complex questions around who they are as people and human nature in general, this fascination never ceased, only deepening as I developed into my teenage years and adulthood.
My childhood and developmental experiences naturally placed me in the position of
“the helper” thus I came to find that I gained my greatest sense of reward and fulfilment from helping others and combined with my love and passion for human behaviour, the pursuit of Psychotherapy and Counselling represented more of a deep inner calling than a career.
Through my own journey of personal growth and self development I have endeavoured to optimise my capacity to understand myself, others and in turn human nature as a whole.
This journey has involved deep inner work through intensive self-reflection, professional and personal guidance, comprehensive academic training as well as further reading and study of hundreds of books on psychology, psychotherapy and philosophy.
Ultimately, this process has been facilitated by an innate desire and drive to actualise my own potential in order to best serve others in helping guide their journeys toward self-discovery, greater connection with their authentic selves and improving overall quality of life.
My Approach
My therapeutic philosophy maintains that within each and every one of us there lies an unlimited amount of potential, that we as human beings have an innate drive to work towards becoming the best version of ourselves and reaching our optimal “way of being”.
This journey though can become disrupted, the natural progression of life throws at us elements outside of our control before we have the ability to make meaning of our experience in the healthiest way and in turn we can become disconnected with who we are.
As a psychotherapist, my role is to assist in the process of connection with self, as when we are connected with our true selves we are operating from a place of authenticity and this empowers us to pursue a life which is meaningful, rewarding and fulfilling.
In order to reach this destination I believe in an approach that accepts and has compassion for every part of our being, that none of us are “broken” but instead we could just integrate parts of ourselves and our experiences in a healthier way.
Thus, the therapeutic process is focused on bringing these experiences into awareness and making meaning of them in a way which is empowering, this process can be challenging, yet through the discomfort comes greater acceptance and self-confidence.
My belief is that the therapy is always client-led, my role is to meet you in the here and now and through a collaborative series of conversations work together towards a common goal, utilising a variety of therapeutic modalities based on your own unique needs.
“You have power over your mind - not outside events.
Realise this, and you will find strength.”
Testimonial
“I have been a client of Brad’s since November 2023 and have found him to be an excellent psychotherapist.
I had not had much success with therapy in the past and honestly, I didn’t hold much hope before beginning our sessions but Brad was able to put me at ease and work with me to create a workable and fulfilling relationship.
This has enabled me to be extremely open and honest with both Brad and myself.
Brad is a patient person, often allowing me to verbally rattle on until I have vented what I need to release,
which is unlike other therapists I have seen in the past who want to try and control the whole session.
Brad’s easy to talk to style has allowed me to talk about my past and start working through those daily struggles.
And after a very long time, be able to now say that I am happy with myself and where I am in my life”.
B.F.
Areas of Practice
Psychodynamic
This seeks to understand the unconscious, the part of our mind that lies outside the realm of conscious introspection yet dictates our conscious behaviour. Think of the psychodynamic process as the interplay between our psyche and patterns of behaviour, this includes how experiences throughout our life shape and impact how we engage with ourselves, others, and the world in the present.
Existential
Focused on the givens of existence, this approach views the human condition through the lens of people needing to make meaning of their experiences.
Much of the time the way we make meaning could be improved, within our attitude and perspective lies the ability to shape our experience in a healthy or unhealthy way. This approach empowers us with the freedom to choose.
Humanistic
Otherwise referred to as person-centered therapy, the humanistic model speaks to the potential within each of us to be the agents of change in our own lives. Theorists believed that each person has an actualising tendency toward growth and fulfilment. Thus, the role of the therapist is to help guide the client with unconditional positive regard, non-judgement, empathy and compassion.
Narrative
We ascribe stories to our lives and experiences, at times the stories we tell ourselves may not be the healthiest way in which to view those elements. Thankfully, we have the power to re-author the dominant discourses that could be detrimental to our wellbeing, through reflection on our values and identity we can connect more deeply with ourselves and construct a healthier narrative.
Holistic
Rests on the understanding that we as individuals have an interconnection of the mind, body and spirit, thus to heal we must view people in their entirety. Through consideration of all parts of the person, this approach integrates mental, emotional, physical and spiritual factors, which can include suggesting meditation, mindfulness, breathwork and exercise into the client’s routine.
Academic Qualifications
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, ECU Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling, ECU
Training and Experience
Years working in a variety of specialised fields as an individual, couple, family and group psychotherapist;
addiction, complex trauma, offending behaviour,
prisoner rehabilitation, youth and adolescenceAcademic and educator, facilitating the training of Psychology and Counselling university students
Further courses in narrative, trauma-informed,
cognitive behavioural and group therapyFacilitating psychoeducation workshops, behavioural change programs and long-term therapeutic groups
Working as an individual, couple, family and group psychotherapist with hundreds of clients ranging from the ages of 11 - 75 years-old with their own unique needs
Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
and Australian Counselling Association accreditation
“We must all obey the great law of change.
It is the most powerful law of nature.”
– Edmund Burke
“Meanings are not determined by situations, but by the meanings we give to situations”
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances,
to choose one’s own way.”