Fiona Richardson

Bachelor of Counselling. BCouns

A little about me; within my counselling practice I operate from an integrative perspective, I view my clients holistically. This holistic position involves viewing a person's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of their life. This includes exploration of their occupational, intellectual, and environmental factors of their lives also.

My core belief is that a client is the expert on their life, and as a counsellor I can be a facilitator journeying alongside a person within a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I create the collaborative therapeutic relationship through rapport, built on an authentic connection with each unique person, providing a safe space within their counselling journey. Research supports that the connection and strength of rapport within a therapeutic relationship can offer an incentive for change within a person, encouraging their self-growth while seeking their personal goals and reaching their potential (Gelso, 2019).

I operate from a client-centered perspective, focusing on the person-centred approach while largely exploring implicit meanings as a client expresses their story within the here and now. This is a Humanistic and Existential focus. My is approach gentle, and respectful meeting clients with acceptance. My integrative approach embraces a toolbox of theories that may be uniquely beneficial to a client as one type of therapy does not suit everyone.

I am a trauma informed counsellor, and this informs my practice as I collaboratively work alongside clients on their journey.

I enjoy working within a rich inclusive cultural environment. This is enhanced through having travelled, lived in, and experienced the value of cultural diversity. Moving from New Zealand to Australia, has added to my desire to work as a culturally sensitive and competent counsellor.

My 30 years plus experience of working within the health sector benefits my counselling practice for my clients.

Modalities

I also work within these modalities to provide the best therapy for you as a client.

Attachment theory,

Object Relations,

Family Systems,

Developmental theory,

Grief theory instrumental-intuitive,

Trauma informed,

Psycho Education,

CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy).

Areas of Interest

I work with adults aged 18 years and onwards. The following are areas are of particular curiosity to me.

Faith-Spirituality,

Relationships,

Boundaries and boundaries within relationships,

Identity,

Grief and loss, including child loss,

Self-worth, self-esteem,

Self-care and mental health,

Work-life balance.

References

Gelso, C.J. (2019). The therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy practice: An integrative perspective. Routledge.