In the somatic-based approach to therapy, we recognise that the mind and body are intimately connected. From this perspective, the mind and body are not two separate entities - although they are often treated as such. Rather, they are inseparable and always in communication with each other. Somatic-based therapy acknowledges this connection by inviting you to bring awareness into the body (also known as the soma) and therefore incorporates a “bottom up” approach towards creating change. In this approach we address emotional and mental health concerns (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) by working with the autonomic nervous system. In somatic therapy we also include a “top down” approach whereby we explore the thinking patterns and beliefs that contribute to our overall lived experience. By contrast, regular talk therapy (such as CBT) treats the mind and body as being separate, and in doing so it primarily takes a top down approach by working with the thinking mind to create change.

In somatic therapy sessions we combine aspects of talk therapy with body-based awareness to gently uncover, process and release layers of stress, constriction, suppressed emotion and trauma embedded inside the body that are at the core of our difficulties. Therefore, unlike regular talk therapy which engages only the mind, somatic therapy works with the mind and the body - it is a holistic approach which recognises that, when left unprocessed, difficult life experiences can manifest through physical, mental and emotional symptoms. The somatic-based approach acknowledges that exploring the relationship between all aspects of wellness is essential for deep healing and lasting recovery.

Somatic therapy can be used to treat difficult emotions, long term stress, chronic conditions and unprocessed trauma that is stored in the body. We do this by addressing self-limiting beliefs and stories that no longer serve you. The somatic approach has the potential to support healing from deeply rooted patterns of grief, anger, anxiety, depression and other challenging emotions. This approach can be supportive for working through relational difficulties with regards to trust, attachment, intimacy and security.

Somatic psychotherapy has shown to be beneficial for processing and healing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and stress. Sessions can also be tailored to support you a through life transitions, relationship difficulties, burnout, fatigue, addictions, processes relating to cultural identity, the integration of psychedelic experiences, personal development and more.

In 1:1 sessions I invite you to cultivate a connection with yourself and to take the steps towards creating healthier beliefs, behaviours, responses and relationships. Although the process of reconnecting with yourself can be uncomfortable, it has the potential to lead to profound personal insights and real transformation. My approach to somatic-based therapy is designed to assist you in attuning with your body, regulating your nervous system, calming your mind and gradually returning to a place of inner and outer balance. The living wisdom that comes from doing ‘the inner work’ creates space for presence, freedom, authentic change and more peaceful ways of relating to yourself and the world.

The four pillars that shape my approach as a therapist are Compassionate Inquiry®, Somatic Parts Work, Body-Based Practices and Mindfulness. Each of these pillars has been established through my personal experiences, my formal training and research, as well as my ongoing curiosity to learn, to remember the essence of who we really are and to support authentic transformation. Here is some further information about each pillar —

1.Compassionate Inquiry®

Compassionate Inquiry® is a somatic and trauma-informed psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté that reveals what lies beneath the appearance we present to the world. I am a certified practitioner of the Compassionate Inquiry® approach. Using the Compassionate Inquiry system, together the individual and therapist unveil the level of consciousness, mental climate, hidden assumptions, implicit memories and body states that form the real message that words both express and conceal. With this approach you can recognise the unconscious dynamics that run your life and learn how to liberate yourself from them. Compassionate Inquiry® supports you to connect to the truth within yourself in the present moment, become free from self-generated suffering, and gain insight, clarity and choice in your behaviour.

As Gabor shares, “The purpose of the Compassionate Inquiry is to drill down to the core stories people tell themselves – to get them to see what story they are telling themselves unconsciously; what those beliefs are, where they came from; and guide them to the possibility of letting go of those stories, or letting go of the hold those stories have on them.”

If you are specifically interested to explore Compassionate Inquiry, then you may like to visit my offering of the Compassionate Somatics program which is a three-month 1:1 program that incorporates the Compassionate Inquiry approach to therapy.

2. Inner Parts Work

Inner Parts Work is a therapeutic approach that integrates the methodology of Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and other trauma-informed models to support you in healing underlying past trauma and pain. IFS is based on the idea that our inner world consists of a system made up of various “parts” or aspects of ourselves that hold different memories, experiences, beliefs and behaviours. From this perspective all parts, regardless of how they currently manifest themselves, hold a positive intention for your system and they can be supported in order to contribute their wisdom to the way you navigate the world. Inner Parts Work utilises embodiment and exploration of the internal family with the goal of bringing alignment to the system as a whole.

3. Body-Based Practices

Using Body-based practices, I support you to learn how to listen to your body, take care of it and understand its subtle language so that you can get to the root of your difficulties. During this process you learn to recognise that the nervous system shapes the way that you experience life — that your beliefs, behaviours and body reactions are embedded within this system. I invite you to explore what is keeping you from the present moment and in an ongoing survival state. Together we incorporate practices and tools that are in alignment with your individual needs, which may include breath awareness, movement and other body-based practices. These tools can help you to integrate insight into your everyday life and can support you to develop a regular self-inquiry practice. Body-based practices can assist you in cultivating self-awareness and in regulating your nervous system.

4. Mindfulness

By incorporating mindfulness during sessions, I gently invite you to give space for the full spectrum of changing sensations and responses within your body, and to recognise your feelings and emotions. Through this process, I support you to develop presence, self-awareness and self-compassion as foundations for self-healing. Depending on your situation, we may integrate mindfulness techniques, meditation and foundational principles of non-duality into sessions. These elements assist you in self-regulating and developing insight in your daily life. Weaving mindfulness into sessions supports the shift from over-identifying with the mind towards connecting with your essence and the bigger picture of life.

Great question! To be honest, before I started doing this work I was very hesitant about doing therapy sessions online as I thought that this would diminish the connection and depth between the people I work with and myself as a therapist. During my graduate training I did many (many!) therapy sessions online, in both the role of therapist and as a client. It has been through my direct personal and professional experience of doing this work online that I have witnessed profound healing in people all over the world. This has shown me that therapeutic work can be very supportive when done online via Zoom, when there is a felt sense of safety and connection. I can even say that at times it is more potent working online than what it would be in person as you have the opportunity to dive inward within the comfort of your own home while also being held in a container of safety, presence and attunement. This is not to discount the importance of having in-person connections and experiences, but simply to say that I have found my therapeutic approach to be very supportive for clients when working online together. Here is a reflection from a regular client who I support online via Zoom:

“I have been doing therapy for many years, trying different modalities and techniques hoping to find something that could alleviate my social anxiety and strengthen my mental health. I started working with Joella 8 months ago, and the difference that I feel is profound. Although our sessions are online I feel Joella’s kindness and embracing energy as she holds space for me and my vulnerability each time we sit together. She is always so present and ready to help navigate any situation I am in, teaching me tools which I then incorporate in my day to day. My tool-box is growing and I am so happy to share that I feel more grounded in myself. Joella has so much knowledge, perceptiveness and wisdom. She truly is gifted at seeing and at helping others on their healing journey. Finding Joella renewed my sense of hope that healing is possible. Joella, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you are and for everything that you do.”

— Samy

The time that you have between sessions is highly dependent on your personal situation. If this is your first experience with having therapy sessions of this kind, then I recommend fortnightly sessions and to adjust from there as needed. As we incorporate both body and mind into the therapy space, this can be much like learning a new language - that is, the language of your mind-body system. Therefore, having regular sessions not only deepens a feeling of safety and connection in our therapeutic relationship, but it can also encourage noticeable shifts, personalised support and a gentle integration in your process of self-inquiry.

If you are navigating a major trauma, transition or adjustment in your life, then I often recommend starting with weekly therapy sessions. In comparison, if you are feeling mostly well within yourself but you have a specific issue that you’re needing support with then one-off sessions or sessions that are spaced further apart may be appropriate. As this suggests, the space that you have between sessions is highly dependent on your personal circumstances. Therefore, we can discuss this during your initial session to see what will be most supportive for you. If you would like to contact me directly to discuss then you’re also welcome to send an email here.

In my experience, this approach to therapy and counselling can be very supportive for working through practical challenges that you are dealing with in your life. Let me put it this way - if this work were to not lead to noticeable change and transformation in one’s everyday life then I would not be advocating for it!

My approach to therapy is individually tailored based on your specific situation. This means that I’m here to support you in navigating the challenges, stressors and triggers that are present in your everyday life, whether that be in your relationships, work, health or purpose. Rather than losing depth through using a holistic framework, this approach helps us to develop a more comprehensive and integrated understanding about what is going on for you so that we address the roots of your difficulties in the way that will serve you best. Therefore, I hold space for you to learn how to manage real issues that are arising in your life with more insight, balance and freedom.

Here is a reflection from a client who describes her experience of working together and how it supported her in clarifying the practical steps for navigating her situation:

“I loved working with Joella. I felt trust because of the way she was present, perceptive, and nonjudgmental; and I am truly impressed how fast we went so deep, while it was also gentle and supportive at the same time. I have gained new, clear and very useful insights about a topic that I have been struggling with for years and discovered practical steps on how to implement them in my life.”

— Jelena

Unfortunately counselling and psychotherapy are not currently supported under the Mental Health Care Plan and so I am not able to provide Medicare rebates for therapy sessions. This is a widely discussed issue within the therapy community as it creates limitations in accessing mental health services. At this stage I am also not able to provide private health rebates. However, I have a core belief that mental health services should be accessible to all. If you would like to work together but it is not currently within your financial means then please see the options below on packages of sessions and payment plans. Alternatively, you’re welcome to reach out via email here to see how we can make this work for your situation.

If you’re interested to work together over a number of sessions then I do offer packages of 3, 5 or 10 sessions at a reduced price per session. For further information about packages please visit my booking page here and scroll down to see the details. I also accept payment plans and so if you book a package of sessions then you’re welcome to get in touch about making the payment over a number of instalments. If you have a low income or are on a concession (e.g., you’re a self-funded full-time student, veteran, senior or health care card holder) and would like to work together then I do have some limited availability for sessions at concession rates. Finally, if you have funding through the NDIS then fees will be in line with the recommended fees. Please feel welcome get in touch via email for further details and to discuss your situation.

When held in a safe, sacred and ceremonial space, mushroom medicine can be an incredibly supportive ally for doing ‘the inner work’: for initiating deep healing and encouraging authentic change in our inner and outer worlds. With thoughtful preparation and integration, this medicine can support us to address the roots of our physical, mental and emotional pain. It can help us to let go of old habit patterns, self-limiting beliefs and stories that play out in the mind. Mushroom medicine can be an ally for reconnecting with our essence, our true Self. In this space of connecting with oneself, we open the doorway to connect more authentically with each other.

Journeying with mushroom medicine guides us to remember how to live in harmony with Mother Earth. The spirit of mycelium can reconnect us with the earth by revealing the Insight of Interbeing. The essence of interbeing was shared eloquently by the late Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh when he said that “We do not exist independently. We inter-are. Everything relies on everything else in the cosmos in order to manifest—whether a star, a cloud, a flower, a tree, or you and me.”

When journeying with plant and mushroom medicine you tap into the unconscious mind. Exploring your unconscious dynamics before and/or after a medicine journey can assist in navigating and integrating your experiences into daily life. Somatic-based therapy sessions guide you to recognise that which lies beneath the surface of your conscious awareness. Therefore, these sessions can be a supportive way to prepare for and integrate an experience with mushrooms. Principles of mindfulness and non-duality are also woven into the sessions in order to cultivate presence and self-awareness surrounding your journey. Note that somatic therapy sessions can also be a helpful way to make sense of a difficult plant or mushroom medicine experience, one that might be considered as a “bad trip”. By exploring your experience in a safe space this can support you to integrate it into your life with clarity and understanding.

I recommend engaging in at least one somatic-based therapy session about a week prior to a medicine ceremony and at least one within a week after your journey. Depending on your individual situation, you may find it beneficial to engage in multiple sessions before and/or after your journey.

If you would like to know more about my approach to holding space for preparation and integration sessions then you’re welcome to reach out by emailing me here. For more information about medicine ceremonies I recommend visiting psychedelic practitioner Andrea from Stellar Folk. If you’re interested to learn more about the healing power of mushrooms, then an insightful documentary to watch is The Fantastic Fungi. Finally, if you would like to listen to a conversation that explores the relationship between meditation and plant medicine, and how they can serve profound spiritual awakening and deep inner freedom, then I highly recommend this talk with Tara Brach and Roland Griffiths.

Disclaimer: The current legal status of plant and mushroom medicine varies significantly across different countries and many people travel to access these services legally. I do not condone the use of any illegal substance. I offer preparation and integration therapy sessions in alignment with the growing body of research which highlights the benefits of preparation and integration when working with this medicine.