Resources
Here is a little extra information for understanding the therapy process, including some background info about theories that inform my practice.
Scroll down for a list of external support options if you’re looking for assistance now.
Attachment Theory
According to attachment theory, early childhood events influence how adults perceive themselves and others, affecting how they behave in close relationships. It is well-researched and is used increasingly in both clinical settings and popular psychology.
According to founding theorist John Bowlby, between the ages of 6 and 36 months, an infant develops an attachment bond with their primary caregiver that will serve as the model for all future interactions. This bond can form securely or insecurely. A secure attachment bond creates in the growing individual an expectation of needs being met; a sense of trust and safety in self, relationships and the world at large. An insecure attachment bond can lead to a deep inner sense of fear, anger, shame and unsafety. Relationship patterns through life can be moulded in similar insecure ways, with varying degrees of dysfunction in the forms of preoccupation with, avoidance of, or disorganisation around intimacy.
The following videos help to explain how this occurs, and may help you begin to understand concerns you may have with your sense of self and current relationships.
For more information and to take a quiz on your attachment style - https://www.attachmentproject.com/
Trauma, Emotional Regulation and Polyvagal Theory
Understanding some basic information about human nervous systems’s response to trauma can help to make more sense of mental distress and other symptoms.
The polyvagal theory is a meeting of evolutionary, developmental, and social understandings of human behaviour. It is a psychosomatic (body-mind) explanation of human behaviour which considers our natural neurobiological states and how they can influence our experiences. Founder Steven Porges claims that our experience of ourselves, our relationships and the world is governed by physiological pathways through which we are able, or unable, to experience safety.
When we are born, our autonomic nervous system is primed for threat-response. If we encounter trauma or neglect, our nervous systems can either fail to develop, or lose, the capacity to self-regulate. This can lead to an overactive or underactive nervous system, and can help to explain symptoms such as anxiety, depression, overwhelming stress responses, relationship difficulties, and more.
The following videos provide an overview of trauma and the nervous system.
Systems Theory
Looking at ourselves from the perspective of the multiple systems, or contexts, in which we live helps us get a fuller, more holistic picture. This can help us to be kinder to ourselves - we are the way we are for very good reasons! Acknowledging these can help us change.
Systems theory in psychology looks at how people behave and react in the context of complex systems. It states that individuals can only be understood within their particular setting. Taking into account our histories, environments, communities, families, cultures, diets, activity levels (etc.) creates a more global, holistic perspective. This allows greater understanding of current concerns, and greater scope for treatment.
Systems thinking recognises that we are all emergent beings. Our minds have emerged from the many contexts in which we reside: biological, environmental, familial, generational, societal. The good news is that, as we have been shaped by our environments, we too can shape them. By uncovering and comprehending the influences upon us, we develop the agency to influence the world around us.
These videos help to explain systems thinking from a psychological and general point of view.
Further Resources
Relationships:
Levine, A., & Levine, H. (2021). Attached: Are you Anxious, Avoidant or Secure? How the science of adult attachment can help you find and keep love.
Tatkin, S. (2016) Relationships Are Hard, But Why? TEDxKC YouTube.
Tatkin, S. (2013). Your brain on love: The neurobiology of healthy relationships.
Trauma:
van der Kolk, B. (2015). The body keeps the score.
Levine, P. (2011). Waking the tiger.
Levine, P. (2010). In an unspoken voice.
Grief:
Weller, F. (2015). The wild edge of sorrow.
Emotions:
Brown, B. (2022). Break Free from Shame and Perfectionism. Youtube.
Brach, T. (2019). Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN
Inspirational:
Whyte, D. (2019). Consolations.
O'Donohue, J. (2004). Beauty: The invisible embrace.
Tippet, K. (2016). Becoming wise: An inquiry into the mystery and art of living.
Free mental health services
Contact one of the following support lines if you require immediate assistance:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Area Mental Health Services Triage: http://www3.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices/
NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24
Suicide Call Back: 1300 659 467
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636
Mensline: 1300 789 978
Parentline: 13 22 89
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 1800 015 188