Awaken Within Counselling

If you’ve ever felt like your brain is screaming "danger" even when you are perfectly safe in your living room, you aren't broken. Your nervous system is just doing its job too well.

Traditional talk therapy is incredible, but when the body is locked in a survival loop (fight/flight/freeze/fawn), we have to work from the bottom up.

The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) uses the acoustic pathways of the nervous system to restore a sense of baseline safety. It’s not about changing your thoughts; it’s about changing your physiological state.

Have questions about how SSP works or if it’s right for your recovery journey? Drop a comment below or send a DM to chat. 👇✨

As life blooms once more, the days warm and rich with possibilities, I'm integrating a long hard winter and reflecting on all that was, and all that will be. This work has shown me, more than anything that came before it, how deeply connected we all are as people, and how deeply connected we are to our environment.

Tempting as it may be in these sun-filled days, I urge you not to turn away from your shadow. Instead, can you become curious about how the shadow interacts with the abundant light of springtime? What shifts feel possible now? What would you like to leave behind?

As always, I'm here to support your journey back to yourself, in all seasons. ✨️

Designation update:

My professional designation will soon be changing, from Registered Professional Counsellor, to Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling.

What does this mean? I am aligning my designation to reflect the clinical scope of practice that I've been working in for the past 2 years. Accordingly, I will be increasing my rates for both individual and couples sessions. I'm still doing the math on this, so stay tuned for updates. Also, please note that existing clients won't be affected by this rate increase.

Functionally, not much will change, but I'm excited to be embracing the clinical side of the work I'm doing and having the letters behind my name to reflect that!

Coming Soon: The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)!

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll soon be offering the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a powerful auditory intervention designed to help regulate your nervous system and enhance your capacity for connection.

As a trauma-focused psychotherapist, I've seen firsthand how crucial nervous system regulation is for healing. The SSP is an innovative, evidence-based listening therapy designed to help regulate your nervous system. Rooted in Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory, this non-invasive approach uses specially filtered music to help you feel more grounded, safe, and connected.

The SSP can gently:
* Reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm
* Improve emotional regulation
* Enhance social engagement
* Support deeper access to therapeutic work

This innovative tool can be a fantastic complement to our trauma therapy sessions, helping to create a stronger foundation for healing.

Stay tuned for more details on how the SSP can support your journey towards greater well-being! I can't wait to share this with you all.

Guess which therapist chronically neglects social media engagement? It's meee!

There's a few reasons for this. Mostly, I feel that the online world is saturated with mental health advice, and I don't have much to contribute that hasn't been widely proliferated already. Also, imposter syndrome shows up frequently!

So, I can't say I'll be posting a lot, but I'll keep checking in when I have an authentic desire to do so. This year, I'm taking some continuing education to further develop my skills in EMDR and IFS. I'm also continuing my personal work using these and other modalities.

My clients continue to be my most impactful teachers and guides, and I'm honoured to be able to walk alongside them. Despite life's many peaks and valleys, this work is a constant, and a truly abundant source of meaning and joy for me.

Wishing you all a happy winter season 💗

Hi! I've taken a big and very needed break from the world of social media since February. I'll be popping back in from time to time to share some exciting new things on the horizon for my practice. I have recently begun training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy. I can't wait to be able to offer this incredible modality to my clients at an accessible cost. EMDR therapy has been an essential part of my personal healing and recovery from PTSD, and I am excited to be able to share this healing with others. Stay tuned! ✨️

As 2023 draws to a close, I am reflecting on my practice and thinking about what the future holds. On a personal note, I feel very proud that I:
• qualified for my professional registration
• started working with a community organisation that is aligned with my values
• started my private practice
• continued my own healing journey with psychotherapy and occupational therapy.

I feel like I am growing into this work more and more with each session, and my deep respect and care for my clients continues to grow exponentially. 💗

I'm looking forward to so much more learning and connecting with my fellow travellers on this journey.

With love,
Phoebe 💫

Online booking is now available! Check my website or follow the link in my bio to book a consultation or session with me. Virtual and in-person sessions are available.

💜

Hi! I proudly present to you a much more current photo of myself. 😁

This photoshoot had me reflecting a lot on my previous headshot (from 2015 😱). To say that a lot has happened since that time would be a monumental understatement. What I can say is that those years, and the varying shades of darkness and light they hold, have made me a much better therapist. Pain is such a beautiful teacher, and I'm so lucky to be able to share in that process with others now through this work that I do, with so much love.

I'm undergoing some other exciting updates, so stay tuned as I iron out the creases. 💜

✨️Humbled by this, always.✨️

As we transition into shorter days, cosy weather, and a slower pace, I hope you will find ways to nurture yourself.

I will continue to be available for evening sessions so that we can all soak up as much sunshine as possible during the daylight hours. 🌞