Since 1999, I have been working as a counsellor and therapist and I really enjoy this work - helping people to achieve their desired changes or to gain some relief from emotional pain.

Philosophy/Way of working
Clear and honest communication is an important part of how I work and I believe that this makes counselling much more effective. I work hard to build warm and supportive relationships with my counselling clients, aiming to help them to achieve their identified goals. Operating on the belief that everyone’s point of view has value and that an individual’s past behaviour has served a valid function for them, I work with my clients to understand why things are as they are, and what they would like to be different, before we develop a plan for change. 

As a counsellor, I use a broad range of theories and methods, including social work, family therapy and other psychotherapies.  

Common issues I work with include:

• Alcohol/drug
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loss/grief
• Emotional and interpersonal issues
• Life transition adjustments
• Sexual identity and gender identity

Who I see:

• Individuals who arrange sessions directly with me, with or without a referral from a GP.
• Individuals who receive sessions organised by their employing organisation as part of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) sessions.

What I offer:

• A warm, supportive and honest relationship with my clients.
• One-to-one counselling
• Short to medium term counselling that focuses on support and specific changes.
• Medium to longer term counselling which focuses on therapeutic interventions, rather than just immediate symptom relief.
• A focus on the person I am counselling as an individual whilst also thinking about them as part of a bigger system - where they fit within their close relationships and society as a whole.

Venue:

Consulting rooms in Malvern, Melbourne.

If you would like to talk to me about having some counselling or would just like more information about the process, please email lisa.derham@bigpond.com or ring during business hours on 0402 759 286.