Psychotherapy

Leila Brown

Psychotherapist

Leila is a PACFA registered psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is a specialisation for working in depth with people who are grappling with a range of personal and well-being issues including diagnosed mental health conditions. She has completed an undergraduate degree in psychology and Master’s degrees in both education and psychotherapy and counselling. She is a busy mum of three young children, with her eldest being neurodiverse so she also has first-hand experience, empathy and understanding in the difficulties and challenges parenting can bring. She has a particular interest in children and adolescents along with women’s post-partum mental health. She is happy to see children from the age of four and practices from a trauma-informed perspective incorporating traditional talking therapies alongside aspects of CBT and other modalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a specialisation for working in depth with people who are grappling with a range of personal and well-being issues including diagnosed mental health conditions.

Psychotherapists focus on assisting their clients to explore and understand aspects of themselves and their experience. They assist their clients to understand how past experiences influence and shape their current responses to life events. The focus is on the here and now response, the past simply provides the platform for understanding.

Psychotherapy is related to its cousin, psychoanalysis, but is informed by modern interpersonal and relational models of working with clients. Psychotherapists draw from modern neurobiology and a range of evidenced based methods of working.

What is the difference between a psychologist & a psychotherapist?

There are more similarities than differences and often they intersect quite a bit. Psychologists generally take a scientific approach to the study of the human mind and will often incorporate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in sessions as a means for treatment. As a psychotherapist I do not believe there is a one size fits all approach when working with clients so although believing CBT and in fact all modalities have merit and a purpose, I am more interested in being client focused and understanding what is underlying presenting behaviours or concerns and working collaboratively to relieve these. Depending on the client and their needs I use elements of person-centred therapy, play therapy, CBT, ACT and solution-focused therapy within a safe space.

Do I need to attend with my child?

This is entirely up to you and your child. I am happy to work collaboratively and decide what will achieve the best outcomes. If you would like to provide me with some background information or current presenting concerns this is often best done not in the presence of the child so, please feel free to email me at hillspsychotherapy@gmail.com or schedule your own appointment with me to discuss.

Is there a Medicare Rebate?

Unfortunately, not currently. Our governing registering body, PACFA, are confident that this will change hopefully in 2023. After careful consideration my fees take this into account.