Family, Couples & Individual Psychotherapy | Supervision

Martina Palombi

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (MSW; AASW); Clinical Family Therapist (AFFT); Grad.Dip. Gestalt Psychotherapy; Adv.Cert. Couple & Family Systems Therapy

MARTINA OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

Couples & Family Psychotherapy
Individual Psychotherapy
Supervision (Clinical & Organisational)
Parenting programs (individualised and manualised)

Martina’s practice is conveniently located in the heart of Bondi Junction (Sydney) close to public transport and free parking.

She is available in person and for online consultations. Martina offers therapy/supervision interstate and internationally as well as in her Sydney practice.

Martina is bilingual, offering therapy in both English and Italian.

Sessions are charged at $240 for Individuals and $260 for families/couples per hour.

There is no need for a referral, just get in touch and we can organise an appointment.

Rebates are available through the Medicare Better Access Scheme. Clients will need a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP in order to access the rebate. The rebate provided by Medicare for seeing a Mental Health Social Worker is $85 for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Concession rates available (to be discussed with Martina directly)

Ph 0423 184 955

Contact Martina

Bondi Psychotherapy

Individual Couples and Family Therapy

Providing effective individual, couples and family psychotherapy and counselling for emotional, behavioural and relational struggles in life.

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My Approach

PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR COUPLES, FAMILIES & INDIVIDUALS

I see people for a range of issues emerging from their lives including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, couples issues, workplace concerns, family issues, behavioural problems, parenting, and life transitions.

People who engage in therapy with me undertake the process of relating to their difficulties in new ways, discovering that with awareness comes the possibility of change. As human beings we have a tendency to either blame others or ourselves for the problems we face. This approach to therapy aims to facilitate a more objective perspective, one that does not assign blame. In therapy we learn to assume responsibility for the direction we want our life to take. This creates more freedom as the more we take responsibility for our part, the more we can take control of how we feel, think and behave. Once committed to, psychotherapy involves a process of self-growth, emotion-regulation, and personal evolution.

My approach is based in Bowen family systems theory, a theory of human behaviour developed by Dr. Murray Bowen. Bowen family systems theory views human beings and their problems as embedded in the broader context of their family and social environments. A person’s problems, from this perspective, are not separated from their relationship systems. Bowen family systems theory does not view issues as belonging solely to the individual but rather sees human functioning as co-created by people’s relationship systems. From this perspective, a symptom in an individual is a reflection of a stressed system (family, work-place, couple).

SUPERVISION

I provide clinical supervision for mental health clinicians, mental health team leaders and teams. My area of expertise is Bowen Family Systems Theory, a theory of human behaviour which helps supervisees navigate where they may be getting stuck with their clients or teams. This way of ‘thinking systems’ can help tackle work-place and clinical issues as well as ethical dilemmas.

I offer a confidential, structured and collaborative space to facilitate reflective practice and systems thinking to enhance clinical practice and leadership. This way of engaging builds the supervisee’s capacity to reflect on their own clinical practice, increase self-awareness and become more autonomous.

I can supervise mental health clinicians working with families, couples, and individuals (including adolescents) as well as mental health teams or leaders who would like to develop further knowledge and skills in a family systems framework.

PARENTING PROGRAM

Martina is accredited to use the Parent Hope Project manualised parent programs developed by Dr Jenny Brown.

She offers a 6-8 session, individualised coaching program for parents who have children struggling with behavioural, social or mental health issues. The program is designed to provide parents with fresh awareness and guiding principles to optimise the way they support their children’s wellbeing. Parents are supported to manage their feelings and reactions towards their struggling child and to consider their role in encouraging their children’s potential for healthy development.

It aims to:

• Optimise the way you support your child’s wellbeing

• Shift focus to yourself rather than trying to change your child

• Promote more autonomy and responsibility in your child through how you manage yourself

• Help you get back on track as a loving and firm leader

• Establish a longer-term project of parent leadership. This is not a quick fix, but with changes to old patterns of interaction, the child is helped to improve the way they manage their own life challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy and counselling?

Psychiatry is a medical specialty like general practice (GP), surgery or paediatrics. Psychiatry mostly uses a diagnostic system based on the DSM5. Psychiatrists work with more severe disorders and can prescribe prescription medication.

Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling?

Depending on their training preference, mental health practitioners choose a particular path of education to qualify as either a psychologist, a psychotherapist or a counsellor. Often these terms are used interchangeably and sometimes therapists hold qualifications in one or more of these modalities. The main difference between psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors is the framework they use to base their thinking of human nature and behaviour.

What does therapy involve?

The focus will be on the problem you have come with, with a view to look at the broader context out of which the problem emerges. This could be how your current relationship and life circumstances play a part in the problem you are experiencing. It could also be how your family of origin or nuclear and extended family have contributed to the issue, past or present. The exploration might focus on how important events in your life have impacted your development, functioning and resilience, anything from relationships, to loss, to work, deaths, marriage, divorce, addictions, parenting, relocations or cross-cultural issues.

How long does it take?

The duration of therapy depends on you and your needs, the nature of the problem and how much energy and time you want to devote to the process. If you have a relatively straight forward concern 6-12 weeks may be enough time for you.

If, on the other hand, you want to understand and change long term patterns and the broader context which effect your functioning and underpin your symptoms, a longer therapy would be more helpful.

You may not have a major problem but may want to make use of therapy to understand and explore yourself, to grow in your relationships and to steer yourself more effectively in your life-path.

Usually therapy starts with weekly or fortnightly sessions with greater spacing as things improve.

What is the cost?

Fees:

$240 p/hr Individuals
$260 p/hr Couples & Families

There is no need for a referral, just get in touch and we can organise an appointment.

Those who use consultations for professional development or workplace coaching may be able to claim the sessions as a tax deduction.

What is the cancellation policy?

For missed appointments full fee will be charged

When notice is given under 48 hours half fee will be charged

There are no appointment reminders

Emergencies are exempt

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Couples Therapy Clients

“Both of us were rather apprehensive at the thought of entering in to couples therapy, however Martina made us feel accepted and supported. Martina’s approach has equipped us with the tools we need to ‘do it for ourselves’, rather than needing to rely heavily on a therapist for years to come. Our sessions have actually been enjoyable, which is not something I ever expected when it came to therapy”.

Supervisee

“Martina’s supervision offered me so much room to develop my approach as a therapist working with couples, families and individuals. Her thoroughness, clarity and compassion held both me and my clients in a way that we could each find our best selves for ourselves.

Therapy client

“I’ve been a client on and off of Martina’s for the last 14-15 years. Martina has been gentle when she’s needed to be and challenging when I’ve needed it. Her insight, knowledge and attunement in our sessions has guided and helped me in times when I’ve most needed it. I still go over in my head on some of our previous sessions when I am stuck in life. I am currently not in therapy but Martina is who I will go back to if I decide to revisit therapy”.