Clare Stapleton

Experience:

I am an experienced psychotherapist and counselor working with individuals and couples in an emotionally focused mode. I also offer supervision and training to other practitioners.

With a background in social work I have worked for over 25 years with many different clients – individuals, couples, families and communities - struggling with a variety of challenges.

Special Interests:

Helping clients understand their psychological world and themselves in a more fundamental and intuitive way is important to me. This approach provides relief from pain and develops the capacity to understand the authentic self and to construct a life that reflects the needs and desires of that self.

I have a passionate belief in the ability of people to find inner strength and resources so that they can fulfill their potential, even (or especially) during periods of challenge and crisis.

I am committed to providing a genuine, respectful and warm relationship for those people who work with me.

In recent years I have become committed to the practice and use of mindfulness as an adjunct to the emotionally focused process. I have found that this helps clients to experience their emotions in a different way, as well as providing alternatives to manage physical and emotional pain.

Teaching and Training:

In addition to my therapeutic work I am a faculty member and trainer at The Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy. I also work as an ASIST (Suicide Intervention) trainer. For over 15 year I have also worked with NSW TAFE, training community service and health workers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work (Hons.), UNSW
• Grad. Dip. Emotionally Focused Therapy, IEFT
• Grad. Dip. Vocational Education., UTS
• Cert IV Assessment and Training, NSW TAFE

Professional Associations:

I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers. (AASW) In addition to membership my ongoing professional development means that I have received an accredited status with this organization. I am also registered with Medicare as a mental health service provider.