“Stuck patterns” are emotional or behavioural loops that the brain and body learned earlier in life—often for protection—that continue to show up even when they no longer serve us. These patterns live in our neural networks and can affect how we respond to stress, relationships, conflict, intimacy, and everyday life.

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If you would like to know more you can find out about stuck patterns on our ​​

Trauma-informed counselling means we work at a pace that feels safe. We recognize how past experiences influence emotions, behaviour, and the nervous system—and we never push you beyond your capacity. The goal is to gently explore patterns while building emotional safety, awareness, and resilience.

Sessions may include:

• exploring patterns and emotional triggers

• building awareness of body sensations, thoughts, and feelings

• learning emotional regulation skills

• developing language for emotions (emotional literacy)

• processing emotional memories safely

• experimenting with new, healthier responses

• Laughter

• Tears

You always remain in control of what you want to explore.

Pattern exploration means identifying recurring emotional or relational loops—where they began, how they show up, and what they’re trying to protect you from. Once we understand the pattern, we can gently update it over time, as the brain creates new neural pathways that support healthier, more flexible responses.

Our eclectic approach may include:

• Person Centered counselling

• Trauma-informed counselling

• Dialectical behavior therapy

• Somatic awareness

• Parts-informed work

• CBT-informed tools

• Mindfulness and grounding

• Attachment-focused exploration

• Nervous system education

• Emotional regulation education

• Lived experience insight​

We tailor the approach to your needs—not the other way around.

Emotional regulation is the ability to experience emotions without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down. Many stuck patterns emerge from earlier moments when emotional support or safety was missing. At Stuck Patterns Counselling, we help you:

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• recognize your emotions

• understand them

• tolerate them

• express them in healthy ways​

Better regulation leads to better relationships, decision-making, and self-understanding.

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If you would like to know more you can find out about stuck patterns on our ​

Emotional memories (They could be called wounds) are past experiences—especially overwhelming or unsupported ones—that can be stored across the brain and body. When triggered by present-day cues they can create intense emotional reactions that don’t seem to “match” the situation. We work to help you process and soften these emotional imprints so they no longer control your present.

Yes. The brain is plastic—it can learn and adapt at any age. With awareness, emotional literacy, supportive guidance, and new experiences, old patterns can loosen, shift, and be replaced by healthier ones. We help you become unstuck from patterns that once kept you trapped.

Yes. We offer video and phone sessions, providing a safe, accessible environment for individuals who prefer the comfort of home. Many clients find this format helps them open up more easily.

n the simplest terms, anyone who is stuck​

and/or who is experiencing;

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Common Recurring Emotional Struggles

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You may notice patterns such as:

• Emotions that feel too big or too hard to manage

• Emotions that feel muted, distant, or hard to access

• Getting triggered by situations that don’t fully match the present moment

• Feeling stuck in loops of anxiety, shame, fear, or self-doubt

• Struggling to regulate emotions once they’re activated

• Repeating emotional reactions, even when you understand where they come from

• Feeling disconnected from your needs or unsure of your boundaries

• Difficulty feeling your emotions

• Emotional avoidance

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These are everyday experiences for many people. They reflect learned emotional patterns, not personal flaws.

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Examples of How These Patterns Show Up in Daily Life

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For some people, these emotional patterns might look like:

• Feeling anxious in situations that seem “small” or “shouldn’t” be stressful

• Replaying the same relationship dynamics or arguments

• Avoiding emotional conversations or shutting down during conflict

• Being overly self-critical or expecting perfection

• Carrying responsibility for others’ feelings

• Feeling overwhelmed around intimacy or closeness

• Struggling to say no or yes, set boundaries, or name your needs

• Overthinking decisions or seeking reassurance

• Feeling lonely even in social situations

• Becoming reactive without intending to

• Anxiety when someone gets close or when intimacy deepens

• People-pleasing or apologizing for things that aren’t your fault

• Avoiding conflict or shutting down during difficult conversations

• Overthinking simple decisions or needing reassurance

• Perfectionism that makes even small tasks feel high-stakes

• Overworking to avoid the fear of making a mistake

• Feeling responsible for other people’s emotions or comfort

• Withdrawing when emotions feel too big or too confusing

• Replaying the same argument with a partner or friend

• Becoming reactive before you’ve had a chance to think

• Freezing when you need to speak up or set a boundary

• Feeling on edge even in safe or calm situations

• Sabotaging calm moments because part of you expects something to go wrong

• Avoiding your own needs because they feel like a burden

Or anyone who would like to increase their emotional literacy and emotion regulation skills.

Everyone is different. Many clients notice meaningful change in 6–12 sessions when they practice between sessions. We set goals together and review progress regularly. If you would like to know more you can find out at my blog post on the time line of emotional regulation in therapy.

A: Yes. Sessions are confidential except in rare legally required situations (e.g. immediate risk). Please see our Privacy Policy for details.

A: Usually within 1–2 weeks depending on availability. Book a free 15‑minute consult to check fit.

Stuck Patterns Counselling is fully insured, registered, and safety compliant. This includes:

• Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Public Liability Insurance

• National Police Check

• Working With Children Check (WWCC)

• Registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

These measures ensure ethical, accountable, and safe practice for every client. Letting you know you’re in qualified and professionally supported hands at all times.

Higher education Qualifications and Work experience

• Diploma of Counselling

• Currently studying a Bachelor of Counselling

• Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting

• Certificate III in Pathology Specimen Collection

• Certificate III in Business

• 10 years of experience as a Medical Assistant in a Gp surgery

• 3 years of professional counselling experience

Advanced Study Major

• Relationship Counselling and Conflict Resolution

Additional Training - Micro credentials

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Trauma-Informed Counselling

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Counselling Assessment

• Mindfulness in Therapy

• Diverse Genders and Sexualities

• Health counselling

Ongoing Professional Development

I am committed to continuous learning so that clients receive the most effective, up-to-date, and compassionate care.

Alison – Neuroscience & Psychology

• Neuroscience of Emotions and Social Cognition

• Advanced Diploma in Brain and Behavior

Mental Health Academy – Trauma, Neuroscience & Therapy Training

• Stories of Our Ancestors: The Impact of Culture

• Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice

• The Unmanageable Traumatic Demand of Coercive Control

• Working with Trauma

• When Talk Therapy Is Not Enough

• Interrupting Intergenerational Trauma in Substance Use

• What Is Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)?

• Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) for Individuals

• Personal Synthesis and the ECS: A Transdiagnostic Approach

• Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)

• Xylazine: Worsening the Opiate Crisis

• Fit Your Own Mask First: Professional Self-care for Helpers

• Using CBT with Panic Disorder

• Understanding and Preventing Compassion Fatigue

• Diagnosing Trauma-Related Disorders

• Trauma and Addiction: Taking Motivational Interviewing to the Next Level

• Expected Discomfort vs Adverse Effects of Mindfulness: A Guide for Therapists

• First Do No Harm: The Need for Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness

• Trauma Informed Care: Mindfulness-Based Treatment for Post-Traumatic Growth

• How Behavioural Activation Can Help Your Depressed Clients

Community Courses

• Anger management and conflict resolution

• Tuning into kids

• 123 magic and emotion coaching.

• QC21 Supporting a suicidal young person

I believe in doing the same inner work I guide clients through. I have spent meaningful time in individual therapy and marriage counselling, and I continue to seek therapy from time to time.

This helps me:

• stay regulated and self-aware

• understand the counselling process from the inside

• maintain emotional clarity

• show up fully and compassionately for my clients

It is part of my ongoing commitment to ethical, grounded practice.