My Practice
Welcome. My name is Alex Dunwoodie (she/her). I am a Registered Clinical Counselor and member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Member No 28925) based in Sydney. I hold a Bachelor of Social Welfare from Southern Cross University and a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Western Sydney University. While I have trained in both Psychology and Social work foundations, the practice of Psychotherapy means that I approach presenting problems from a systemic, interpersonal and holistic perspective.
I work with all clients at a variety of services. Online with FND support services, where I integrate talk and somatic therapies for clients with complex trauma and nervous system disorders. Heads and Tails Clinical Psychology using Nature and Equine assisted therapy to support children and their families. As well as face to face at Birth Time; The Village, providing support to both women and men through all of lifes transitions.
My Approach
My holistic approach is informed by Attachment Theory and interpersonal neurosciences understanding of the development of the self and the impact of trauma on this growth. I utilise evidence-based modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Focusing, and Applied Polyvagal Theory for Trauma. With specific qualification for Autism and ADHD through training in Neuro divergent affirming practices and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
As a Person-centred Psychotherapist, I tailor each session to the needs of the client by creating safe and nurturing space to explore their strengths, develop coping strategies, and enhance their self-awareness. I see the interpersonal relationship between therapist and client as a place of warmth and discovery, and welcome anyone seeking support on their inward journey.
My Background
Returning to psychotherapy after a career in the arts feels like a coming together of many parts of myself. I spent years as a craft teacher and shoemaker which gave me a solid grounding in collaboration and creative thinking. Then having children and supporting women as a Doula (birth attendant) challenged parts of myself I didnt know and inspired me to continue studying this amazing body brain connection that drives us to survive.
“The goal of this journey is to reunite us with ourselves. Such a homecoming can be surprisingly painful, even brutal. In order to undertake it, we must first agree to exile nothing.”
Stephen Cope
