Vanessa Poliness

Approach

As a psychologist I work from a psychodynamic orientation and have a trauma-informed approach, recognising that trauma is common and people accessing health services may have been affected by trauma. The therapeutic relationship is integral and fosters a safe and trusting space, creating transparency, empowerment, collaboration and reflection. Psychodynamic therapy provides clients with an opportunity to explore childhood experiences and their interpretation, in an effort to understand how they have been negatively impacted and the link between their current issues. Having greater insight provides a client with a sense of control and empowerment, allowing them to be an active agent in their own journey of change. With a greater understanding of themselves, clients may make healthier, adaptive decisions about their behaviour and their future.

Experience

I have been a practising psychologist since 2002 and have mostly worked with men and women in the forensic field. Much of my work has involved individual counselling and facilitating groups. I have held positions of leadership and enjoy shaping and developing other psychologists, as well as contributing positively to the profession.