Phoebe Hunter

Often our problems can seem overwhelming and we can feel stuck in old, repetitive patterns of behaviour. Psychotherapy aims to shine a light on what was once hidden and bring awareness to the ways we operate, providing the space to choose a different way of being with ourselves and others.

Areas of Special Interest

• gender identity
• sexual orientation
• addiction and recovery
• psychiatric issues
• body issues
• trauma
• relationship issues
• anxiety
• anger
• obsessive thinking
• loss of meaning in one’s life
• mindfulness
• spirituality

Counselling/Therapy Services

When we feel stuck, anxious, confused, and frustrated it can be hard to know how things could be different. Often we repeat patterns when we are not aware of them, leading to a feeling of compulsiveness or lack of choice in what happens to us and how we behave. We may believe there is no way out of the problems we face.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy builds on the idea that many of our current problems are the result of events from our past, especially from our early relationships. By exploring the past with an attitude of kind curiosity, we can increase our understanding of the issues confronting us in the present time. We can then bring more awareness to how we contribute unknowingly to repeating patterns. This allows us to create more space to respond and ability to change what once seemed cemented and stuck.

With this new awareness comes possibilities for a more genuine and authentic relationship with ourselves and other people. With greater awareness of our thoughts, feelings and behaviour, we come to trust ourselves more. In turn this allows us to trust others. We are able to respond more to life in the moment rather than reacting in the habitual ways we have in the past. We have new choices rather than going down old familiar paths.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

I am genuine, robust, and direct and also sensitive, warm and curious in my approach. I encourage a gentle, kind and interested attention in whatever issue it is you are bringing.

I see therapy as a co-creation between us. My role is to help you to identify relevant goals for therapy. Together we will work out how these can be achieved. My commitment is to do my best to help you satisfy these goals.

Background and Experience

I have experience working in specialist mental health services, the justice system and at the Burnett Centre. I have worked with transgender people in various stages of transition and this continues to be a particular interest.

I am committed to helping anyone who wants healing, growth, and to fulfill their potential for living well.