Belinda completed her Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne, and has experience working with adults and adolescents experiencing a range of emotional difficulties. She values building an authentic therapeutic relationship where people feel safe to explore parts of their inner world in a non-judgemental and empathic space.
Belinda aims to work collaboratively with her clients to help them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and underlying patterns that may be causing emotional suffering. She adopts an integrative approach mainly informed by Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). ISTDP is an evidence-based therapy that understands emotional suffering as arising from the use of defensive mechanisms that work out of our awareness to create barriers to authentically connecting with ourselves and our core emotions. By bringing awareness to these unconscious emotional processes, unhelpful defensive patterns can be understood and let go of, to make space for adaptive emotional processes to develop. She also draws upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), adopting a tailored approach that is guided by each client’s unique needs. Belinda is most passionate about working with her clients to achieve emotional wellbeing, with the aim of lasting change.