About
About my Doctorate – Not that You Asked
My doctorate by research in 1999, was about one of my lifelong passions: an exploration of learning or how humans learn best. Having undertaken extensive research into the optimum conditions for learning to gain my PhD, I re-trained in counselling through an approach that recognises and values learning. An approach that assumes that as well as problems, all of us have great resources to find solutions to the things that disturb our peace, our quiet enjoyment of life. If you’re keen to learn new ways to communicate, new ways to de-stress and relax, then please call me on 0417 379 684 for a cost-free 15-20min talk about how we might work together.
There’s the beautiful coincidence between the focus of my PhD in looking at how we learn and learn best and my post-doctoral study in counselling with Dr Robert McNeilly . The first of a number of my qualifications in counselling is called Diploma of Learning Solutions in Counselling . I’ve since completed other qualifications with Dr Rob McNeilly, including a Diploma in Hypnosis.
You’ll get the most out of our sessions when you’re willing to learn new ways of thinking and acting. Especially when you’re able to see your role in the way your thinking creates many of your problems.
A Little Bit More About My Background
In working with people with all sorts of major and not so major issues, I’ve come to realise that one approach will rarely be enough. That’s why I often combine Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with hypnosis and I encourage all my clients to get “off auto-pilot” and really notice this moment. Regardless of techniques, my focus is on working together to create with you, your unique solution to your equally unique problems.
Everything I’ve achieved in my previous roles comes with me into our consultations. All my negotiation and research skills, my creativity and my thirst for knowledge, it all comes with me to you in our consultations. The strongest foundation, the most important element in communication is listening, the quiet and elegant precursor to great interpersonal communication. Having undertaken extra courses in conflict resolution, I teach clients who wish to learn, how to use active listening as the tender and loving path back to harmonious relationships.
What really matters in therapy?
Dr McNeilly, a GP by training, learned his counselling approach directly from Milton H Erickson. Dr Erickson is well known and respected for the gentle and respectful way he assumed that his clients could and would work with him to find their own unique solution to their problems. My orientation is Ericksonian but Dr McNeilly reminds his students about some very interesting research findings related different treatment modalities. It seems that across all schools and practices of Psychology – Freudian, Jungian, Gestalt, Ericksonian, somatic and so on – across all of the therapeutic approaches used, the effect of the therapy accounted for only 15% of the reason the client improved.
In other words, it’s important not to get too dogmatic about any one school of thought or therapeutic approach. When people get better, 85% of the reason they get better or feel better is related to such things as:
- Getting a new job
- Divorcing or reconciling with their spouse
- Giving birth to a child
- The advent of Spring and lovely weather
- Better eating and drinking regimen
- Life in general
See this article article for further details. In that review of the book “The Heart & Soul of Change: What Works in Therapy” edited by Mark A. Hubble, Barry L. Duncan, and Scott D. Miller you’ll notice that the greatest emphasis is placed on relationship – how the therapist and the client relate. How they learn together. That’s certainly my primary focus.
Anxiety Treatment
I specialise in anxiety treatment as well as in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). For many years, I’ve worked with people who have anxiety in all its many forms – fear, worry and apprehension that disrupts their enjoyment of life. Anxiety that makes them think twice about going to concerts, speaking up at work, travelling on trains, driving on freeways.
I also offer help and support to people who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder BPD. I treat each person who has BPD as a unique individual – as I should. I use dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), combined with cognitive behaviour therapy as well as a range of other approaches including the power of hypnosis.
I can help you to find your unique solution to your problems. Through my practice in Yarraville I offer:
- FREE initial 15 minute consultation by phone
- Concessional fees for full-time students
- Sessions outside 9-5.
- Phone sessions
- Sessions by Skype or ZOOM.us
Do you have any questions? Would you like to schedule your first FREE 15 MINUTE consultation by phone?
- Call me now on 0417 379 684 to schedule your first FREE 15 MINUTE consultation. Or…
- Send me an email – jkavanagh@iinet.net.au
Listen to my two free MP3 Relax on cue and Meditation Magic
Click on this link to listen to my MP3 which will help you to relax and to sleep like a baby again – Relax on Cue.
Click on this link to listen to my MP3 Meditation Magic It will guide you into the simple art of breathing meditation.
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