In my work as a Clinical Psychologist, I value building an authentic therapeutic relationship where people feel safe to explore parts of their inner world in a non-judgemental, empathic space. I work from a collaborative, person-centred approach, to help people develop a deeper understanding of themselves and underlying patterns that may be causing emotional suffering. I have experience working across both public and private settings with adults and young people experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, self-esteem and relationship difficulties. 

My therapeutic approach is predominantly informed by emotion-focussed and experiential frameworks, including the following modalities:

• Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

• Psychodynamically informed approaches

• Attachment-based approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ISTDP is an active, emotion-focussed therapy that explores how coping patterns and defences learnt early in life contribute to emotional suffering. Working with both mind and body, ISTDP gently brings awareness to the feelings underlying these patterns. Over time, this work can help emotions be experienced more fully, supporting emotional wellbeing.

I’m most passionate about working with my clients to achieve not only symptom relief, but meaningful change that ideally extends beyond therapy. I'm also a clinical supervisor, providing supervision and guidance for provisional psychologists in training, general psychologists and clinical psychology registrars.

 Belinda Pacella. Clinical Psychologist in Brunswick