| Pauline MCKINNON | |
Counsellor/Psychotherapist Qualifications:
Professional Memberships:
|
This page created January 23rd, 2007
|
Registered for Medicare?
|
 |
| Contact Details | |
Consulting Address |
Life Development Centre 146-150 Harp Road |
Contact |
|
Consulting Details |
|
|---|---|
Areas of Speciality |
|
Treatment For |
|
Languages other than English |
|
Hours/Consulting Times |
|
Fees |
|
Other |
|
| Treatment Details |
Therapeutic Techniques Used
|
Outline of Treatment approach: Qualifications and memberships
Background: In 1983 I published my story of recovery, In Stillness Conquer Fear, after 8 years of agoraphobia. My aim in sharing my journey of pain and healing was to bring hope, example and an effective solution to other anxiety sufferers. Agoraphobia is considered to be the most severe of anxiety reactions as its sufferers experience every aspect of acute anxiety conditions. During those 8 years my life was severely inhibited by recurring panic and chronic anxiety with a range of symptoms including dizziness, de-personalisation and virtual incapacitation with some element of depression. When relief finally arrived in the form of Stillness Meditation it brought with it a profound life transformation which led to publication of my story. From those who have contacted me over the years I am able to say that thousands throughout the world have benefited from my recovery story – and over almost 25 years my book remains a first of its kind, pioneering today’s public awareness of anxiety as a significant social problem. Field of Expertise My expertise is in the relief and management of anxiety primarily for adult clients, though all age groups will be considered. My clientele present with issues that include agoraphobia, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalised anxiety and phobias. My work also embraces general stress management, grief, depression, preventative health care, the management of illness through meditation and psycho-spiritual development. Publications and Presentations In Stillness Conquer Fear has been republished numerious times since 1983. Additionally, in 1990 I published Quiet Magic and Help Yourself and Your Child to Happiness to pioneer the possibility of children and adolescents finding healing or prevention in meditation. In 2002 I published a teaching manual titled Let’s Be Still and from this and my training course in Stillness Meditation, programs have been introduced into some Victoria Primary Schools. I have also created I regularly lecture and conduct workshops in anxiety, stress management and meditation to anxiety support groups, educational bodies, schools, hospitals, corporate offices and major universities. Therapeutic Approach In my own search for relief I underwent and studied many conventional and less-conventional treatments including medication, psychoanalysis, behavioural therapies, stress management programs, Yoga etc. Despite learning a great deal, no healing occurred until I was fortunate to discover Stillness Meditation, the work of the eminent Melbourne psychiatrist, Dr Ainslie Meares. My philosophy and my treatment follow his direction. With an affinity for the anxious mind, initially I offer practical reassurance and fresh understanding of the anxiety condition. I then begin to educate people in their current reactions and invite their capacity for change leading to an introduction to Stillness Meditation. This is notably different from general meditation as it offers the exceptional mental rest necessary to lower anxiety levels. In this, the client is assisted to experience complete relaxation, beyond discomfort of any kind. Sessional feedback involving empathy and guidance follows the meditation experience to form one inclusive, natural modality – Stillness Meditation Therapy. Individual counselling or psychotherapy is available as an option. In this I help the client to discover solutions to core issues and to strengthen their innate resilience and potential self. I take a psychodynamic approach with an existentialist influence, often using meditation based visualization and imagery, the interpretation of dreams, art therapy and journaling. Therapeutic Benefits
Studies indicate a 48% decrease in anxiety symptoms within a Standard Course of 16 therapeutic Stillness Meditation sessions. The Life Development Centre The Life Development Centre is an extension of my private practice with associates Francine Cockerill and Kaye Hakopian assisting me with Stillness Meditation programs. The option of consultations with in-house Life Coach Jo-Anne Hook adds a popular complementary dimension to our major services. As a team we serve a clientele from all walks of life, ranging from early childhood to very mature years. The Life Development Centre is a busy yet calm place with more than 50 people each week attending various programs. The working philosophy of the Centre embraces the ideal of assisting people to enjoy life to the full from the fundamental first step of achieving true relaxation and ease. Thumbnails Francine Cockerill is an Arts graduate with over 20 years experience in theatre, art and design. She has a natural affinity for the very young and blends her talents with counselling in introducing stillness to her young clients. She specialises in Stillness Meditation in the classroom and her work has resulted in excellent therapeutic and practical benefits for young children. Kaye Hakopian is a qualified teacher and has over 35 years experience with the Department of Education including a prominent role in Special Education with the Austin School. Kaye has initiated and assisted at numerous workshops in meditation for teenagers. She integrates counselling skills with Stillness Meditation and observes remarkable improvements in her students’ ability to cope, manage stress and gain confidence. Jo-Anne Hook combines her skills in counselling with over 20 years experience in the business arena. She delights in assisting people to fulfil their goals and dreams through self-understanding and clarification of their life direction. Jo has creatively worked within professional practice, retail, manufacturing and health services, successfully assisting in personal and professional development. Making contact Individual consultations and group meditation sessions are available by appointment. For further information and fees please telephone Christine or Lucy during business hours (03) 9817 2933
Pauline McKinnon Life Development Centre 146-150 Harp Road Telephone: (03) 9817 2933 |
Return to:
