Laura Sykes – Family Counsellor
I’m a family therapist and holistic counsellor who works with individuals, couples and families. Having practised for over 20 years, I bring a wealth of life experience and a broad knowledge of diverse psychotherapeutic methods which enable me to work with peoples’ complex issues. I’m passionate about personal growth and the transformation of problems into new perspectives.
My key specialisation is supporting couples to find ways to deepen their emotional connection, assisting them to break negative cycles of miscommunication. I work from a solution focused approach to create positive outcomes. The methods incorporated into my couples work are based on forty years research on ‘what makes couples relationships thrive’ developed at the Gottman Institute, USA. I’ve been privileged to train under John and Julie Gottman, and Dan Wile, accomplished international author and couples therapist (USA).
Past experience
As a young woman I lived in the Himalayas in Nepal and Kashmir and was fortunate to be introduced to Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient yogic practices of north India. Returning to Australia I qualified as a yoga teacher and taught for 7 years. I incorporate the techniques of ‘Mindfulness’ into my counselling. When Oriental Medicine and the ancient Japanese practice of Shiatsu was introduced to Australia I studied with Japanese teachers, qualified as a Shiatsu Therapist, and founded and directed my own clinic in Melbourne with health practitioners from both Eastern and Western traditions. Integrative medicine was becoming a part of the new healing paradigms and it was an exciting time to be a pioneer practitioner and educator (with many others) contributing to the health and well-being industry.
Over many years treating thousands of clients I became interested in how physical symptoms were linked to emotional and psychological imbalance and proceeded over the next two decades to explore mind/body holistic psychotherapies. In 2011 I graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy and have worked as a senior counsellor and educator since joining a Family Relationships Counselling and Education Service (NGO) which has centres across Victoria.
Current Experience
The main influence on my approach as a therapist has come from training in process-oriented psychology under the founders and teachers from the Global Process Institute, Oregon, USA.
The last few years I’ve expanded my experience working in:
- trauma (early childhood, institutional abuse & neglect under the ‘Forgotten Australians’ Victorian Govt initiative)
- workplace issues (EAP employment assistance provision)
- parenting after separation (groups for Family Court ordered separated parents)
- complex trauma of resettlement with families (supported by ICAFS – Intercountry Adoption Family Support Service) who’ve adopted a child from overseas
- family violence
- critical incident response
- development of a group parenting program for fathers called ‘Roadworthy for Dads’
‘Over many years treating thousands of clients I became interested in how physical symptoms were linked to emotional and psychological imbalance and proceeded over the next two decades to explore mind/body holistic psychotherapies’
Currently I also work with young musicians studying their Bachelor of Music as a ‘Well-Being Counsellor’ supporting them to flourish on their career path. I’ve recently broadened my counselling practice for those interested in discovering the Jungian archetypal patterns, stories, myths and themes unconsciously influencing their lives, replacing unproductive life patterns by awakening unrealized potential.
I’m married with two adult children, love music festivals, comedy, arts and other cultures, reading, nature and want to continue travelling this planet.
Education/Group Facilitation Experience
Parenting for Fathers of children aged 1-12 yrs (Roadworthy for Dads)
Assertiveness
Rejuvenate Your Relationship
Parenting after Separation
Men’s Behaviour Change
Anger Management
Counselling Therapeutic Approaches
Psychodynamic
Family Systems
Cognitive Behavioural
Process Oriented Psychology
Person centered
Solution Focused
Emotion Focused
Gestalt
Mindfulness
Qualifications
Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy
Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy
Certificate in Reconstructive Psychotherapy
Crisis Intervention & Management (C.I.M.A)
Men’s Behavioural Change Facilitator Level 1
Cert IV in Assessment & Workplace Training
ICAFS trained (Intercountry Adoption Family Support Service)
Collaborator: Martin Sykes – Counsellor
Martin is a broadly qualified therapist who offers a wealth of experience in NLP, coaching, counselling and psychotherapy.
He was born in the UK, working 20 years in IT and the corporate world, ending that career as a change manager for a large multinational company, prior to moving into the counselling and wellbeing space. He spent several years working for the UK equivalent of Lifeline, working on the telephones and some face-to-face work, dealing with suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety. He also set up a private clinic, providing counselling, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and complementary health services.
Since coming to Australia, some 13 years ago, Martin set up in private practice offering coaching and counselling services. He’s also worked for several NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) and community based organisations in and around Melbourne. He’s managed a specialist Family Violence team, providing group and individual services to both men and women. He has been specially recognised for his skills working with young men with issues ranging from serious depression through anger to AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) and motivation.
Martin Sykes Qualifications
NLP Trainer and Master Practitioner
Diploma of Applied Holistic Counselling
Graduate Certificate in Social Science (Male Family Violence)
Martin’s last role in the NGO sector was as Manager of Corporate Services, having spent the previous seven years as the Manager of Youth Links and Youth and Families Services for the same organisation. He is also an experienced group facilitator and trainer who has designed and delivered many workshops and training sessions on a wide range of topics, including communication, management, team building and personal development. He continues to co-facilitate Men’s Behavioural Change Programs for a Melbourne based counselling and education provider.
All of these roles and skillsets, his systems and business knowledge and his personal journey make Martin a highly knowledgeable and effective coach and counsellor.
Martin, who likes travel, golf, reading, cooking, food and wine, and music festivals tries to keep fit though regular Pilates.