Vision Psychology Brisbane

Open 7 Days - Wishart

Larissa Watter

Larissa Watter

BA Counselling
Cert. Play Therapy Studies and Cert. Autplay

Hi, thank you for taking the time to get to know me, my counselling philosophy and how I work with clients. I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults and women. I am a registered counsellor and have a Bachelor in Counselling, Cert. Play Therapy Studies and Cert. Autplay

To make an appointment with Larissa Watter, select Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call Vision Psychology Wishart on (07) 3088 5422 or M1 Psychology Loganholme on (07) 3067 9129.  

Philosophy of Practice

No matter the age, my philosophy when working with clients is to understand their journey and walk along-side them through their concerns. I believe that the most influential factor for effective therapy is the quality of the relationship between counsellor and client. This can be achieved because I value providing a safe, non-judgemental space while operating from a person-centred framework that encompasses compassion, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. When a client truly feels like they are in a safe place without judgment, it encourages the journey of processing and healing.

The Person-Centered approach was developed by Carl Rogers in 1961. There are two Person-Centered principles that heavily influence my practice. Firstly, Rogers (1961) believed that as no one else can know how we perceive; we are the best experts of ourselves. The world we live in is the same for all of us, but the way we experience it is different for each individual. Secondly, Rogers believed that the therapeutic journey is on the client’s timeline, rather than the therapist’s.

Collaboration

It takes a village to raise a child. I like to think of attending therapy as adding someone to the child’s village. I apply the same thinking to how I work with my clients, particularly children. Child counselling intervention and parenting goes hand in hand, one cannot be as effective without the other. Sharyn Jones (Psychologist), a trained Triple P Practitioner, has extensive experience in providing diagnostic assessments, planning and assessing psychological treatment interventions. In working together as a team, Sharyn guides parents through challenges that they may be experiencing while I take up the role of providing therapeutic intervention for the child.

Counselling for Children and Adolescents

I first entered this field because I have a passion for working with children and adolescents, and seeing them flourish into happy, wholesome individuals. I recognize that sometimes children and adolescents need extra support to navigate through and process challenges. I am able to help with issues such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Grief and loss
  • School stress
  • Burn out
  • Self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Emotional regulation
  • Awareness of thoughts and feelings
  • Parent separation and divorce

Counselling for Young Adults

Areas of interest in working with adults include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Awareness of thoughts and feelings
  • Mindfulness
  • Self-esteem and confidence

Interventions

I understand that the world we live in is the same for all of us, but the way we experience it is different for each individual. Our developed personal constructs are mental representations that we use to interpret events. These constructs are based on our experiences and observations. In my practice, I use specific evidence based interventions that best suit the client. Interventions that inform my practice are:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Strength-Based Approach
  • Play Therapy
  • Child-Centred Play Therapy
  • Expressive Therapy
  • Autoplay

To make an appointment with Larissa Watter, select Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call M1 Psychology Loganholme on (07) 3067 9129 or Vision Psychology Wishart on (07) 3088 5422.  

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