About me
I have a private practice in Summer Hill and Glebe in the inner west of Sydney where I see individuals and couples for counselling and psychotherapy and facilitate groups throughout the year.
I hold a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from the Institute of Counselling as well as a Graduate Diploma in Emotionally Focused Therapy from the Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have also completed training and courses in Addiction Counselling, Group Therapy, Couple Counselling, Voice Dialogue, Cognitive Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy amongst many others.
I am an approved service provider to the National Carer Counselling Program NSW and South Pacific Private which is a treatment centre for addictions and mood disorders. I am also a Senior Group Facilitator at Holyoake (Centacare).
I am a clinical member of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association of NSW and am on the National Register of Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia Inc [www.pafca.org]. These professional bodies set the standands of training, supervision of clinical work and ongoing professional development.
I constantly expand my knowledge by attending workshops for professional development, keep up to date with new research and subscribe to various professional magazines within Australia and overseas. I regularly take the opportunity to attend workshops and lectures for my personal development.
I endeavour to maintain and continue to develop good health in my physical, spiritual, mental, emotional and social life as I believe my lifestyle also affects the quality of my work. Being a parent and partner also influences my work as do my relationships with family and friends.
Becoming a Counsellor
A traumatic event that occurred over 20 years ago resulted in me seeking personal counselling that was to be the turning point in my life. My passion and enthusiasm for counselling began in 1996 when I became a Group Facilitator with Holyoake (Centacare) where I developed a deep desire to help others in their life struggles. This desire made me determined to further my studies to become a Professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist.
Due to the changes I experienced in myself and changes that I have observed in my clients, I have came to believe first hand in the human potential to heal and make changes that enhances one’s life. My life experience has been a catalyst for helping others with their suffering in a compassionate and understanding way and help them with new ways of being in the world.
Publications
Simonetta, M. (2008), Tara’s Golden Necklace: An Emotionally Focused Journey to Discovering the True Self. Reader in Emotionally Focused Work, IEFT, Annandale. 4th Edition, pp. 37-50.
Simonetta, M. (2008), Case Study – Jacky. Reader in Emotionally Focused Work, IEFT, Annandale. 4th Edition, pp.101-124.
Most of us experience difficulties from time to time, counselling can help you feel better about yourself, allow you find new inner strength, and self respect.