Alison Hicks

Psychologist

My work with clients is constantly evolving and I use an integrative approach to treatment, where I use several therapeutic frameworks to inform my practice. These frameworks include, but are not limited to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Trauma Based Therapies EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Trauma Therapy, Mindfulness and behavioural Interventions.

I work with adult clients seeking to understand their internal system and protective mechanisms that maintain unhelpful behavioural patterns (e.g. mental health symptoms, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges). Often clients have learnt strategies and have good insight into their patterns however this is not enough to overcome persistent challenges. The work I offer provides a deeper understanding of your internal system and is longer-term work.

My work focuses on three main phases of treatment:

1. Polyvagal theory application – recognising the impact of nervous system dysregulation on current functioning and strategies to help the nervous system return to a state of safety. 

2. Schema therapy to explore your internal world and the presence of subconscious protective behaviours affecting your progress in living the life you want.

3. Neurobiological therapies including EMDR and Brainspotting to process subconscious experiences

I am a fully registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency. I am a member of the Australian Psychologists Association Inc. (AAPI), associate member of EMDR Association Australia (EMDRAA)