About
Andrew has been practicing as a Mental Health Social Worker and Psychotherapist since 1994. Prior to that he worked as a consultant in the field of Industrial Relations and Organisational Change. Andrew is also a Zen Buddhist Teacher and founder of the OzZen community of Australian Zen Buddhist practitioners and dharma friends.
Andrew specialises in the field of relational trauma (Complex PTSD). After completing his social work training at Sydney University in 1995 he completed a Graduate Diploma in Narrative Therapy in 1998 under the guidance of Michael White. He then completed three years of training in psychoanalysis, graduating with a Master in Clinical Science from Adelaide University in 2002. Andrew then went on to complete his PhD thesis in 2010, in the specialist field of adolescent sexual offending therapy, where he focused on attachment trauma and relational psychotherapy.
Over the past 30 years Andrew has been working on developing clinical theory and practice that integrates interpersonal neurobiology, affect regulation theory, polyvagal theory, narrative therapy, relational psychoanalysis, Zen Meditation, and iRest Yoga Nidra. He is dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that cultivates feelings of safety, mutual recognition, and vulnerability (allowing ourselves to feel known and understood).
Education
PhD
Master of Clinical Science
BSW (Hons)
Grad. Dip. (Law)
BA
Special interests
Developmental and Relational Trauma
Complex PTSD
Depression and Anxiety
Aging
Spirituality and Existential Issues
Style
Now oriented, embodied, relational, empathic, and non-directive.
Modality & Approach
Narrative Therapy
Relational Psychoanalysis
iRest Yoga Nidra
PERSONAL INSIGHT
What is a quote or phrase you live by?
Four Practice Principles:
Caught in a self-centred dream, only suffering.
Holding to self-centred thoughts, exactly the dream.
Each moment, life as it is, the only teacher.
Being just this moment, compassion’s way.
What book have you read more than once?
‘Everyday Zen’ by Charlotte Joko Beck
What makes you happy?
Ending the pursuit of happiness.
What makes you feel grounded?
Groundlessness
What is one thing you do daily that supports your mental and emotional well-being?
Zazen
What is your favourite place in Coffs Harbour?
Macauleys Headland and Beach