Matilda Bay Boathouse, Perth, Western Australia
Photo credit: A Canvas of Light
About me
Hi, my name is Kirstie Findlay and I established The Athena Practice.
I am an Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor combining Psychodynamic, Person Centred and Cognitive approaches. I am an Accredited Member of the BACP and hold qualifications in Therapeutic Counselling, Clinical Hypnosis and am currently pursuing a qualification in Couples Therapy. My professional journey includes counselling in a bereavement agency, counselling in schools supporting children and young people, as well as running a busy private practice for several years. Outside the therapy room, I continue to emotionally support older adults with disability and anxiety, combatting loneliness.
From working primarily with anxiety issues for nearly a decade, I observe that genuine healing from anxiety occurs through true human connection, only gained through the power of knowing, understanding and accepting ourselves.
How I work
I work with the principle Know Thy Self. In understanding ourselves and offering ourselves acceptance we free ourselves from the judgement of others and embrace greater self esteem. We accomplish this by observing, allowing and understanding, in a non judgemental way.
Your emotions serve as information, similar to a caution or indicator light. Observing them tells you how you are experiencing your situation. Allowing yourself to acknowledge your true emotion gives you space, offering an opportunity for deeper reflection. In seeking understanding, we explore the reasons for your emotions, looking at how you attach and seek support, what you expect from others, how you behave and the things that you have come to believe about yourself.
Once we know ourselves in this way, we can discover more authentic ways of being. We are able to identify more constructive ways of relating to others and develop deeper, more nourishing connections. In doing so, you may find those relationships that are most challenging, change without much conscious effort from you. Human connection is everything.
Why is it called The Athena Practice
The ethos of the Athena Practice is based on the goddess Athena’s best known principles of wisdom and courage.
The principle of wisdom - of “Know Thy Self” in the modern day is the basis of all relationships. Without this, we hinder our autonomy and attribute blame to others.
Courage is the quality we harness when pursuing personal growth. Facing ourselves and acknowledging the part we play in relationships that aren't working is not always easy. We require courage to confront our fears and anxiety, to persevere through difficult times and to be true to ourselves, particularly when we are challenged by those closest to us.
Working Together
Reach out for more information or a free initial consultation - a gentle first step toward the support and clarity you’re looking for.
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