Julie Twohig – Online Psychotherapy & Counselling​

About me

In December 2020 during Melbourne’s intense lockdown, craving open spaces and a simpler life, I moved to regional Victoria to the small country town of Castlemaine. Counselling services had shifted online which made working with clients extremely accessible, and to my great delight, amazingly effective. 

Aside from my practice as a psychotherapist and relationship counsellor of 25 years, I’m also the founder and owner of the Hartington Centre in Northcote, Melbourne (Hartington Centre) — a thriving allied health practice which I established in 1998. I am also a fiction writer (Julie Twohig), a reader, a gardener, a mum to two adult children and a nanna to four fabulous grandkids.

about

My Philosophy

I believe that therapists are their own best tools and that mirrored in each session is our breadth of personal experience, interests, and knowledge. We lend our accumulated insights, language, and therapeutic concepts to our clients in a way that allows each client to reflect on their inner world. Helping them, where possible, to move more easily in the world, in less troubled or distracted ways.

Alongside my academic training (scroll to the end of the page) I have eclectic interests including Buddhism which I’d fostered as a teen when searching for ways to make sense of a complex world. With its practical approach to life, Buddhism offered me a balm which made sense, especially when so much else didn’t.

In my adult years I discovered the vital interplay between the teachings of Buddhism and Psychotherapy. By incorporating Buddhist concepts into my therapy toolkit, powerful changes in clients’ perception and ultimately their wellbeing can occur. 

Carl Jung’s teachings have also been pivotal both personally and professionally. Our unconscious realm loves the world of symbolism, myth and archetype, and the power of storytelling can’t be understated for its potentially transformative qualities. In consults I might share the story of a myth or archetype that a client’s story reminds me of, and if there is resonance for the client, this can become a rich source of healing and inner work.

Over the years I have also explored the esoteric arts using a Jungian lens while my background in body work affords me a deep appreciation of the intrinsic connection between the physical, emotional, and mental states.

As much as possible I try to “walk the talk,” reading widely, talking with my peers, and doing my own inner work.

about

My Approach

The therapeutic relationship between a psychotherapist and their client is regarded as the essential component that determines effective therapeutic outcomes. Even ranking more importantly than specific modalities or academic training. In my practice I dedicate myself to creating a safe and supportive environment wherein clients can feel truly seen and heard as their experiences and emotions are validated and explored. My approach recognises that many individuals have missed out on authentic connection and emotional attunement in their lives, and that a positive therapeutic relationship can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.

Online Psychotherapy & Counselling.
Individual, Relationship and Couples Therapy.

Services

Individual Counselling and Psychotherapy

Online
Psychotherapy & Counselling

Existential Issues: Loneliness, Isolation, Meaning & Purpose, Choice, Death, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Trauma, Diversity, Sexuality, Identity Anger Management

Personal agency

Relationship and Couple’s Counselling

Communication Skills and Techniques

Creating Conscious Relationship

Preparing for parenthood. Parenting

Overwhelmed by the stresses of daily life

A favourite fable:

TWO WOLVES An old Cherokee chief is teaching his grandson about life: “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego. The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old chief simply replied, “The one you feed.”