Rachel Benmayor - Psychotherapist
ABOUT ME
In 1995 I completed a Masters in Applied Science in Social Ecology at Western Sydney University, my research subject being Death and Dying. In 2013 I completed a Masters in Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy at the Jansen Newman Institute Sydney. Prior to these studies I have had 30 years in the field of Bodywork, Deep Tissue, Therapeutic and Remedial Massage and have been a practitioner of Oriental Medicine in the form of Shiatsu and related modalities.I worked for six years for an organisation in Sydney providing psychotherapy and counselling, working with clients from underprivileged and ethnically diverse backgrounds. I now work in private practice from three different locations in the Coromandel.There is only one thing I know with clarity..... " all things change." This fundamental law has shaped every decision I have made in my life. It has become a guiding principal in my work and personal life. Whether I have embraced the coming change or railed against it I know that this natural law will inevitably move me from whatever I am feeling or doing now onto the next moment. My goal in life is to accept with grace whatever is coming and be grateful to whatever has passed. This is not easy. In my work I strive to support those who are facing any of life’s difficulties with this in mind. There is, in my opinion, no right or wrong way to live our lives if we accept that each choice we make along the way can be done mindfully. There are only opportunities for which we may or may not be ready for.Abraham Maslow writes “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”As we get used to change flowing through our lives we begin to understand the importance of balance. It was the centre of my studies in Oriental Medicine. The body and the mind seek the natural order of balance, moving from health to sickness, happiness to sadness or anger, safety to risk, abundance to loss - we all move through these cycles at different times of our lives. Sometimes when we get lost or stuck in states that create an imbalance in our physical and emotional wellbeing, we need support to explore and make changes to those parts of our lives. My intention, as a therapist, is to meet clients wherever they are in their own journey.MY APPROACHWhat informs my therapy practice?I have a deep love and appreciation of nature. Through my connection with nature I find solace and peace especially when my life has periods of turmoil. My childhood was difficult so I developed a relationship with nature that has become the personal mainstay from which I live my life. From this background and from my studies in Eco Psychology I offer Eco Therapy - exploring and supporting conditions of Nature Deficit Disorder, Ecological grief and climate change induced anxiety and depression. Death, Dying, Grief and Loss Deepening my understanding of the healing aspects of the natural world lead me to my studies of Social Ecology and Death and Dying. An NDE experience while undergoing a caesarean section, gave the perspective of the living and dying process of life a very personal flavour. My work in this field was intensified by undergoing a 5 year commitment to Jungian therapy. This has deepened my appreciation of the experience of grief and loss and underpins my approach to working with others who have experienced loss in all its forms.
The Shamanic Approach
Having participated for some years in Shamanic Journey work, I offer particular sessions for those who would like to explore the more spiritual and nature based connection to life. These sessions are gentle, exploratory journeys that invite deeper intuitive messages to emerge that the everyday thinking mind ignores or suppresses.
Rites of Passage and Celebrations
I lived and worked in a Blue Mountains community for many years and so I am aware of the need for connection with others in all the different stages of our lives. From marriage and relationship, rearing children, working lives, retirement, aging and the process of dying. I recognise the healthy need to share these life processes within family and friends. My focus has been to provide encouragement and support for others to create and explore meaningful ways to honour or celebrate these occasions. This work takes its form in offering women’s groups, community needs groups for resolving conflict or restoring a sense of community, creating meaningful rituals for teenagers coming of age, secular naming days or memorials. Working as a marriage and funeral celebrant, Rites and Ritual practitioner and as a couples and family therapist has given me the opportunity to offer my trained skills in these areas.
Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness is a simple but powerful tool that can be learnt regardless of age, creed or belief. It allows us to watch our minds without judgement, putting some space between ourselves and our reactions, breaking down our conditioned responses. The effect of long term practice of Mindfulness can be profound. It can help shift old entrenched patterns, anxiety and depression, provide relief from chronic illness and pain and restore positive thought patterns from a negative bias. In mindfulness practice we can learn to calm our minds and physical bodies allowing peace and harmony to create balance.
Appointments
I am available by appointment during the week but will see people who are working, by special arrangements, on Saturdays. Each session is 55 minutes long. I am available face to face or via phone or internet using Zoom. Skype and FB.
Please advise if you have Covid 19 or any other conditions as sessions are always available by internet.
To make an appointment contact: rachel.benmayor@gmail.com 0225213276