Welcome to touchpoint
with Deb Hannaford
When we feel seen and heard, accepted and emotionally safe we can explore, grow, hope, and heal!
Any time significant changes have occurred in my life, I can usually trace it back to an encounter, some moment or exchange that has ignited a process of insight, renewed energy and hope. Leading up to those moments however, have often been marked by restlessness, disillusionment, discouragement, and struggle.
Are you struggling?
Anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, abuse, loss, and failed relationships all have a way of either fencing us in or cutting us off. It's hard to imagine that things can be different,
Trying new things often means facing fears- it’s normal to need support
It’s been said, “If you always do, what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got”. Is it time to try doing something different so that you can get more of what you want from life?
Research over the last 30 years shows conclusively that when distressed people experience a relationship with secure emotional Accessibility, Responsiveness and Engagement (A.R.E.) - even with just one person, they will be MORE:
Phone: 0435-994-325
able to learn
confident, capable and successful
able to solve problems
likely to experience faster healing and recovery from illness
resilient in the face of stress and distressing life events
A.R.E. you getting what you need?
If not, why not reach out now? ph. 0435-994-325 - Valla, NSW, AUSTRALIA ~ I'd love to hear from you!
Cant call right now?
just fill in the form below and I'll get right back to you to ARRANGE FOR A PHONE CONSULTATION!
about Deb Hannaford
Hi, I’m Deb!
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with clinical expertise and success in joining with clients in identifying the “road blocks” that prevent them from moving forward successfully in life and love. With insight and collaboration, a way is made forward and clients to begin experiencing the changes they want and need.
Why choose me?
Firstly, I draw primarily from a “best practice” theoretical model called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT provides a proven “road map” to help understand why we get stuck in self-defeating, destructive patterns and how to get “un-stuck”. EFT uses the evidenced-based theory of attachment as the basis for understanding and creating healthy relationships. It is the only model of couple and family intervention that uses a systematic and empirically validated theory of adult bonding as the basis for understanding and alleviating relationship problems. With over 30 years of research headed up by the award winning founder of EFT, Susan Johnson, PhD, EFT meets the "Gold Standard" set forth by the American Psychological Association for couples' therapy.
Secondly, there are some things that can't be taught. A felt sense of safety emerges from "tuning-in" to clients, showing accurate empathy, acceptance, and mirroring. Being "held" in this way, opens the door for exploration and gentle challenges towards change.
Thirdly, scientific research tells us that human beings are wired for safe, responsive, emotional accessibility, engagement and connection. When we don’t have that we are robbed of the most vital "nutrient" needed for social, emotional, mental, and physical survival. Intuitively and systematically, I infuse this "nutrient" into my work with clients- struggling wth relationship distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and loss. Together we make sense of what gets in the way of moving forward and why, introduce new skills, provide different experiences and discover exciting new ways of being. The process of understanding oneself and significant others, makes way for clients to shape a new story for their lives!
my story
"A Seed"
As I look back, the “seed” was always there. I have always been drawn to people unlike me and with persistent curiosity, loved asking questions about people's life stories. People seemed to enjoy sharing and often confided in me. After school, I gravitated to people-helping professions, became active in non-profit organizations working cross-culturally, and this led to pastoral ministry in Australia. I was honored to partner in stories of triumph and success - and perhaps even more often, in stories of unresolved loss and pain. I became restless, disillusioned, and had an insatiable thirst for answers. “Why do so many relationships fail? Why do we habitually hurt those we claim to love the most? Can wounded people ever feel safe in relationships or learn to trust again?”
A Surprising Adventure
An inner struggle and felt sense of inefficacy motivated me to explore and to knock on doors. This quest led to an open door, an overseas move and an exciting adventure to live and study in the US! After completing a masters degree in intercultural studies I was contracted by an internatinal company, coaching and training corporate executives and their families in preparation for international relocation.
A Simple Question
Have you ever had a sobering moment when something in your gut seizes hold and refuses to let you go until you can give an honest answer? I was still hungry for answers and turned to psychology and began another masters degree in family studies preparing to teach and coach families to wellness. Mid-way through this program, a psychology professor whom I trusted, asked me a simple question. “Deb, why didn't you chose the clinical psychology track”? Her simple question was my sobering moment.
My Search
That unexpected “touchpoint” moment demanded vulnerable honesty. It woke me up to a central question that was a "road block" for me. “How do you put a price tag on a relationship?” Suddenly I realized that in searching for answers for others, I had missed my own deep question, one that held me back. Cultural values and self-limiting thinking had blocked me from the very door I needed to walk through to find answers to many burning questions.
I summoned courage, took a leap of faith, and walked through that open door into the clinical program in the School of Psychology at Fuller. This journey has allowed me to integrate unique gifts and life experience with clinical expertise. Every day this work tells me, "this is what you were born to do"!
A Space to "Re-story"
More often than not, valuable things do come with a price tag. Ultimately we all invest our limited resources in what is most important to us. We prioritize what we need and want, and hope for a good return! My life has been and continues to be, invested in the process of co-creating sacred, safe space with people who are invested in their change process, with people who want to rewrite the story of their lives and their relationships!
What a profoundly humbling journey. I have my answers. Relationships can last. Wounded people can heal, can feel safe and can learn to trust again. I'd love to share how, with you!
give me a call so we can schedule A phone consultation now: 0435-994-325 Valla, NSW, AuSTRALIA,
graduate EDUCATION
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Fuller's School of Psychology, Pasadena, CA, USA
Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, USA
Qualifications, CERTIFICATIONS and training
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Families
Trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Certified Triple P Provider (A leading world-wide, Positive Parenting Program)
Certified in Seeking Safety: A Brief Therapy Model for Crisis Intervention
Certified Family Wellness Instructor, Family Wellness Associates, Scotts Valley, CA
Certified in Managing and Adapting Practices
Memberships
Member of the Australian Counselling Association (Level 3)
California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, CAMFT
International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, ICEEFT
Los Angeles Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, LACEFT
Verified by Psychology Today
couples therapy
Most couples who seek out therapy do so because ~despite their best efforts, they just can't stop the negative patterns that keep them "stuck". Dr. Sue Johnson, founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy, states, "the quality of our emotional engagement is the key element that shapes love relationships. We tend to use the same simple strategies to deal with perceived disconnection with our partner. When we feel emotionally safe we can risk reaching for our loved one and asking for our needs to be met. When we feel unsafe we resort to demanding and controlling, or if we anticipate rejection, we turn away and shut down our needs for connection".
Scientific research over the past decade in particular, is conclusive about what love is and how to make love last in adult relationships. We all have a "wired-in" longing to feel seen, safe, and “soothed” by our most significant other. We want to know that in moments of need or vulnerability our partner will be accessible, responsive, and engaged when we make attempts to reach for them. The EFT model of therapy with a clear beginning, middle and end, helps make sense of what keeps couples “stuck” and why, creates a safe space, and provides a clear “road map” to help couples experience and shape new, more satisfying patterns that create connection, strengthen bonds, and improve intimacy. .
other therapy services
If you need help in your relationship right now, I would be happy to speak briefly with with you and your partner by phone. Please either call 0435-994-325, or complete the form below so that we can arrange a consultation.
planning ahead
First Session
We will take a few minutes to handle some logistics and then we will pick right up from where we left off in our phone conversation.
Session Fees
$150 for 1 hour session for individuals
$175 for 1 hour couple's or family session
$240 for 90 minute couple's or family session.
I accept payment in cash, credit card, or electronic transfers.
Length & Frequency
Standard sessions are weekly for 1 full hour for individuals and children, and either 60 or 90 minutes for couples and families. We will discuss an appropriate schedule plan for you and your needs.
Location
Valla
NSW, 2448
AUSTRALIA
NOTE: CONFIDENTIAL AND SECURE ONLINE THERAPY SESSIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
Please check the Location and Map section of my website for the exact office location. Free street parking is available.
Contact
please COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW TO ARRANGE FOR A CONSULTATION:
phone: 0435-994-325 AUSTRALIA
office
Valla, NSW, Australia
NOTE: CONFIDENTIAL AND SECURE ONLINE THERAPY SESSIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
deb@touchpoint.net.au