Jon Unal at Conscious Beginnings

I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist who works with clients struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, mental illness, trauma and self esteem issues. 

My journey of healing and transformation helped me realise that we always have a choice in life. As part of my training as a psychotherapist, I participated in a 2 year group therapy which provided incredible opportunities to discover and heal deep traumas and unconscious reaction patterns. Upon graduation, I continued the self-exploration and healing through individual therapy (Gestalt and ACT) for a number of years. I believe it is of utmost importance to discover, heal and understand myself before being able to help others. 

I have been practising meditation and mindfulness for over 10 years and it became an essential part of my daily life. Mindfulness helps me to live in the moment and be fully present with people I see. 

I am passionate about consciousness and finding ways to improve it. This passion took me to shamanic retreats in the jungles of Amazon, deep experiences through breathwork, silent meditation retreats and sessions with energy healers. I draw upon these experiences in my sessions to help clients to raise their level of consciousness and live fully.

Qualifications

•     Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy (JNI)

•     Member of Australian Counselling Association (ACA) No. 4160

•     Bachelors of Arts in Economics (University of Texas at Austin)

•     Master of Economics (Ludwig Maximilian University)

Trainings 

•     The Science of Happiness (University of California, Berkeley)

•     Gestalt Therapy Seminar with Michael Reed - Jansen Newman Institute (JNI)

•     Mindfulness and Meditation Workshops (eg. Vipassana Meditation)

•     Alchemy of Breath Workshops with Anthony Abbagnano

•     Breath Workshops with Lena Kristina Tuulse (International Breathwork Foundation)

•     Conscious Communication training

•     Hearing Voices – a simulated training experience with Arana Pearson

•     Understanding the Role of Trauma in Mental Illness with Peter Bullimore

•     Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Mary Sawyer

•     Culture and Mental Health (Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW)

•     i-NLP Scholarship Training (QC Seminars)

More Information

I strive to make counselling and psychotherapy services available to the most. You can choose between Individual and Group Therapy, depending on your needs. I offer discounted fees for students, pensioners and individuals with low income. 

Individual Therapy

The individual therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client that aims to facilitate change and improve the quality of life. Individual Therapy can help you:

• Find out new perspectives and strategies that will help you free yourself from habitual patterns of stress, anxiety, depression, and self-criticism.
• Reclaim your personal power by learning how to take responsibility and move forward in life, rather than feeling stuck, helpless and hopeless.
• Handle with major life challenges or childhood trauma
• Improve the quality of your relationships
• Defeat depression, anxiety, stress
• Resolve career disagreements

Therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy sessions (60 minutes): $100 

Group Therapy 

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists (group facilitators) working with several participants (usually 6 to 8 people) with related issues. 

Recent research has shown that group therapy is a highly effective form of psychotherapy that provides at least equal benefits as individual psychotherapy (Yalom, 2005). Most people who try group therapy for the first time become comfortable with the process within a short period. This comfort and familiarity help to develop safety, support and cohesiveness in the group where then difficult issues can be discussed and interpersonal learning can occur. Group therapy provides a safe platform where participants realise that they are not the only ones who are experiencing similar problems. Although you are encouraged to express your honest feelings and thoughts, you are the one who determines how much you disclose in the group.

Advantages of Group Therapy 

1. Increased Feedback

It enables insightful feedback not only from the group facilitator but also from other the participants in the group. These different perspectives and honest feedback are very helpful and effective in promoting personal growth and change.

 2. Modelling

Seeing other people handling similar issues can help participants to discover new approaches to their problems.

 3. Improve Social Skills

Meaningful interactions with other group members lead new social skills and effective communication, which can be transferred all other relationships.

 4. Cost Effective

Due to its format, group therapy is less expensive than individual therapy.

Weekly group therapy sessions are $50 (120 minutes). 

Cancellation Policy 

Rescheduling and cancellations within 24 hours of your session time incur the full fee. This policy is representative of the industry standard within the counselling, and psychotherapy professions. You will find that therapy works best and produces long-lasting change when appointments are regular and consistent.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is important to me. I adhere to the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics. Please read the information regarding the conditions of service before attending your first session.

It is important to note that Conscious Beginnings is not an emergency service. If you require immediate support, please contact emergency services or after hours counselling services such as:

•     Lifeline: 13 11 14

•     Police, Fire or Ambulance: 000