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Dr Jacqueline Peters: Clinical Psychotherapist

I am a Clinical Psychotherapist registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and I am a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). I have a PhD in parenting (PATCH – Parenting and Teaching Children Healthy Habits) and a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. My research on parenting, adolescent sleep deprivation, child diet and new mums has been published in several international peer reviewed journals,

I enjoy working across the lifespan with individuals, couples and families and have a collaborative client-centered therapeutic approach that is empathic, accepting and non-judgmental.  I feel the relationship between client and therapist is particularly important.

Relationship Counselling

Couples counselling is a specialised field of therapy. I use the Gottman method to help couples, disarm their verbal communication style that often results in conflict; to increase intimacy, respect and affection for each other (and self); and to help create a heightened sense of awareness, empathy and understanding within their relationship.

I also work with separating couples to help negotiate and agree on a plan of separation that is amicable and considerate of all parties, particularly any children involved in the relationship.

Children and young people 

I primarily work with children and young people who are neurodivergent (with a particular interest in Autism ) as well as children and young people who have experienced childhood trauma including supporting children in care. I work with children and families privately or under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), also providing support to schools and other care team members as required.

Other areas of interest with children and young people include:

  • Emotion regulation
  • Behavioural challenges
  • Social skills development & maintenance
  • Sleep challenges & deprivation
  • Abuse & trauma
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Perfectionism
  • Parent separation/divorce

Adults 

As a result of my PhD research in parenting styles, I am particularly interested in supporting parents/carers and families as they navigate the roller coaster of parenting children and young people, regardless of a diagnosis. This includes parent child relationships, sibling relationships and interparent relationships (including extended family)

Other areas of interest include:

  • Grief and loss
  • Coping challenges & adjustment
  • Stress
  • Cognitive distortion
  • Post Traumatic & Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD & CPTSD)
  • Attachment
  • Disordered eating
  • Self-esteem difficulties
  • Work/career challenges
  • Personality disorders

The approaches I use are informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy techniques, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, Narrative Therapy and the Gottman Method.