Adam Bottomley

I love mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is everywhere and everything, but it’s often talked about in ways that are hard to understand or that can be scary. Through my work and study and own experiences, I’ve found it really satisfying to make sense of how we all think and feel and react and communicate - to learn about the patterns and ideas that answer our common questions and uncertainties. My favourite part of being a therapist is helping you make sense of your own experiences, your relationships, your actions and your needs. And to give you specific strategies and tools to make the changes that are important to you.

 

You might have tried counselling before and found it really helpful, but are looking for someone new to support you with something new. Or you might have tried counselling and not got much out of it but think it’s worth another try. Or you might have never tried counselling before, but are realising that you could get some real benefit from someone you can talk to and get support from. I often say that all counsellors are a bit similar but also a bit different, based on our training and experience and on our personalities. It’s important to find a counsellor who feels comfortable and has the skills and tools to help you.

 

When I first meet with you, we’ll spend some time talking about what’s happening for you, at a pace that feels comfortable. We’ll work to find a shared understanding of what you’re experiencing, and you’ll have space to clarify what you need. I’ll use everyday language to explain important ideas about mental health, about how people work, how we can understand difficult thoughts and feelings and behaviours, and what happens in our relationships with other people.

 

Nothing you might share with me will make me feel uncomfortable or judge you. And I’ll always clarify what you’re hoping to get out of counselling and what the priority is to work on in each session.

 

My study in the field of mental health social work gives me a framework for understanding human behaviour and psychology that starts with us being social creatures. We’re all shaped enormously by our experiences, our family, and our relationships. And how we interact with the world is shaped by our mental health - our perceptions, beliefs, needs, emotions, reactions, thoughts and ways of thinking, language and more.

 

I believe we all deserve care and to feel heard and understood. I bring a deep belief in the possibility for change and growth to my counselling. I see individuals, couples, and families learn and change and evolve in almost endless ways, and I’m constantly learning through my work and from the amazing people I support.

 

I started work in the mental health field in 2008, and it’s where I’m meant to be. While working in the health system, I also taught mental health social work in the university sector.

 

In recent years, I’ve enjoyed further training in skills and approaches, including EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy, Family Therapy and Gottman method relationship counselling.

 

I’ve lived in Melbourne’s northern suburbs all my life. I find enormous happiness and learning and comfort with my partner and my 3-year-old daughter, and I feel a real sense of purpose and empowerment from joining in community campaigns against inequality, discrimination and war - things that cause significant harm to people’s mental health.