Mind-Body Therapy
Hi, I'm Dr Ashlea.
I’m a specialist GP based in Woolgoolga, with a specific interest, experience and training in issues related to food, sex, and bodies. Issues such as sexual problems, chronic pain, stress, and burnout.
I have undertaken further training in psychological therapy, professionally recognised by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as having extended skills in Psychological Medicine. I hold Fellowships with the royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Society of Psychological Medicine. I have obtained a Masters Degree in Psychosexual Therapy, Credentialed as an Eating Disorder Clinician and as a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner. I also hold a Professional Diploma in Medical Nutrition Management, am an accredited meditation coach and embodiment teacher.
I am a small wave surfer, a lover of poetry, music and dancing.
I combine scientific medicine and psycho-social healing, using a variety of cognitive, behavioural, emotional and somatic approaches to therapy.
I look at the bigger picture of what’s going on — in your body and mind — and come up with an approach to move towards your goals, whilst considering the whole of you.
In other words, my work is about you FEELING CONNECTED TO ALL PARTS OF YOURSELF.
When we work together, I will endeavour use my skills and unique experiences to support you, show up with kindness and care and to hold space for growth.
I will be present as myself, and I’ll encourage you to do the same.
What is mind-body therapy?
Mind-Body Therapy is my approach for working therapeutically for issues relating to sexuality, your body and energy levels. I combine my knowledge of medicine and the body, with my knowledge of the mind and psychological techniques to practice in a holistic way.
This sort of approach is helpful if you have significant mental health problems, underlying traumas or physical health conditions that affect your mind.
These all require slower and more gentle work over time.
In my work with you, I recognise that these issues are not isolated – they exist within a rich tapestry of experiences, feelings, ideas and relationships – and my treatment plans and approach reflects this.
As I support you to tackle a specific issue we also work on finding your inner light and learning to trust your intuition.
So you can create sustainable change with a deeper connection to yourself.
So you can shine out & stand out — as you.
Appointment one:
A comprehensive and whole person assessment of your health and wellbeing, so we can work together to make a treatment plan based on your specific goals.
I will also review your referral letters, send psychometric assessments and write summary letters to your nominated GP and other treatment team professionals as required.
Subsequent appointments:
Future appointments are tailored towards your unique needs.
We’ll focus on skills, strategies and practices to reconnect to yourself, build healthy relationships and embrace your life. Using treatment modalities for your specific issues.
For budgeting please allow for at least 10 sessions fortnightly.
Appointment costs:
Initial Assessment and Planning:
90 mins | $580
Ongoing Appointments:
90 mins | $500
60 mins | $335
In person or online.
Rebates are available for all consultations.
The minimum medicare rebate is $197.90 in person and $151.20 online if you have a Mental Health Care Plan or Eating Disorder Plan. For couples, the minimum rebate is 133.95.
If you have a health care card or pension card, you will hit the 'extended medicare safety net' after the initial appointment and 3 sessions, which means you will receive higher rebates from medicare - significantly reducing your out of pocket costs.
Have a cup of tea with me
A complimentary, 30-minute conversation* for potential clients (for any of my services) who want to get to know me better, understand how I work and see if we are a good fit.
*This is not a clinical consultation or place for health advice. If you’re looking for that, you can book an appointment here.
here’s how we can work together:
If you’re ready to:
BE YOUR MOST VIBRANT SELF
Check out Vitality Medicine, my 9-month 1:1 program designed to help you cultivate the skills for revitalising your life, with intensive support from a Specialist General Practitioner.
If you need some:
holistic health support
For lifestyle, women’s, sexual or reproductive health issues, I offer a Mind-Body Medicine Package that offers more time for questions, mind-body connection and support.
If you’re looking for:
info on food, sex and bodies
I have a monthly blog of insights and ideas around some of my favourite topics including relationships, sex, pleasure, bodies, boundaries and more.
If you’re looking for:
A SPEAKER AND FACILITATOR
I’m an experienced conference speaker, podcast host, facilitator and advocate, available for events — particularly if they relate to food, sex, bodies or Dr’s health.
If you want to:
EXPAND AS A PRACTITIONER
I offer Clinical Mentoring for practitioners who want to increase knowledge, enhance consultations with Mind-Body connection awareness and understanding, or shift career focus.