Welcome to Semper Amore

Counselling Services & Resources

Ngara| \ nah-rah:

hello in Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi language, the traditional owners of the land in which our services are delivered

jo lapthorn therapist

I am Josephine Lapthorn

Most people call me Jo. I am the Director and primary counsellor at Semper Amore.

Services include:

Counselling for individuals and couples

Professional supervision for helping professionals

Therapeutic resources for retail

Training & consultancy for agencies

Services are delivered in a range of ways including face-to-face, telehealth and walk and talk therapy.

anxiety art

Anxiety impacting on your life? Anywhere from separation anxiety, generalised, performance or social anxiety.

There is no denying anxiety levels are at a very high rate, with many people experiencing higher levels than preferred at some point in their life. Anxiety is a biological safeguard to keep us safe. It is great when we are in control, but not so when it controls us.

Understanding how anxiety is generated from a neuroscience perspective is an important part of taking control. Knowing you most likely want symptom relief, our first goal will be working towards developing strategies that are unique and relevant to you to calm the brain and nervous system.

We can then explore contributing factors and/or strategies to bring about longer-term relief.

When facing difficult times, or in times of suffering, can you feel isolated or disconnected? Maybe you feel inadequate and your inner voice is of self-contempt or criticism? Sometimes you have trouble overthinking a situation and managing thoughts and emotions?

Self-compassion is merely learning to treat yourself in a way that you would someone you care about – becoming an inner ally rather than an inner enemy. Thousands of research articles argue people who are more self-compassionate experience greater well-being:

Less:

Depression

Anxiety

Stress

Shame

More:

Happiness

Life satisfaction

Self-confidence

Physical health

In developing a more self-compassionate stance we will explore the concepts of self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness. I will also talk about the importance of self-compassion from a neuroscience perspective. The work we do in session may focus intently on developing self-compassion skills by working pragmatically through activities, or can be weaved throughout sessions as areas of your life are explored.  

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Experiencing relationship difficulties with your partner?

Maybe you have identified some unhealthy patterns of interacting to have your needs met or how you manage conflict… patterns that are damaging your overall relationship. Perhaps you have lost connection, there has been a significant life transition or infidelity?

Having completed level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work (see Services Pages for more detail). The aim of Gottman Method Couples Therapy is ultimately to equip you both with the skills and understanding you need to be able to reconnect and continue to nurture your relationship and deal with new challenges and conflicts in a way that enables both of you to feel heard, respected and understood and to be able to make effective repairs when required.

Using interventions drawn from the Sound Relationship House Theory, I will work with you to:

  • help you learn to communicate in more effective and less damaging ways
  • support you to manage your physiological state to enable you both to talk about conflict areas in a calmer way to help you both feel more heard and understood
  • deepen your understanding of each other
  • strengthen your bond and leave you feeling more connected as a couple
  • improve your intimate connection
  • identify shared values and dreams
  • put mechanisms in place that will help safeguard the progress you have made and build ongoing connection

 

I trust the following pages will provide you with a deeper understanding of how I can support you.

If you want to find out more about me and my practice, feel free to contact me for free, 15 minute phone consultation.

“WE DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL ALONE. WE WERE NEVER MEANT TO.”

-Brene Brown

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