Dr. Damien W. Riggs

you, me, and a cup of tea

| Family and Relationship Counselling |

As of July 2011, I no longer work at Relationships Australia, where i spent a very enjoyable 3 years working as a family and relationships counsellor. I now offer private counselling sessions at Sophia. The Sophia space is located next door to Cabra College, and offers a beautiful and peaceful retreat in which to undertake counselling. As shown on the map above, the entrance to Sophie is off Cross Road, Cumberland Park, and parking is available. Appointments are available on Fridays between 9.30 am and 3 pm, though other appointments may be available by negotiation. Fees are on a sliding scale dependant on the capacity of each client to pay. Full fees are $80 for an hour session. Appointments can be made by calling (08) 7122 4559 or via email contact[at]damienriggs.com

Whilst i am happy to engage with all persons seeking counselling, my specialisations are:

• * Individual and couples counselling with members of gender and sexual minorities

• * Long term individual counselling through a psychoanalytic lens

• * Child and family counselling. Within this area i have to date worked closely with parents who are faced with challenging behaviours and who seek to renegotiate relationships with teenagers, as well as with blended or step-families.

My approach to individual counselling is informed by psychoanalysis. My couples and family work is informed by narrative and family therapies, with an emphasis upon the effects of power in relationships.

I believe that much of the work of therapy is the repair from previous experiences of trauma or distress, and that this occurs through the development of relationships between clients and practitioners that centre upon respect and recognition. I am especially interested in how social contexts impact upon the capacity of individuals to achieve their goals. I work from from a strengths-based approach to assist individuals in recognising the challenges they face and to develop ways of re-telling their lives so as to allow for the possibility of change. I also draw upon skills from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with a focus upon values and our ability to change our relationship to previous negative experiences.

Research  |  Family and Relationship Counselling  |  Teaching