Asnat Meretz is a trained Integrative Psychotherapist with an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy, as well as a skilled educator and spiritual leader with over 24 years of experience.
She specialises in special education for diverse cultures. Working with kids, families, support educators & women.
An evidence-based approach to person-centred therapy, tailored for you
Understanding that the mind and body are deeply connected, and we must acknowledge their holistic integration with the attention to evidence-based approaches when providing counselling & psychotherapy therapy.
Evidence-based research means that there is scientific research that supports the therapy being used. The main approaches we like to use are detailed below. However, I believe that ‘we’re all different’; each individual is unique. Therefore, we must tailor the approach to your specific needs and issues.
Together, we will explore effective strategies and options, meeting your needs and mutually established goals.
Issues I work with:
I specialise in a range of issues such as depression, trauma and life balance.
About Asnat Meretz
I am a passionate individual, spiritual leader and creative entrepreneur who weaves between worlds, wearing many hats.I am a psychotherapist, a yogi, a teacher, a student and a friend. I am also a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a sister.
With over 25-years experience working with people of all ages in education, counselling, psychotherapy, yoga and breathwork, I firmly believe that the quality of our relationships is a mirror of our relationship with ourselves. By understanding how we can bring our body, mind and spirit into balance and create a deep inner connection, we can feel more happiness and peace in our daily lives.
My diverse background has taken me all over the world, from Israel, to Hong Kong and now the vibrant landscape of Australia, where I’ve been able to make a positive impact on the people in my community through my beautiful yoga studio My Asana.
Therapeutic Approaches
The Person-centred approach is a foundational method in each session.
An empathic understanding of my client’s point of view is at the forefront of this approach. I bring to clients my own genuine self, always with a non-judgemental approach. The use of person-centred therapy can lead to improved self-awareness, and greater trust in oneself and one’s abilities.
Recent advances in brain science, attachment theory and body awareness are integrated to free trauma survivors from the tyranny of the past.
These new paths to recovery activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity, offering experiences that directly counteract the helplessness and invisibility associated with trauma, enabling both adults and children to reclaim ownership of their bodies and their lives.
MBCT helps individuals consciously, and without judgment, to pay attention to their thoughts and feelings. Various techniques and exercises may be accessed to help individuals develop beneficial habits and cultivate a more constructive outlook on life.
These may include Meditation, Mindfulness practices, Mindfulness stretching and Yoga.
Meditation
Individuals can practice guided or self-directed meditation to improve their understanding of their body, thoughts, and breathing. For example a body scan exercise involves lying down and focusing on different body parts, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. This allows individuals to develop awareness and appreciation for their physical self.
Mindfulness practices
Mindfulness involves becoming more aware of the present moment. It can be practised during meditation, and individuals can also incorporate these practices into daily life to help cultivate a more constructive mindset.
Mindfulness stretching
This involves stretching mindfully to bring awareness to both the body and mind. By practising this exercise, individuals can develop a sense of control over their bodies, leading to a more constructive relationship with their physical selves.
Yoga
By practising yoga and mindful stretching, individuals can develop a constructive relationship with their bodies, improving physical and mental health.
The body keeps the score based on the Bassel Van der KLOK (M.D) model
Integrate recent advances in brain science, attachment research, and body awareness into treatments that can free trauma survivors from the tyranny of the past.
These new paths to recovery activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to rewire disturbed functioning and rebuild step by step the ability to “know what you know and feel what you feel.”
They also offer experiences that directly counteract the helplessness and invisibility associated with trauma, enabling both adults and children to reclaim ownership of their bodies and their lives.
In addition to patients discussing their problems, somatic therapists guide individuals to focus on the physical sensations underlying their issues.
The therapy may include mind-body exercises such as breathwork, meditation, visualisation, grounding, dance, and/or sensation awareness work.
Learning to regulate emotions is a central part of DBT which provides skills to manage emotions instead of being controlled by them. It reduces vulnerability to negative emotions and builds positive emotional experiences.
Emotions are valid, meaningful, and natural. However, because they cause so much pain and often make us feel out of control, they must be managed. Part of this management process is recognising, validating and accepting these emotions as real and meaningful.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured and time-limited psychological approach to addressing relationship issues.
It aims to help you understand the connection between your mental health and interpersonal difficulties, and seeks to bring about change by modifying your interpersonal relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focuses on accepting what is beyond your control and committing to taking action.
Rather than struggling with your current internal situation, ACT encourages you to take control of your life, including your pain, insecurities, and worries, by taking actions that align with your personal values and priorities.
ACT aims to help you identify what is important to you and what you want to achieve in your life by answering questions such as: What do you hold dear to your heart? What are your aspirations? Who do you want to become? Do you want to make a difference, and if so, how?
The ultimate goal of ACT is to help you develop psychological flexibility through the use of several strategies, including acceptance, diffusion, living in the present moment, understanding your ‘observing self’, values and committed action.