EMILY HIRSHMAN-SMITHAdv Dip Couns, MA Couns.

Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Perth, Western Australia

Emily is an experienced Humanistic Psychodynamic therapist who works with adolescents, couples and individuals on both a short and long term basis. She specialises in the following areas:

• Anxiety and Depression
• Couples Counselling (including differences in libido, sexual difficulties, communication issues, conflict resolution)
• Adolescent Counselling
• Relationships
• Eating Disorders
• Self Esteem
• Stress and Anger Management
• Addiction (porn, sex, drug and alcohol)
• Sexual dysfunction (including anorgasmia, vaginismus, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction)
• Sexual abuse
• Gender and Sexual identity
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Unplanned Pregnancy Counselling
• Post Termination Counselling

Emily enjoys working with a large range of clients including adolescents, adults and couples. She is skilled and experienced in working with many issues however feels passionate about the area of sexual health as it affects so many aspects of our lives, and the human condition. Emily is respectful to the sensitive nature of working in sexual health, and places a great deal of emphasis on creating a safe, confidential environment and building trust.

Emily believes the relationship between Therapist and Client is central to the work, and that there is no 'one size fits all' approach, that clients will have different needs based on their presenting issues and history.

Emily's approach also stresses the importance of the unconscious and past experience in shaping current behaviour. When working over a longer term basis, clients are encouraged to talk about childhood relationships with parents, siblings and significant others, at a pace that feels safe for them. Emily treats this information with sensitivity and care, whilst working with the dynamics of the client/therapist relationship, where relational patterns can be identified and worked with in the present, with the aim of facilitating change.

Emily is originally from the UK and commenced her training as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist in 2001. While in the UK, Emily worked at a Women's refuge with survivors of abuse and in private practice. She migrated to Australia in 2005, and in 2010 completed a Master of Counselling.

Emily has worked as a Youth Counsellor in Sydney, co-facilitating group therapy sessions for teenage Mums while also working with adolescents on a range of issues including sexual abuse and drug addiction. Most recently, Emily spent 5 years working at Sexual and Reproductive Health WA, a clinic specialising in all areas of sexual health. She continues to run counselling training courses for Health Professionals working with Unplanned Pregnancies.

Emily established her private practice in 2013, and works from Applecross and Cottesloe. She offers daytime and after hour appointments.

Emily has written an article on Erectile Dysfunction which is available on this website.

To contact Emily please email: enquiries@applecosscounselling.com or call Applecross Counselling & Psychotherapy on 0438 983 590

Applecross Counselling & Psychotherapy
Attadale Business Centre
14b, 550 Canning Hwy
Attadale WA 6153
www.applecrosscounselling.com.au