Emily Lyall Byrne
~About My Approach ~
I do the work I do because I truly believe in the transformative power of safe and expressive therapeutic spaces. As human beings, we have always utilised creative and movement-based practices to support our wellbeing. When we don’t have the words for what we are feeling, how else might we receive therapeutic support?
I began working within the NDIS mental health space 7 years ago, and since then have worked across three inpatient mental health facilities for adolescents and adults, worked with children and families in the community through NDIS, written and facilitated several psychotherapy and art therapy programs, and continued to teach yoga for trauma and mental health.
When I studied counselling and conventional talk therapy several years ago, my thoughts constantly turned to the many, many people and communities who might find it challenging to engage using only talking. With a visual art and creative writing background, I also knew that creatively expressing ourselves is so important for our sense of self and wellbeing. I wondered how I might expand my therapeutic practice to a offer more inclusive, expressive, and accessible services.
In my work, I believe mental wellbeing is not isolated to our mind, but a part of interlinked factors making up a “whole person” such as our physical body, our family, our relationships, and our community. I take a systems approach to mental health, acknowledging and unpacking the many systemic factors which contribute to unwellness. For this reason, I am passionate about working with women, children and adolescents.
Soft Circle is a space dedicated to the wellbeing of young people, women, families, and communities. It is a space for everyone. Our services are person-centred, and cater you you and your own unique needs.
I am trained in various different psychotherapy approaches. In my sessions, I incorporate:
Humanistic Art Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Somatic and movement-based practices
My sessions are person-centred, and will cater to your individual intentions and goals for therapy. We will work together to identify your needs and gently move forward in a way that feels safe and accessible for you.
It is always an honour to be trusted with someone’s care, and to be a part of their journey. I do my absolute best in my work, but I don’t always get it “right.” I am constantly learning from every single person I work with, and I deeply value the wisdom of your lived experience. I am always open to feedback and reflections, and am committed to ongoing learning and humility.
Training and Registrations
Training and Qualifications
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting and Drawing) / Arts (English and Creative Writing)
Diploma of Counselling
Master of Mental Health - Art Therapy
200hr Yoga Teacher Training
50 hour Yoga for Trauma, Mental Health and Body Image
5o hour Yin yoga teacher training
Registrations
Australian Counselling Association (ACA) - Level 2
Australian and New Zealand Art Therapy Association (ANZACATA) - Professional Member
About me
~ as a human being ~
While I work as a therapist, I am also a human being just like you. I am so grateful to live on wonderful Dharawal country, and enjoy spending my time bushwalking, swimming and surfing. I personally find yoga and mediation very helpful for my mental health, and engage in these practices regularly. I am an Irish/Australian woman, and also have Scottish and English settler heritage. I make art as often as I can (which sometimes isn’t very much!), and am currently enjoying lino printing, natural dying, and ceramics. I genuinely love my work, but I prioritise taking little breaks to engage in the things that support me. Some things that help me to feel grounded are smelling rosemary or gum leaves, sitting at the beach, laughing or sharing food with friends, and being in quiet places. I find life to be an enchanting, heartbreaking, and mysterious journey, and I am so honoured to share it with you.