Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Core Development?

Core Development is a process of emotional learning embodying principles of somatic psychotherapy,  counselling and structural dynamics.

It is a unique and creative method of dealing with stress by turning stressful situations into constructive rather than distructive tool.

Instead of trying to eliminate the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression or labelling them as illnesses, they are recognised as signposts to a richer and more fulfilling life.

  1. How long have you had this practice for?

I’ve been a practicing counsellor and somatic psychotherapist for 40 years.

  1. Why did you start this practice?

When I was 14 years old I was diagnosed as clinically anxious and depressed and prescribed ever-increasing dosages of psychotropic drugs. I was told by doctors and psychiatrists that I would be dependent on these drugs for the rest of my life. I drank and smoked heavily, and hated my life.

After twelve years, at the age of 26, I emigrated to London. I discovered the form of somatic psychotherapy that I eventually trained in. I came off all the drugs within three months. Whithin two years my life and health were so totally transformed that I wanted to help others do the same.

  1. Who can benefit from your work with individuals, groups and organisations?

  • Anyone who is under stress, including people who are anxious or depressed, and who find that stress is interfering with their work, home, or social life.
  • Anyone who wants to improve and deepen the quality of their life and their relationships with themselves and others.
  • Individually tailored in-house programmes are also available for organisations and small businesses.

5. Do you feel that your life is completely stress-free?

No it is not stress-free. I have learnt that the symptoms of stress, when listened to and understood, are the key to a richer, healthier and more fulfilling life.

They are like the instrument panel in an aircraft, constantly providing us with information that is vital to keep us on the right track. Responding appropriately to the early signals of stress and any form of discomfort or distress enables us to constantly enrich our lives.

If we ignore these signals or try to make them go away, however, we can end up with serious ill consequences to our overall health and wellbeing.

  1. What is the number one tip you can give to people who are stressed?

 STOP. Listen to your body. Find out what it is asking you to do. Get some professional help if necessary.

7.When do you think that the client will feel that progress is being made?

One size does not fit all. Some people experience benefits right away, others take longer. In some cases progress is experienced as regular and incremental, whilst others may feel that at times they are taking two steps forward and one backwards. Everyone is different and each person’s process is unique.

  1. What’s the toughest part of your work?

Educating people to understand the creative approach.  That there is no one right way, and that when conventional approaches don’t work they can often still get the results they want in other ways.

Also that seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness, and that symptoms that are often labelled in our society as ‘sick’ or ‘dysfunctional’ are in many cases the opposite. They are pathways to creating more fulfilling and successful lives.

Some of our most creative, intelligent and successful people have at some point in their lives been considered inadequate or dysfunctional.

 9.What’s the best part of your work?

Being able to help people transform their lives gives me the greatest joy and satisfaction.

  1. What can people gain from your courses and individual and couples sessions?

A new perspective on life, more peace of mind, increased confidence, more fulfilling relationships, improved health and wellbeing.

Core Development offers:

  • FACE-TO-FACE  PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSIONS IN SYDNEY
  • ZOOM AND PHONE PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSIONS WORLDWIDE

Please note that Core Development is a process of emotional learning based on the principles of somatic psychotherapy and structural dynamics. It is not meant to replace clinical or medical treatment.

Ph +61 412 178 234  e: donald@coredevelopment.com.au