Krista Munkres she/her
Holistic, Trauma and Somatic Psychologist
BLUE LOTUS THERAPY
PHILOSOPHY
Just like the lotus flower begins its life in the mud and darkness, the conditions of life are not always ideal. But, like the lotus rises through the mud, we must honour even life’s most painful experiences, because they are what allow us to cultivate and connect with our most beautiful and authentic selves.
It is my practice to honour every person’s unique journey and to hold space for you to safely explore your relationship with yourself and others in your life.
I believe in the intuitive wisdom of your body, spirit and innate nature to create space for awareness and choice in owning your individual life story.
I am passionate about providing a safe and respectful therapeutic experience.
“Your heart is full of fertile seeds, waiting to sprout. Just as a lotus flower springs from the mire to bloom splendidly, the interaction of the cosmic breath causes the flower of the spirit to bloom and bear fruit in this world.”
– Morihei Ueshiba
Krista Munkres (she/her)
Holistic, Trauma and Somatic Psychologist
The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
- Carl Jung
ABOUT ME
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults across a number of different settings and have spent my working life dedicated to creating a safe and accessible space for the people with whom I work.
I hold both a Bachelor of Science Degree and Post-graduate Diploma in Psychology and full registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
My clinical experience includes working in diverse roles across both government and non-government sectors throughout Australia and the United States. I have worked in communities of people presenting with some of the following concerns; complex childhood/developmental trauma, parents and caregivers experiencing attachment difficulties and parenting challenges, children and adolescents who have engaged in abusive or problematic sexual behaviour, individuals with disordered eating and young people suffering with a range of mental health concerns as a result of developmental trauma.
I have also worked closely with indigenous communities, including work on Palm Island and with refugees and asylum seekers on Christmas Island. Most recently, in my work as a private practitioner I offer therapeutic support to individuals experiencing a wide range of presenting emotional, physical and spiritual concerns.
The range of therapies that I utilise are drawn from evidence-based research findings in psychology, family systems, and neurobiology. Additionally, I specialise in deeper psychological mind and body-oriented therapies that bring a more holistic and integrative approach to your well-being. I tailor all sessions and therapeutic approaches to best meet your needs at the time.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
MY AREAS OF INTEREST AND EXPERTISE
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Complex and developmental trauma
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Physical, sexual, spiritual, and emotional abuse
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Grief and loss
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Anxiety, panic, stress and burnout
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Adolescent concerns (self-harm, bullying, body image and self-confidence)
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Chronic illness and other health issues
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Problematic sexual behaviour or sexual offending
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Mood, depression and anxiety concerns
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Gender-related concerns
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Identity concerns
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Sexual health concerns
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Attachment disruptions and disconnection
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Family system concerns
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Intergenerational patterns
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Shame
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Emotional and nervous system dysregulation
QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT TRAINING
ACADEMIC
QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor of Science, Psychology (4 years)
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Postgraduate Diploma, Psychology (1 year research)
RELEVANT TRAINING
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Somatic Experiencing Level l/ll, lll/lV
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Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) – Level 1 & 2
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Theraplay Level 1
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‘TeamUp’ Registered Triad Facilitator
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200 hr Yoga Teacher Training
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Life Story Work Training
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Zenergy Kids Yoga Teacher Training (Foundations)
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Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
REGISTRATION
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Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency- PSY0001800292
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
I am passionate about providing a safe and respectful therapeutic experience, particularly for individuals who have had a negative therapeutic experience in the past, as well as for individuals who are new to therapy.
I have a particular interest in exploring ways to creatively engage with people through the use of somatic therapies, movement, breath, story and their connections with others. I have a passion for working with adolescents who are resistant to therapy or people who have had a previous negative therapeutic experience.
My aim is to offer you the therapeutic service that best meets your individual needs and goals. I draw from a wide range of evidence-based therapies developed from the latest research. I am particularly interested in those therapies that address the impacts of stress and trauma on the human brain, body and nervous system. In addition to traditional mental health approaches, I may also incorporate mind-body oriented therapies to help you achieve a more holistic approach to your well-being.
I am a qualified yoga teacher, with training in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga. I may use this as a tool in assisting you to begin building a relationship between your mind and body through the use of breath and movement.
I provide a compassionate, safe, and supportive environment in which you can explore the issues and challenges you face. I utilise a person-centred approach, recognising that each person comes with their own intrinsic wisdom and lived experience.
My role is to help empower you to connect with your intuitive nature and the strengths and skills you already possess to support integration of these with new skills and ways of being. My therapeutic style is eclectic and is drawn from the following theories and therapeutic models: Attachment theory, neurobiology and developmental trauma, Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness-based therapies, Dyadic Developmental Therapy (DDP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, physiological and sensorimotor techniques, expressive therapies (including play, art and dance), Theraplay, trauma-sensitive yoga and narrative therapy.
On a personal note, I believe that life is a journey and I find meaning in supporting people. I continue my own journey of self-knowledge through personal reflective therapy and professional supervision as a commitment to my own self-care and practice.
WHAT I OFFER
PRIVATE SESSIONS
Private counselling sessions are held in my office in Fremantle.
I provide a free consultation by phone to determine if therapy with me is the right fit for you.
You do not need a referral to make an appointment.
SUPERVISION
I offer supervision for other therapists and
I am a Board Approved Supervisor (5+1 or 4+2) for general registration with AHPRA (Australian Health and Practitioners Regulation Board).
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
ONLINE AND TELEHEALTH SESSIONS
I offer training to organisations, schools, parents and a range of professionals in areas including: Neurobiology and developmental trauma, mindful parenting and navigating adolescent years. If you are interested in training, please contact me to discuss.
If you are not in the Fremantle area, or have an illness or disability that makes it difficult to travel, I offer Telehealth sessions via zoom or phone.
GET IN TOUCH
5 Rockingham Road
Fremantle WA 6160