Welcome to As Above So Below Therapeutic Services
Hi, I'm Amy (she/they)
Welcome to As Above So Below Therapeutic Services. As the director, I bring over 20 years of experience in psychology, consulting, training, coaching, and supervision. My specialisation lies in trauma therapy, and I have had the privilege of working with individuals across all stages of development within both government and non-government organisations. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to fostering a comfortable, inclusive, and nurturing environment where healing and growth can thrive.
Qualifications and Expertise
- Psychologist: Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
- Certified Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) Practitioner and Trainer: I practice the three-tiered approach to the Rose Model (2012) and offer consultation sessions, supervision, and training as a member of TLSW Australia. I developed the Adult TLSW model, endorsed by the founder of TLSW, Richard Rose.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist: Associate Member of EMDRAA,
- Trained in Relational-Integrative EMDR with Michele Bowes and Amy English (Parts 1 and 2).
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Practitioner: Completed Levels 1 and 2 with Daniel Hughes and Dr. Sian Phillips.
- Restorative Embodiment™ and Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner: Trained by Cathy Malchiodi PhD and Dr. Elizabeth Warson at the Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute.
- Informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS): Trained in IFS informed EMDR (IFSiEMDR) with Dr. Annabel McGoldrick.
About what I do
Therapies Offered
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: My trauma-informed approach can help participants navigate and heal from traumatic experiences using a variety of evidence-based techniques.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a powerful therapy for processing and integrating traumatic memories. I am an associate member of EMDRAA and is have recently completed advanced training in Relational-Integrative EMDR and IFS informed EMDR.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS helps clients understand and heal their internal family of parts. I integrate IFS with other therapies to provide a comprehensive healing experience.
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP): DDP focuses on building secure attachments and healing relational trauma. I have completed Levels 1 and 2 of DDP training and I incorporate these principles into my practice.
- Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW): As a leading practitioner of TLSW, I offer consultation, supervision, and training. The Adult TLSW model helps clients explore and make sense of their life stories, fostering healing and personal growth.
- Restorative Embodiment™ and Nature-Based Expressive Arts: These therapies use expressive arts and nature-based practices to help clients reconnect with their bodies and the natural world, promoting grounding, healing, and a sense of wholeness.
About the service
My Approach
I am known for my PACEful (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) attitude and relational approach. My practice strength is in my ability to sit with the discomfort of trauma, creating a space where individuals and their parts can let their guards down and share their stories. Whether in a counselling session, trauma therapy, therapeutic life story work, consultation, supervision, or training, my goal is to foster healing and growth.
Book an Appointment
Ready to start your healing journey? Contact me by email below for more information or book in for:
- Psychological sessions - general, TLSW and EMDR
- Consultation
- TLSW Supervision
- Specific training, team building or workshops for individuals or groups
- Purchase resources
I am here to support you every step of the way.
Innovative Tools and Resources
Think Feel Do Sensory Bears
Think Feel Do Sensory Bears
Think Feel Do Sensory Bears
Think Feel Do Sensory Bears™️
Co-founded by Amy Payne, Karen Vance and Natalia O'Keefe, these sensory bears are used globally to help individuals express themselves and find their voice.
TLSW Practice Pocket Cards
Think Feel Do Sensory Bears
Think Feel Do Sensory Bears
TLSW Practice Pocket Cards by Karmy Cards
Co-created by Amy Payne and Karen Vance, and endorsed by Richard Rose and TLSW International. These cards are designed to support TLSW practitioners and anyone interested in therapeutic life story work.
I work and live in the Blue Mountains in NSW in the place known as Australia.
This is the land of Dharawal and Gundungurra people (in the south), the Wiradjuri people (in the west and north-west), and the Wanaruah, Darkinjung and Darug people (in the north-east).
I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands, skies and waterways, and pay my respects to Elders past and present. I pay my respects to all First Nations people across the world.
I stand in solidarity with all those that stand against oppression, racism and colonisation.
I am grateful for the queer leaders who have paved the way before me, breaking barriers and forging paths towards acceptance and equality.
Their courage and resilience have inspired and empowered countless individuals, myself included.
I honour their contributions and commit to carrying their legacy forward, standing proudly in my truth and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse world.
Thank you to all the queer leaders who have led with strength, compassion, and authenticity.
Always was Always will be
I pay my respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and all First Nations peoples.