Dominique Smajstr

Couple Therapy

Dominique is a calm, warm and relational therapist who is passionate about supporting couples to do the work within themselves and between one another to break unhealthy patterns that work against their relationship. Dominique works in a collaborative, focused and insight-oriented manner and provides a safe and reflective environment for couples to reveal their concerns and vulnerabilities to deepen trust and intimacy and build a stronger, more satisfying relationship. Dominique is trained in Systems Theory, The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy and is further informed by Imago Relationship Therapy, The Gottman Method and Mindfulness.

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Counselling & Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Dominique offers psychotherapy to individuals seeking to understand their relationship issues, emotional conflicts and psychological difficulties. Her approach to therapy is primarily grounded in a Psychodynamic framework which includes a focus on: expression of emotion, exploration of attempts to avoid difficult or distressing topics, thoughts and emotions, identifying recurring themes and patterns, exploration of past experiences, a focus on interpersonal experiences, emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and, the exploration of wishes, dreams and fantasies. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a therapy experience which extends beyond symptom relief to the individual developing a stronger sense of self with psychological resources, the capacity to have more fulfilling relationships, remaining alive to and experiencing a wider range of emotions, an increased understanding of self and, greater flexibility when faced with challenges and stressors.

Both a process and a relationship therapy is a safe place and someone to go to when life feels difficult. Dominique provides an atmosphere of privacy, safety and acceptance with sensitive challenging when appropriate. Dominique will work with you to identify your difficulties, their origins and how they can be addressed.

In addition to working in private practice providing therapy to couples as well as short-term counselling and long term psychotherapy to individuals Dominique has worked in several private mental health clinics as a group therapist supporting adults with a range of interpersonal issues, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, trauma and addiction issues.  Dominique engages in ongoing professional development and clinical supervision and has a particular interest in attachment theory, differentiation theory and neuroscience.

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