Daniela Cristofaro
Somatic Psychotherapist, Sexologist
Body Mind Conversations
Dee Why, Sydney NSW 2099
In Person + Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I offer Somatic Psychotherapy and Sex & Relationship Therapy.
Some clients come to explore sexuality, intimacy or relationship concerns; others come specifically seeking Hakomi or somatic therapy for anxiety, sensitivity and overwhelm, shame or self-criticism, attachment or trauma-related patterns, or feeling stuck despite understanding themselves well.
I’m interested in helping people meet their experience with curiosity rather than judgement. Difficult responses often developed for understandable reasons and may have been trying to protect us or help us adapt. Rather than seeing these patterns as something to simply get rid of, we become curious about what they are doing and what might be possible instead.
My aim is to offer a collaborative space where greater understanding, new experiences and more choice can emerge.
My practice is culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming, sex-positive,
Background
I hold a Master of Counselling and BA (Hons) Psychology, and have completed the full professional training in Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy. I am also trained in Somatic Sexology & Sexological Bodywork, with further training in trauma, attachment, relationship therapy and mindful somatic couples and sex therapy.
Before and alongside private practice, my work has centred on psychology, coaching, NLP, dance, and embodied approaches to wellbeing and personal development.
My cross-cultural and multi-lingual upbringing and life experiences along with my ongoing study of embodiment, sexuality, relationships and trauma have shaped an open-minded, curious and inclusive way of working.
Services
I offer individual psychotherapy/ counselling and couples therapy, with a particular focus on somatic psychotherapy, sexuality, intimacy and relationships.
Sessions are available in person in Dee Why and Crows Nest, or online Australia-wide.
My work may include conversation, mindfulness and gentle somatic or experiential exploration, depending on what feels most useful and appropriate for you.
Some people come with a clear concern, while others are simply drawn to working in a more embodied way. Sessions can move between talking, reflection and body-based awareness.
Somatic work is always invitational and collaborative, and we can adapt the pace and style of therapy to suit what feels manageable and useful for you.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling - 2026 - University of Canberra
- Hakomi Graduate - 2024 - Hakomi Institute
- BA (Hons) Psychology - 2007 - University of Strathclyde
- Certificate of Somatic Sexology - 2022 - Institute of Somatic Sexology
- NLP Practitioner - 2014 - Scottish Centre of NLP
Modalities
Attachment Theory - Developmental - Experiential - Hakomi - Holistic - Hypnotherapy - Internal Family Systems - Mindfulness - Somatic Psychotherapy - Transpersonal - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My work is primarily grounded in Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy, a gentle experiential approach that uses mindfulness and the body to study the often-unconscious patterns that organise our experience and create opportunities for transformation.
Rather than only talking about a difficulty, we may slow things down and notice what is happening in the present moment. The body holds a lot of information about our programming, our beliefs and the experiences that were missing for us.
I also draw on person-centred, attachment- and trauma-informed approaches, Somatic Sexology, relationship therapy and IFS-informed parts work.
Sessions may be conversational or include gentle experiential exploration, depending on what feels useful to you.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 2
- Hakomi Australia Association
Practice Locations
Suite 9, 2A Redman Road
Dee Why NSW 2099
Free parking - Dee Why (Mooramba Rd Car Park)
Free parking - Crows Nest (Coles on Willoughby Rd)
[Both locations are close to public transport]
Grow Mindfully
Level 1/ 134 Willoughby Rd
Crows Nest NSW 2065
Appointments
Dee Why: Mon & Wed mornings
Crows Nest: Tuesdays
Telehealth: Mon, Wed, Thurs
Fees & Insurance
- 55 min session: $180 AUD
- 80 min session: $260 AUD (recommended for couples)
- Free 15 minute initial phone consult
- Private Health Fund rebates available for Bupa and Grand United.
- No Medicare rebates available
Languages
English
Italian
Spanish
Portuguese
Payment Options
- Payments by bank transfer or credit card (online)
- My discounted financial hardship spots are all taken at the moment but please enquire if money is an issue
Contact Daniela
Reach out for an appointment or a free 15 min chat