Simon Westcott
Psychoanalyst, Psychotherapist
Maple Tree Counselling Australia Pty Ltd
Carlton, Melbourne VIC 3053
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I am a practising psychoanalyst working with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. I seek to support those looking to resolve inner conflict and find positive change for their lives.
Psychoanalysis holds to a powerful view of individual subjectivity and responsibility. It acknowledges the need to understand our unconscious thoughts and drives to come closer to what we desire for our lives and relationships. It's a long-term treatment through speech; we listen carefully to the actuality of what is said and we follow its logic to the cure.
While many are accustomed to counselling or psychotherapy, and I am trained in these evidence-based modalities, I find the psychoanalytic framework the most effective, though remain flexible in integrating other techniques as necessary. I see patients from all walks of life and cultures, including those exploring questions of sexuality and gender identity.
Background
My 'life before' was primarily in media. I worked at the Age, as Publisher at Lonely Planet and then as my own boss through investments in Mr & Mrs Smith and LUXE City Guides. I'm an avid culture vulture and have held board positions with arts organisations such as Malthouse Theatre, Castlemaine State Festival and Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Originally from the UK, I moved to Australia in 1997 and now live between Melbourne's CBD and Central Victoria. I also spent 10 years in Hong Kong, witnessing first hand the city's immense recent changes. My interest in psychoanalysis began at university, as a student of literature, and was deepened by my own analysis later. It's a life-long journey, one I know is never complete.
Services
My work is generally regular and long-term. As a default, I hold a 50-minute weekly slot for each patient, but increase or decrease frequency as necessary. With couples, I offer both 50-minute or 80-minute sessions; the duration of the treatment for couples can vary from short-term, goal-oriented work, to longer-term ongoing exploration of psychodynamic principles. I take a 4-week break in the middle of the year and for some of the Australian summer.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling - 2021 - Monash University
- 4-Year Study Program - 2024 - Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
Modalities
ACT - Existential - Freudian - Meditation - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic
Therapy Approach
A psychoanalytic treatment seeks unconscious knowledge and structural change, not just effecting the relationship with a 'symptom' or set of presenting issues, but offering a fundamental shift in the way the patient places and experiences themselves in the world. The 'analysand' brings the things that make them suffer and, through speaking freely, tries to make a different sense of them; the analyst listens as carefully as they can and interprets, reflecting back the marks of trauma or identifications and fantasies that operate to hold the patient back.
Professional Associations
- Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 4
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
Rathdowne House, 239 Rathdowne Street
Carlton VIC 3053
The Hub, 233 Barker Street
Castlemaine VIC 3450
Appointments
I am available in Castlemaine all day on Mondays. I work in Melbourne Tuesday - Thursday afternoons and early evenings.
Fees & Insurance
My fees vary slightly according to where I see you (Melbourne, Castlemaine or online) but range from $160 - $175 + GST. I am registered with a number of Health Funds for insurance rebate, and can offer sliding scale by negotiation.
Payment Options
I take payment by debit or credit card in the room, or via bank transfer or debit or credit card after the session. I prefer not to take cash.
Contact Simon
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
