Marie Makinson

Psychotherapist, Jungian Analyst

Qualifications Professional Affiliations & Associations Contact

My practice includes Sandplay Therapy which is a creative form of therapy based on Jungian principles. Clients may choose to have Jungian Analysis, Sandplay Therapy, or a combination of both. Sandplay sessions are only available at The Channon whilst Jungian Analysis is available online through Zoom, Skype and FaceTime and also in my practice room at The Channon.

I began my professional practice in Lismore in 2005, then worked in Brisbane from 2013 until 2019. I’m now based in The Channon Village which is approximately 23kms from Lismore.

I was drawn to Jungian psychology from a long-established background in bodywork where I learned that ‘the unconscious’ is present in multiple levels of ‘body.’ I became interested in processes that enabled a conscious connection to the unconscious and returned to my native England to train in the Jungian approach. My subsequent training placed a particular emphasis on the body/psyche within a focus on the ‘numinous’ level of experience. I learned that Jungian Psychology offers unique perspectives by which, through careful attention and curiosity both parties in the therapeutic relationship can build a sacred space in which communication through emotion and the language of symbols can be received. The space is confidential and non-judgmental; it opens to creativity, story and imagination and is a safe container where all human problems and longings can be explored.

Jung observed that the main cause of entrenched psychological problems is a conflict between a person’s conscious position and the unconscious. As an analyst I work to bring the unconscious position to awareness. A major part of the process is uncovering emotionally charged complexes that distort the personality and cause problems in relationships. When complexes are recognised their influence can be managed; this is the core of the work with ‘the shadow.’ The unconscious reveals itself symbolically through dreams and in creative processes which are not entirely under conscious control, this is why dreamwork and Sandplay are important in my practice.

At the same time the therapy is grounded in the experience of the present moment and the continuous work of developing awareness about what is occurring in the background of the psyche. The therapeutic relationship itself presents many opportunities for increased awareness of internal dynamics. Habitual though unconscious ways of relating and feeling emerge into consciousness by paying attention to the subtle interactions occurring between client and therapist. Deep empathy: the recognition of pain, strength, beauty, and spirituality as well as other contents that are unconscious are features of the real interpersonal process.

My approach may be considered – classically Jungian, involving detailed analysis of psychic processes and emotions, dreamwork, sandplay, transference and body awareness. I am guided by the “self-regulating” aspects of the psyche: the “drive towards wholeness” that Jung observed, the deep capacities for love in the human heart and the healing power of nature.

Link to my personal website: www.earthartheart.com coming soon!