Hi, I’m tamara pallos.
I am the principal practitioner at Couples Counselling Sydney. I specialise in relationship counselling because strong and healthy connections with others are so vital to our wellbeing. I believe the best counsellors have both empathy and expertise and I strive to give both to my clients.
qualifications
I developed my expertise in counselling through undertaking extensive training in a range of counselling approaches. My qualifications and training include:
a Masters in Systemic (Couple and Family) Counselling, from the University of NSW
a Graduate Diploma of Emotionally Focused Therapy, from the Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy
a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, from the Jansen Newman Institute
two years of training, in the psychodynamic approach to counselling, through the Mandala Community Counselling Service
certification as an Integrated Attachment Theory coach.
professional association membership
I am a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). This is the highest level of membership that applies only to experienced counsellors.
experience
I have a decade of experience as a counsellor. Before working in private practice, I spent years working as an individual and couple counsellor in community sector counselling organisations, such as Relationships Australia. Towards the end of this time, I was a senior counsellor with responsibility for clinical supervision of other counsellors.
I have also trained counselling students. I have taught students in the Masters of Psychotherapy and Counselling program, at Western Sydney University, and have delivered the Family and Relationship Counselling unit at the Australian College of Applied Psychology.
approach
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is the main counselling framework I use for couples. For individuals working with me to overcome blocks to having successful relationships, I use a practical approach with a coaching edge. You can read more about my approach under Services.
career background
Before working as a counsellor, I trained and worked as a lawyer. I have held various roles at the intersection of the law and health sectors, including roles at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence NSW, Homelessness NSW and NSW Health. These roles reflect my commitment to social justice.
I consider that my varied work and life experiences outside of counselling are an asset to me as a counsellor. They enable me to understand, and empathetically support, clients with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
