“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
THE BOAB TREE PARADOX: THE INNER ECOLOGY OF HEALING
In The Little Prince—a novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry about a young boy’s journey across planets—baobab trees are a threat. If left untended, they can quietly take over and eventually overwhelm his world. As the little prince warns, “It may be convenient at times to put off one’s work until another day. But in the case of baobabs, it is always catastrophic to do so.” This speaks to how overwhelming or unprocessed experiences can take root within us. It’s not the events themselves, but how they live on in our inner world—shaping thoughts, emotions, and patterns—that determines their impact. Left unacknowledged, these internal roots can grow in ways that constrict and narrow our lives.
Yet boab trees are also symbols of life, resilience, and interconnection. Known as baobab in Africa and boab in Australia, these iconic trees belong to the Adansonia family—native to Africa, Madagascar, and Australia’s Kimberley region. Thriving in some of the harshest climates they nourish and sustain entire ecosystems. The boab’s trunk stores water; its fruit and leaves nourish wildlife and people; its deep roots enrich the soil. All parts of the tree can be used—the bark, leaves, fruit, and even the hollow trunks—“the baobab is the tree of life, holding water in its trunk and stories in its roots” (anon.). Far from being harmful, these trees are life-giving—quietly holding and restoring balance in their environment.
At Boab Tree Psychology, my intention is to hold space for both of these truths. Boab trees can overwhelm and constrict, but they can also nourish and sustain—growing toward a more harmonious inner ecosystem. When we compassionately tend to what has taken root within us, our inner ecology can begin to shift. We gain the freedom to respond rather than react, and space to live with clarity, vitality, and a deeper sense of self. Healing makes space for choice, self-leadership, and authentic living.
About Barbara
I’m a registered psychologist, and my practice is grounded in authenticity, connection, respect, and compassion. I have a special interest in childhood trauma and adversity, as well as working with individuals facing the challenges of stress, relationship patterns, and life transitions. I welcome anyone seeking a space for deeper reflection, personal growth, or support through life’s challenges. My intention is to offer a safe and supportive space where healing and self-understanding can grow.
I hold a Master of Counselling Psychology from La Trobe University, completed in 2006, and I’m a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA). I draw on evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to support clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, existential dilemmas, spiritual concerns, and the lasting effects of stress and trauma.
Over the years, I’ve worked across a range of counselling and mental health settings before moving into private practice, where I now focus on providing holistic, personalised care tailored to each client’s needs.
Having migrated to Australia with my family in 1991, I bring a culturally sensitive lens to my work. I speak fluent Hungarian and am happy to offer counselling in Hungarian if preferred.
Areas of Interest
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and Depression
Anger Issues & Rage
Addiction
Parenting & Relationship Challenges
Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence
Personal Development
Grief & Loss
Metaphors in Therapy
Spirituality
Christian Counselling
Degrees
- Bachelor of Science and Psychology (Honours)
- Master of Counselling Psychology (La Trobe University, Melbourne)
Qualifications
- Registered Psychologist (AHPRA Registration Number: PSY0002440924)
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
- Member of EMDRAA (EMDR Association of Australia)
Trainings
- Level 1 Training Program in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS Institute)
- Internal Family Systems: Skills and Competencies & Advanced IFS: Deepening Your Core Practice (IFSCA)
- Deepening Skills in the IFS Model: Working with Complex Trauma (Stephanie Mitchell)
- EMDR Institute Basic Training
- EMDRIA approved Integrated EMDR & IFS Model Level 1 (Dr Kendhal Hart)
- Foundations of CRM®
- Advanced CRM – Core Self Training
Therapeutic Approaches
Barbara provides holistic, trauma-informed care, ensuring clients’ goals remain central to their personalised treatment. Grounded in attachment theory, she integrates various evidence-based modalities to support clients in living authentic and fulfilling lives.
Internal Family Systems Therapy
(IFS)
IFS is an evidence-based therapy that helps resolve inner conflict by working with different ‘parts’ of the psyche. At its core is the belief that we all have an innate healing capacity, known as ‘Self.’ Through IFS, we access this resource to foster self-awareness, integration, and inner harmony.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
(EMDR)
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps process traumatic memories and reduce distress. Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, touch, or sound), it supports the brain in reprocessing stuck experiences, promoting emotional healing and resilience.
The Comprehensive Resource Model
(CRM)
CRM is a neurobiologically grounded trauma therapy that strengthens internal resources for deep healing. Through breathwork, eye positions, and somatic awareness, it enables safe trauma processing while fostering resilience, self-trust, and integration.
Fees
Barbara offers both in-person and telehealth consultations.
Individual Consultation
50 minutes: $230
90 minutes: $330
Medicare Rebate: $96.65
Out-of-Pocket Cost:
50 minutes: $133.35
90 minutes: $233.35
Medicare Rebates
To access psychological services under Medicare, you must have a referral from a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
Contact
I work with adults (18+) and offer sessions: Monday to Friday
Online (Zoom) or Phone sessions are available.