Auður Zoëga | Psychotherapist
I am a PACFA-registered psychotherapist working in private practice with individuals. I have a Bachelor of Counselling & Psychotherapy from the Ikon Institute and a Bachelor of Music from Melbourne Polytechnic.
Driven by a curiosity about human development, relationships, and the mind, I found my calling in psychotherapy. As I deepened my understanding of the human experience, I discovered a special passion for child development and nurturing strong parent-child relationships. Now, I dedicate my practice to supporting parents of young children and those preparing for parenthood.
Why I Do This Work
We are seeing rising rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among young people and new parents. While it's crucial that those already suffering receive the help they need, I believe the long-term solution lies in taking preventative measures: by better supporting children's wellbeing from the very start and protecting them from stress and adverse experiences.
We can best achieve this by supporting and educating parents. As parents, we are our children's most important environment. Since most of our own struggles and challenges stem from our early experiences, we have an opportunity, when we become parents ourselves, to break cycles and create something different for the next generation.
This is how we create better lives for our children, now and in the future; by ensuring they grow up with healthier and happier parents. When we address these challenges at their root, we're not just helping one family, we're contributing to a generational shift toward greater wellbeing.
How I Work
My approach is informed by what we currently know about human development, including attachment theory, self-esteem development, intrinsic motivation, and how children learn and grow.
I practice from the perspective that you already have an inner knowing of what is right and helpful for you and your child. My role is to help you reconnect with that wisdom by working through the outside pressures that have clouded your natural parental instincts.
Rather than providing one-size-fits-all solutions, I support you in discovering your own family's path forward, one that honors both your child's developmental needs and your family's unique values and circumstances.
The meaning of ‘Intentional Arc’
The term ‘Intentional Arc’, inspired by the work of French phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty, reflects the dynamic and interconnected relationship between perception, bodily movement, and the world. Merleau-Ponty introduced this concept to highlight the embodied nature of human experience, emphasizing how our past experiences, learned skills, and contextual engagements shape our perceptions and actions. Unlike traditional views that separate mind and body, the intentional arc illustrates how our bodily actions and perceptions are inherently intentional, actively engaging with our environment. This continuous and reciprocal relationship underscores the unity of perception and action, promoting a holistic understanding of human existence.
In my practice, I embrace this philosophy to help people (particularly parents navigating the embodied experience of raising young children) integrate mind and body in the healing process. This approach recognizes that parenting itself is an intentional arc, where our own past experiences, learned skills, and present context shape how we perceive and respond to our children. My work supports clients in creating meaningful and intentional connections with themselves, their children, and the world around them.