Boab Tree Psychology: Healing From The Roots

26/02/2025

In The Little Prince—a novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry about a young boy's journey across planets —baobab trees are a threat. Their roots, if left unchecked, can overrun and destroy the prince's tiny planet. As the Little Prince warns, "It may be convenient at times to put off one's work until another day. But in case of baobabs, it is always catastrophic to do so." This mirrors how unprocessed trauma can silently grow, eventually overwhelming one's inner world if left unattended.

Yet, boab trees also stand as a symbol of life, resilience, and interconnectedness. Thriving in Australia’s and Africa’s harshest climates, they sustain entire ecosystems. The trunk of a boab stores water, its fruit and leaves nourish wildlife and people, and even the soil flourishes beneath its shade, enriched by its deep, life-giving roots. Far from destructive, it is a tree of life, a source of healing and survival.

At Boab Tree Psychology, my intention is to hold both truths together: unresolved pain can take root if left unchecked and healing begins when it is met with compassion.

27/09/2022

03/07/2021

WELCOME TO BOAB TREE PSYCHOLOGY

Barbara Headey – Registered Psychologist

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

About
I am a Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

My practice is grounded in authenticity, connection, respect, and compassion. I have a special interest in working with adults who have experienced childhood trauma and adversity.

I hold a double degree in Science and Psychology, with Honours in Psychology from James Cook University, and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from La Trobe University (2006). Before transitioning into private practice, I worked across diverse clinical settings, supporting individuals with anxiety, mood difficulties, and relationship challenges. For the past six years, I have focused on providing personalised, trauma-informed care in private practice.

Having migrated to Australia with my family in 1991, I bring a culturally sensitive lens to my work. I am fluent in Hungarian and happy to offer counselling in Hungarian.

Qualifications
Registered Psychologist (AHPRA)
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
Member of EMDRIA (International Association of EMDR Practitioners)

Degrees
Bachelor of Science and Psychology (Honours)
Master of Counselling Psychology (La Trobe University, Melbourne)

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
Foundations of CRM®
Advanced CRM – Core Self Training

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

Therapeutic Approaches
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Focusing
Polyvagal & Somatic-Informed Therapies