Toby Clark Psychotherapy

04/09/2025

Every therapy session feels like stepping onto an unknown road. Neither client nor therapist holds the map—the path unfolds through dialogue, moment by moment.

In the conversational model (Meares, 2000), healing arises in this space of aloneness-togetherness: two minds, two hearts, distinct yet deeply connected. Hidden parts of the self begin to emerge—sometimes in words, sometimes in silence, sometimes in the pauses between us.

The process can feel like co-creating a melody. At first tentative, then slowly taking shape, until harmony begins to appear. In this shared rhythm, new meaning is born—not imposed, but discovered together.

Each session is alive. Embodied. Different. To witness someone’s growth on this unknown road is not only healing for them—it is a profound privilege for me. www.tobyclark.com.au

01/09/2025

Our sense of self is a story written together, not alone. In therapy, the self grows through dialogue-where experiences are heard, feelings are named, and connection brings scattered parts into coherence. This process of co-creation is at the heart of healing, a principle central to the Conversational Model. .

28/08/2025

How we make meaning together.

24/06/2025

🪞 The Privilege of Giving Therapy

There's a quiet sacredness to the therapy room—a space where vulnerability is honoured, pain is witnessed, and healing is gently held.

Each session is a reminder: it's a privilege to be allowed into another's world. To sit in the 'alone-togetherness' (Hobson), holding space while someone finds their way.

Therapy isn't about fixing. It's about presence. About being with.

✨ Every story I hear changes me a little.
✨ Every silence teaches me something.
✨ Every session deepens my respect for the human spirit.

📖 Read my full blog post: https://www.mindfulsynergi.com/the-privilege-of-giving-therapy-reflections-from-the-room/

15/04/2025

Benefits of the CM

18/03/2025

03/03/2025

Thinking about therapy? Call Mindful Synergi to enquire about starting your healing journey

What is the conversational model?

The Conversational Model is a psychodynamic psychotherapy developed by Prof. Russell Meares and Dr. Robert Hobson, integrating insights from developmental psychology, cognitive theory, and attachment theory. As a relational model, it focuses on how early relational trauma shapes complex adult psychiatric challenges and how therapy can support healing in the short, medium, and long term.

This model has been specifically developed for chronic and difficult-to-treat psychiatric conditions, including:
✨ Borderline Personality Disorder
✨ Dissociative Disorders
✨ Other Personality Disorders
✨ Treatment-Resistant Depression
✨ Complex Somatic Disorders

With strong research backing, the Conversational Model is one of the most well-validated contemporary psychotherapies, supported by randomised controlled trials showing positive outcomes in the treatment of depression, self-harm, and personality disorders.

💙 Toby, a mental health nurse with 16 years experience in mental health therapist, has his Master’s in Medicine majoring in Trauma-Informed psychotherapy and is now accepting new clients at Mindful Synergi. He is available on Wednesdays.

If you’re seeking compassionate, evidence-based therapy, reach out today. Healing starts with a conversation.

03/02/2025

The Conversational Model of Therapy (CMT) is a contemporary form of relational psychotherapy that evolved from psychoanalytic psychotherapy. It integrates aspects of neuroscience, developmental psychology, and linguistics, and is used primarily for treating disorders of self.
CMT is based on the premise that our sense of self develops out of the relationship with our primary caregivers. Optimal psychic development or emotional maturity occurs when these relationships are stable and sufficiently responsive. More specifically, our concept of self develops through relational experiences with the external world. Within CMT this process is known as analogical relatedness.
The Conversational Model focuses on two key areas – the development of self, and the identification and integration of trauma into a coherent sense of self. model

04/12/2024

What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is a safe supportive space where you can talk through your thoughts, feelings and challenges with the training professional. It can help you better understand yourself, build healthier coping skills, and improve your emotional well-being. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or just need someone to listen therapy is a step towards healing

12/11/2024

Starting therapy can be anxiety provoking. This is especially true for people who have never had therapy before. Many questions enter people minds and hearts which is very normal. Often people can feel that they don't need therapy, or think that no one can help, or perhaps their problems are not worthy of care an attention from another individual.

Sometimes our inner voice can prevent us from reaching out for help. In many ways this is a a survival strategy to prevent us feeling anxious or under threat. New relationships, new ventures, new experiences along a healing journey gives rise to feelings which we may want to avoid. However, as it is true in life, overcoming our initial anxieties will lead to a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Reaching out for help and starting a discussion can be a big step in a positive direction.

We heal together 🩵

24/10/2024

Hi everyone thank you for visiting my page. I’m Toby, and a graduate from the University of Sydney from the Faculty of Medicine and Science. I’ve recently completed a Masters Degree in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy.

I’m currently taking registrations for new clients, and hope to offer my services to those across Australia in need of any support. If you, or anyone you know, has been considering therapy please reach out for a free 15 minute introductory chat to see how I may be able to assist and support you on your healing journey.

I specialise in the Conversational Model, and have 15+ years as a Mental Health Clinical Nurse Consultant. More information about my background and services can be found on my website https://tobyclark.com.au/

Thanks for your time, wishing you all a beautiful rest of your week.