About Lisa
My name is Lisa Haslam. I am a PACFA Clinical Counsellor and an Accredited Imago Therapist. I also volunteer as the Secretary for the Australian Association of Imago Relationship Therapy. I opened my private practice, Hazel Tree Therapy, in Camden 5 years ago after working in NGOs for many years. I specialise in helping couples reconnect and individuals who want to make changes after a relationship breakdown.
My journey into counselling commenced after returning to work once my children went to school. I felt very privileged to spend this time with them but was also ready to focus on other things too. My parents were divorced and, fortunately for me, they were very child-focused and handled the separation well. This has inspired my area of work. I wanted to help couples with their relationship issues and, if they chose to separate, help them do it well so they make healthy lifestyle choices and feel more self-worth, instead of repeating unhelpful multigenerational patterns, thus having an impact on them and their children.
I studied with the Institute of Family Practice in Sydney and became specialised in Systemic Family Therapy. I worked as a Child and Family Therapist for many years, and during this time, I discovered Imago Relationship Therapy and the difference it can make to couples and individuals. I went on to complete my Imago Relationship Training and found my niche of working with couples. I also have a degree in Psychology and Social Science.
My work is influenced by Systemic Family Therapy and Imago Relationship Therapy; both complement each other as they help clients gain an understanding of how the past impacts our relationships in the future. Imago Relationship Therapy uses a dialogue technique to help build trust in relationships and heal childhood wounds, whilst Systemic Family Therapy helps clients to understand the big picture and how multigenerational patterns influence them. I also draw from other modalities such as ACT, Attachment, Sand Tray Therapy and Art Therapy.
A Day in the Life with Lisa Haslam
6.00am: Stretch
I wake up and spend 10 minutes stretching before breakfast.
7.00am: Exercise
Three times a week I do aqua aerobics and love the experience of the pool in the early morning, not so much the walk to the car after in winter. On alternate days, I will go for a walk.
8.30am: Prep for the day
Private practice admin, reviewing the appointments for the day ahead, and posting on social media.
9.30am to 12.30pm – Client Appointments (Including Walk & Talk)
The morning can start with a Walk and Talk session and then I get ready for clients who prefer to come to my rooms. I see individuals in the morning, mainly because of their own personal logistics.
12.30pm – Lunch and a 10-Minute Walk
I like to take a walk on my break to get out of my room. Working by myself in the early days was a bit lonely; taking a walk around the town helps me feel connected to others and helps me to clear my head. During the day, I drink plenty of water and bring a healthy lunch and snacks with me.
1.00pm – The Dreaded Admin
Admin, check emails, phone calls, intakes, social media posts, and reading for professional development – there are so many books to read about our work. I allow 30 minutes between clients to write notes, check messages, take calls, and work on any mini projects. I love writing and making little movies for social media and blogs, and although I do not do this every day, I dedicate a couple of hours a week to it.
2.00pm to 5.00pm – Client Appointments
I see couples in the afternoons and schedule a Walk and Talk session at the end of the day if required. This way I have time to get changed and have the good fortune of spending time in beautiful places. Walk and Talk has been a welcome change for me, but also having my own space if the weather is unpredictable ensures people do not cancel their session. I’m not an elite athlete so I am thoughtful in how I book these sessions in.
5.30pm – My Dogs and Dinner Prep
The end of the day involves my dogs getting walked and organising dinner. At the moment, this means I see a sunset, which is a great way to ground myself.
8.00pm – Netflix (I’m Only Human) and Family Time
I do enjoy Netflix and am currently watching The Four Seasons. Our family eats together at the table so that everyone checks in and we catch up.
11.00pm – Bedtime
Unwind for bed – it may seem late, but that’s me. I try to read a novel rather than my phone (not always successful, but I try). I am currently reading The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller for my book club.
When I Am Not Working
I practise my guitar and attend lessons, see friends, see bands, squeeze yoga in when I can, take my 84-year-old mum out, walk my dogs, and spend time with my husband and my boys (who are lovely young men). I still study, which fills up any gaps in my time.
Thank you PACFA for this opportunity to share a snapshot of my working day. It has been another opportunity to step out of my comfort zone.
Connect with Lisa
Website: https://www.hazeltreetherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazeltreetherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapyhazeltree/