Each month, the 'Day in the Life' series offers PACFA members the opportunity to share their personal and professional experience as dedicated Practising & Registered Clinical Counsellors and Registered Clinical Psychotherapists who embody the art and science of holding space for others.
This month, we follow the day with Registered Clinical Counsellor, David Felice.
About David
A transformative journey through my own trauma therapy, led me to pursuing a career as a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and PACFA-Registered Clinical Counsellor.
My Training Journey
My academic journey began with a bachelor's degree from the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP).
My passion to learn more about trauma led me to the teachings of the esteemed Dr. Gabor Mate, where I delved into the compassionate realms of therapy, emerging as a Certified Practitioner of his pioneering Compassionate Inquiry modality. This approach has enabled me to walk alongside my clients, striving together towards healing. It's about working with them, not on them—peeling back the layers to reveal that their addictions are not failures but attempts to solve deeper emotional challenges.
Eager to enhance my set of therapeutic tools, I then ventured into the world of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy under the guidance of Pat Ogden. This method has been instrumental in helping clients attune to their body's innate wisdom, especially when words fail to express their internal experiences. It's a testament to the power of non-verbal communication in unlocking the doors to recovery and understanding. I am currently pursuing certification in Relational Life Therapy (RLT) with Terry Real's expert guidance.
I have a successful private practice located in Elizabeth Street, Sydney. The bulk of my work comes from working closely with the justice system providing psychotherapy for those who are incarcerated all over New South Wales or facing court. I have had the privilege of working with people in helping them understand behaviours that once were adaptive in their lives are now maladaptive and are the source of what perpetuates in many cases, the viscous cycle of crime and incarceration, which so many unfortunately are trapped in.
Each step of my journey is given momentum by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of empathy, understanding, and relentless pursuit of growth. It's not just about healing; it's about redefining lives, breaking free from the past that keeps showing up in the present, and embarking on a new way of living.
A Day in the Life of Registered Clinical Counsellor David Felice
4:15am: Meditation & Gratitude Rituals
I wake up at 4.15am and participate in my meditation and gratitude rituals. This helps keep me centred, grounded and grateful – an “Attitude of Gratitude”.
5:00am: City Gym
I hit Sydney’s Iconic CITY GYM 6 days a week with a mixture of weights, cardio, and boxing exercises.
7:00am: Breakfast & Kids
After the gym, I return home, have breakfast and help prepare my 3 children for school. I drop them off at school at around 8.30.
9:00am: Meetings
From 9-10, I typically have meetings with legal professionals to discuss clients’ ongoing treatment plans. These treatment plans have been made in collaboration with the client and will be submitted to the court.
10:00am – 12.30pm: Clients
I see two clients in my office before lunch.
12.30-1:30pm: The Forest in the City
I take a 1-hour lunch break. I frequently eat my lunch in Sydney’s beautiful Hyde Park then take a walk around the “forest in the city “to clear my head and feel regulated. By lunch time I have been in meetings and therapy for 3 hrs and need to refresh. Some days I go window shopping around the city. A stroll down Pitt Street Mall can be an expensive experience if I decide to go into the stores!
1:30pm -5:30pm: Clients
The afternoon is usually spent seeing clients in my office or via AVL from correctional facilities. On quieter days I will use the afternoon to prepare letters or therapy reports for upcoming court hearings. I finish the day with client notes.
5:30pm: Home Time
I like to be on the way home by 5:30pm. After a long day my ability to work effectively after 5.30pm is limited.
6:00pm: Dinner
Dinner is usually with family at home. Tonight, we are grilling on the BBQ.
6:45pm-8.00pm: Time with the Kids
I spend time with the kids playing in backyard or helping them with their homework.
8:00pm - 8:30pm: Father Duties
This usually involves arguing with children about showers and negotiations around bedtime!
8:30pm - 10:00pm: Evening
I usually spend the evening reading or catching up on study for my certification in Relational Life Therapy. I’m currently reading “The new rules of Marriage” by Terrence Real. If I’m feeling overworked which I can tend to do, I watch something funny. I usually steer away from heavy dramas or crime shows as my mind needs a break. I need a laugh.
10:00pm: Recharge
I’m in bed by 10:00pm so that I can have a good night’s sleep and recharge the day ahead.
Connect with David
Website