Welcome!
My name is Dr Adele Stewart MBBS FRACGP and I have been a GP in the Illawarra region since the early 1990’s. I was the fifth GP in Australia to receive Recognition by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as having Extended Skills in Psychological Medicine and practice in a trauma-sensitive framework. I am currently the Chair of the RACGP’s Specific Interest Pain Management.
I have a special interest in mindfulness-based interventions, complex trauma and the psychological aspects of chronic pain, particularly chronic pelvic pain.
I have had extensive training in the following:
- Internal Family Systems therapy at the IFS Institute,
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy under Dr. Russ Harris,
- Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MiCBT) under Bruno Cayoun,
- Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) under Dan Siegel,
- Explain Pain with NOI founder, David Butler,
- Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy certificate with the Embody Lab,
- MBSR certified teacher with Openground,
- MSC trained teacher with the Center of Mindful Self Compassion.
Mindfulness Background
I did my first 10-day silent meditation retreat in 1987, and in the last 15 years or so, I have done a 1-2 week-long silent retreat each year. I have been increasingly fascinated by the mind-body connection and neuroscience and am now personally immersed in yoga, qigong, mindfulness meditation and compassion practices.
When it comes to teaching mindfulness and explaining pain, I have a down-to-earth, engaging and compassionate approach. I frequently receive praise for my ability to effectively convey complex concepts and practices to health professionals and patients alike.
Latest Blog Posts
This morning I was looking forward to walking my dog Charlie for the first time in a few days, so I took her to the longest dog beach in Wollongong. When I got there it was blowing a gale. Then, something strange happened.
Some experiences of very deep tranquility and peace in both sitting and moving meditations were so welcome and deeply soothing.
Negative situations and emotions are a part of life. If we learn to tolerate uncomfortable experiences then we may find it easier to take action to make necessary change – otherwise we may find ourselves stuck in situations and relationships.