Dr. Tra-ill Dowie
Dr. Traill Dowie
Philosopher | Psychotherapist | Speaker
About Dr. Traill Dowie
Dr Traill Dowie is a philosopher, academic, psychotherapist, minister of religion and martial artist. He holds dual PhDs in Philosophy and Psychiatry. Traill is an associate professor of psychotherapy at Ikon Institute, a research fellow at La Trobe University in Philosophy, He has also trained with the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and completed their clinician qualification. Traill is a lifelong martial artist, holding black belts in multiple disciplines. He has worked professionally as both an athletic and performance coach for high level athletes, including world champions, at a national and international level.
Traill has a deep abiding interest in the history of psychological intervention and medicine more generally. Traill holds a PhD in Psychiatry from Monash University supervised by Professor Graham Smith, in which he explored the ontological and epistemological foundations of psychological practice in medicine.
Traill has formally studied psychodynamic, existential, integrative, transpersonal, and constructivist approaches to therapy. His achievements include his PhD in Psychiatry and graduate training in Jungian Depth Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Mind and Society, Psychology, Transpersonal Counselling, Art Therapy and Transactional Analysis.Traill has 25 years of experience working as a clinician in a variety of settings including in private practice and organisations. He began his career working in eco-psychotherapy and wilderness therapy working with complex presentations. Traill has worked in both in-patient and outpatient settings focusing on the treatment of complex trauma. Traill was the co-founder of Integrative Psychology where he co-authored a paper with his colleagues Nigel Denning and Linda Tilgner, which was tabled at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He worked with Nigel Denning to develop a protocol for individual and group psychotherapy for victims of cult abuse. Traill also chaired the Australian Counselling Association’s Trauma Standards Panel.
As a philosopher and academic, Traill holds degrees in philosophy, the history of ideas, sociology, and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Melbourne supervised by Dr John Rundell and Dr Cornel West. He works primarily in the intersections between Philosophy and Clinical practice, integrating cognitive science, philosophy of mind and phenomenology.
As well as having a strong background in social theory and critical theory, Traill has interests in consciousness, imagination, creativity, expression in the body and particularly in the meeting of music and philosophy.
During his academic career, Traill has visited Princeton and the Union Theological Seminary many times to work closely with Dr Cornel West; visited Stanford University to meet with Irvin Yalom MD; spent time at Saybrook University with Dr Stan Krippner; had an extended stay at the University of Virginia’s Consciousness and Perceptual Studies Research Lab with Professor Ed Kelly; and participated in seminars exploring transpersonal psychology, consciousness and traditional healing at Berkeley University. Traill has also presented at numerous national and international conferences as both a philosopher and a clinician.Traill has held the role of head of school and lectured at a number of higher educational institutions. He was an initial founder of Ikon Institute in 2003, which is now the largest provider of transpersonal psychology, integrative psychotherapy and art therapy in Australia. He has written curriculum and developed accredited courses from undergraduate to post graduate level, which have trained thousands of therapists in Australia. Traill returned to work at Ikon in 2016 where he currently lectures and is the Head of School.
Traill has an abiding interest in all technologies of mind and state alteration, ranging from eastern meditative practices, traditional shamanic techniques (including the use of entheogens), as well as their appearance in psychotherapy and psychology. Traill has become very interested in the way altered states, social context and performativity can lead to profound change in human beings, including the multitude of pathways by which we can organise and optimise human life.Traill considers his greatest achievement in life to be his 6-year-old daughter.
The major problems in the world are the result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think
Gregory Bateson
One must have chaos within oneself to give birth to a dancing star
Nietzsche
Services
Traill understands that community based enterprises are not as well resourced as corporate organisations, and as such is always open to helping and supporting these organisations.
Please let him know if he can help.
Psychotherapy Supervision
$300 per 60min
Integrative psychotherapeutic practice.
Registered supervisor with ACA.
Online or in person.
Individual, pair or pod supervision sessions available (fixed cost $280/hr).
Clinical Consulting
$3000 per Day
Optimisation of clinical models and practice structures.
Includes coaching and training for best-practice.
Public Speaking & Training
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Available to speak on a wide range of topics for a variety of audiences, including academic lectures and customised professional training programmes.
Specialised services for education providers and professional sporting teams also on offer.
Corporate Consulting
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Health and wellbeing.
Culture.
Communication.
Leadership.
Resilience.
Mindfulness.
Peak performance.
Upcoming Events
Sat, 20 JuneThe Duke of Brunswick Hotel20 June 2020, 9:40 am GMT-11 – 21 June 2020, 4:20 pm GMT-11The Duke of Brunswick Hotel, 207 Gilbert St, Adelaide SA 5000, AustraliaThis two day training is designed to give you an interdisciplinary introduction to trauma practice. This training will orientate you to the central clinical concerns for contemporary practice when faced with clients presenting with trauma and complex histories. The training explores best practice an
Sat, 07 Dec341 Queen St
Thu, 14 MarArarat
Wed, 24 JulyBallarat Hospital
Wed, 12 JuneGeelong Hospital- Mon, 03 JuneBendigo Health
The condition of all truth is to let suffering speak
Adorno
Resources & Written Material
Recovery from church, institutional and cult abuse: A review of theory and treatment perspectives
THINKING, PHILOSOPHY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
Podcasts & Media
An Integrated Approach To Trauma Treatment
Part 1: Foundations of Theory
Bateson’s Process Ontology for Psychological Practice
IMMANENCE–TRANSCENDENCE AND THE GODLY IN A SECULAR AGE
Curriculum Vitae
AREAS OF INTEREST
Philosophy (general)
Philosophy of Psychiatry
Philosophy of Mind
Ecological Philosophy
Consciousness Studies
Cognitive Science
Ontology
Phenomenology
Social theory
Psychoanalysis
Psychiatry and medicine
Political theory
Psychotherapy
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
Trauma
Transpersonal Psychology
Eastern Practices
Autonomy
Inter-disciplinary Thinking
Imagination, expression, and creativity
The Body
Race
Music and Philosophy
Clinical Reasoning
EDUCATION
2019: Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry), Monash University
2015: Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy), University of Melbourne
2012: Master of Mind and Society, Monash University
2010: Graduate Diploma in Social Science (Jungian Studies), University of South Australia
2008: Master of Social Science (Counselling Studies), University of South Australia
2007: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, TAFE SA
2007: Diploma of Applied Anthropology: Shamanic Studies. IKON Institute of Australia
2005: Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Flinders University of South Australia
2004: Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), University of Adelaide
2003: Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy, IKON Institute of Australia
2002: Bachelor of Arts (Sociology/History of Ideas), Deakin University
2002: Diploma of Transpersonal Counselling, Phoenix Institute of Australia
PUBLICATIONS
Tilgner, L., Dowie, T., & Denning, N., Recovery from Church, Institutional and Cult Abuse: a review of theory and treatment perspectives. Tabled at the Victorian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse 2015.
Dowie, T. (in prep), ‘Philosophy in a Different Key: A Dialogue Between Cornel West, John Rundell, and Traill Dowie.’ Intended for the Journal of Culture and Society
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
2011 - 2014: Australian Postgraduate Award
PRESENTATIONS
Dowie, T & Denning, N. Trauma (2019). Treatment when working with Institutional Abuse: Cults and other interpersonal catastrophes. 6th Asia Pacific Rim Confederation of Counsellors Conference
Dowie, T & Enter, J. (2019). Dulling the Pain: Understanding Addiction through a Trauma-Focused Lens. 6th Asia Pacific Rim Confederation of Counsellors Conference
Traill Dowie & Denning, N (2019). Traumatised Early and Often: Conceptualising the Borderline in Trauma Practice. 6th Asia Pacific Rim Confederation of Counsellors Conference
Denning, N & Dowie, T.(2019). Supporting Post Traumatic Growth with Positive Psychology: The Brain and Recovery in Traumatic Experience. 6th Asia Pacific Rim Confederation of Counsellors Conference
Dowie, T & Denning, N. (2019).Towards an Integrative Model and Practice for Trauma Treatment. 6th Asia Pacific Rim Confederation of Counsellors Conference
Dowie, T. (2012). The intentional arc in psychological medicine. 5th International Philosophy and Psychiatry Conference. Dunedin.
Dowie, T. (2012). The Politics of Therapy.
5th International Philosophy and Psychiatry Conference. Dunedin.
Dowie, T., & Rock, A. J. (September 2011). Re-conceptualising transpersonal counselling: An extended vision of the humanistic counselling project. ACA 2011 National Conference, Melbourne.
Dowie, T. (August 2011). Dissecting the 'myth' of the isolated mind: The inter-subjectivity problem in psychotherapy. World Congress of Psychotherapy, 2011, Sydney.
POSITIONS / ACADEMIC
2021- Current: Co-Lead for Mind Medicine Institute Certificate of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (CPAT).
https://institute.mindmedicineaustralia.org
2020: Consultant and principal developer for Mind Medicine Australia Certificate of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (CPAT).
2019 – Current: La Trobe University: Honorary Research Fellow in Philosophy. School of Humanities and Social Sciences within the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Commerce.
2016 – Current: Head of School of Psychotherapy Ikon Institute of Australia.
2016 – 2017: Lecturer Australian College of Applied Psychology
2015 – 2016: Head of Faculty (Transpersonal Psychology), Phoenix Institute of Higher Education
2010 – 2014: Senior Lecturer and Subject Co-ordinator, Bachelor of Holistic Counselling, Phoenix Institute of Higher Education
2015 - 2017: Thesis examination, Cairn Miller Institute
2004 – 2013: Head of Discipline, Counselling, IKON Institute of Australia
2012: Research Visit, Division of Perceptual Studies, Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Sciences, University of Virginia
2012: Reviewer, International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
CLINICAL
2018 - current: Chair Australian Counselling Association Panel for Trauma treatment Standards.
2016 - 2019: Program Development Manager and Consulting Psychotherapist for Retreat South.
2014 - 2016: Director and Psychotherapist, Integrative Psychology Melbourne
2000 - current: Trainer and Provider of Group Psychotherapy
1999 - current: Psychotherapist
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, AND LECTURES
2022: Level One Integrative Attachment Therapy Training.
2022: Mind Medicine Australia webinar: Q&A About the Future of Psychedelic Medicine.
2022: How to Change the World - And Why You Probably Shouldn't. University of Melbourne. School of BioSciences. Faculty of Medicine.
2022: Fundamentals of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Mind Medicine Institute.
2022: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Addiction. South Pacific Private.
2021:Roundtable Discussion: Varieties of Imagination, Creativity and Wellbeing in Australia (VICAW). Melbourne University.
2021: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Psychiatrists from a Trauma-informed perspective. Mind Medicine Australia.
2020: Thinking about Psychotherapy: Practice-Process and Praxis. ACCAPE. PACFA
2019: Thinking, Ecology & Mind in an age of Catastrophe: A Dialogue between Dr. Traill Dowie and Professor Freya Mathews
2019: 'Understanding & Working With Victims of Institutional Abuse' - Relationships Australia. Northern Territory.
2019: ‘Trauma and Family Violence: Subjectivity - Heard and Spoken’ (Keynote Address). Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence(SHRFV). Initiative State Conference, Bendigo, Australia.
2019: ‘Family Violence & Medicine - The Legacy of Trauma and Health’ (Grand Round), Geelong Hospital. Delivered to Clinicians at Ballarat Hospital.
2019: ‘Trauma, Family Violence and Child Attachment: Disruptions of the Self’ (Clinical Training). Delivered to Clinicians at Ballarat Hospital.
2019: ‘Trauma, Family Violence and Medicine’ (Grand Round).Delivered to Medical staff at Ballarat Health Services, Australia.
2019: ‘The Dynamics of Trauma and Family Violence’ (Clinical Training). Delivered to Clinicians at Ararat Health services.
2018: ‘Understanding Trauma and Family Violence.’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Ballarat Health Services. Delivered to Clinicians at Ballarat Hospital.
2018: ‘On Being Traumatised.’ Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence Initiative. Delivered to Clinicians and managers at Ballarat Hospital.
2018: ‘The Dynamics of Trauma and Family Violence’.16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.Ballarat Health Services, Hepburn Health Service. Delivered to Clinicians at Hepburn Health services.
2018: ‘Managing Trauma and Family Violence.’ Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence Initiative. Delivered to Managers at Warrnambool Hospital.
2018: ‘Trauma and Family Violence.’ Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence Initiative. Delivered to Managers at Mortlake Hospital.
2015: ‘Case Conceptualisation. The Foundations of Treatment: Thinking. About Client Complexity in Modern Practice’.Presentation for APS College of Counselling Psychologists. Delivered with Professor Graeme Smith, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University.
2012 - 2014: ‘Case Conceptualisation. Clinical Thinking: The Foundations of Treatment and Practice.’ Professional Training for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, Melbourne.
2011 - 2012: ‘The Monstrous, Spirituality and Psychotherapy: Reflections on Charles Taylor and the Self. Public Lecture Series. Supported by the Phoenix Institute of Australia (Melbourne) and Ikon Institute of Australia (Adelaide).
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
A critical component of my life and outlook has been shaped by the idea of service. Throughout my clinical career I have maintained a commitment to pro bono psychotherapy, free public speaking and education to support institutions and organisations that are underfunded yet still provide significant benefit to the community.
You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people