Awareness & Recognition
Identify hidden fears, limiting beliefs, and unconscious patterns that silently shape your thoughts, emotions, and decisions.
Meet Dr Toula Gordillo
Hello. I’m Dr Toula — a registered Clinical and Jungian psychologist, educator, creator and custodian of Story Image Therapy (SIT®) and SIT Shadow Work™.
With over 30 years of experience — particularly with multicultural youth and other ‘non-traditional’ populations — I specialise in unconscious healing and empowerment in a way that is culturally diverse, creative and holistic.
As a published author and international speaker, I’ve developed evidence-based tools to help people recognise and integrate their unconscious patterns and blockages. These tools are delivered via Story Image Therapy (SIT®) sessions, workshops and program.
Explore my key links and introductory video via Linktree
What is SIT Shadow Work™?
In Jungian psychology, the shadow self represents unconscious aspects of our personality—traits and emotions we may not acknowledge or prefer to keep hidden. This contrasts with the persona, the identity we present to others.
Generally commencing during childhood or the teen years, the shadow encompasses what we consider negative or shameful, but it also holds potential for growth when analysed.
During Story image Therapy Shadow Work, individuals learn to integrate their complexes (unresolved issues) in their shadow for insight and healing.
Key Aspects of SIT Shadow Work™:
- Integration of Shadow and Persona: Aims to harmonize our public persona with hidden aspects, fostering self-awareness and authenticity.
- Management of Ignored Impulses: Encourages understanding of suppressed emotions like fear, anger, or loneliness, leading to healthier responses.
- Symbolic Representation: Utilizes metaphors such as the ‘fearful frog’ or ‘stinging scorpion’ to personify and address unconscious motivations or behaviors.
By engaging in SIT Shadow Work™, individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery to achieve a more balanced and authentic shadow self.
What is Story Image Therapy (SIT®)?
Story Image Therapy (SIT®) is a psychodynamic teaching and counselling framework developed by Australian psychologist, Dr Toula Gordillo. It combines three elements:
Modern psychology
Symbolic storytelling and imagery
Ancient spiritual and philosophical practices
Grounded in academic research and lived experience (including Dr Toula’s own life), SIT® can be used as self-directed therapy or with a certified SIT coach (for more minor issues); or together a SIT counsellor or therapist (for more significant mental health challenges, including trauma).
SIT tools like books, audiobooks, posters, and archetypal cards are used to support the practical application of Story Image Therapy, a process known as SIT Shadow Work™.
Key Features of SIT: Delivers ancient and modern psychology, philosophy, spirituality and imagery via evidence-based SIT tools; forms the foundation of SIT Shadow Work™; supports personal and professional growth, transformation and leadership.
The SIT Shadow Work & Story Image Therapy Process
Symbolic Exploration
Access deeper meanings through storytelling, myths, and imagery. Unlock hidden truths within your subconscious.
Emotional Processing
Navigate and integrate emotions using guided therapeutic techniques. Gain clarity and emotional balance through self-exploration.
Transformation & Healing
Reframe past experiences and reshape subconscious beliefs. Embrace a new perspective for inner peace and growth.
Media Features Books & Professional Recognitions
Discover Dr Toula Gordillo’s contributions to psychology, storytelling and education through featured media appearances, published research and professional recognitions in academic and mental health communities.
Media Features & Interviews
Featured on leading radio shows and magazines.
Download Our Exclusive Ebook
My Approach & Philosophy
Beneath your everyday thoughts lies the unconscious mind—an unseen force shaping your choices, relationships, and identity. By exploring it with guided techniques, you can uncover patterns, release emotional blocks, and become a more authentic you.
Trusted By Professionals & Clients
Ask most business owners and managers what challenges them most and they will likely answer ‘staff’ or ‘office politics’. Being adept at working with different personalities and communication styles can be the difference between successful business and failure; between a collegiate workplace, and low morale. Dr Toula’s books should be read by all business owners, and her programs and workshops integrated into employee orientation.
"I've been in charge of several government teams and I truly believe that any thought leader or manager should do their own shadow work to develop professionally. Based on research and proven to be effective, SIT Shadow Work™ is the best there is."
Dr Toula is extremely passionate about helping people to unlock and discover their unconscious patterns or blockages preventing them from achieving their goals. Understanding how I can unlock the power of my unconscious mind, through stories and images, has helped me personally. It has also provided me with extremely useful tools I can use with my coaching clients. I highly recommend Dr Toula for you, your staff or clients.
Based upon what I had read in The Rise of Jung in Me, I shared [with my client] the stories of the Frog and Scorpion and the Caring Continuum. This led into a wonderful discussion regarding listening to one’s intuition, followed by somatic work… I’m finding the book very helpful as a therapist and a father.
Ask most business owners and managers what challenges them most and they will likely answer ‘staff’ or ‘office politics’. Being adept at working with different personalities and communication styles can be the difference between successful business and failure; between a collegiate workplace, and low morale. Dr Toula’s books should be read by all business owners, and her programs and workshops integrated into employee orientation.
Dr Sarah PyeMulti award-winning business owner, author, speaker and environmentalist
I've been in charge of several government teams and I truly believe that any thought leader or manager should do their own shadow work to develop professionally. Based on research and proven to be effective, SIT Shadow Work™ is the best there is.
Pam BostockTeam Manager and Consultant
Dr Toula is extremely passionate about helping people to unlock and discover their unconscious patterns or blockages preventing them from achieving their goals. Understanding how I can unlock the power of my unconscious mind, through stories and images, has helped me personally. It has also provided me with extremely useful tools I can use with my coaching clients. I highly recommend Dr Toula for you, your staff or clients.
Michael HuntBusiness Coach – Sunshine Coast, Biz Build Noosa
Based upon what I had read in The Rise of Jung in Me, I shared [with my client] the stories of the Frog and Scorpion and the Caring Continuum. This led into a wonderful discussion regarding listening to one’s intuition, followed by somatic work… I’m finding the book very helpful as a therapist and a father.
Patrick O’BrienPsychologist and Psychotherapist Sand and Surf Psychology
Hi Toula, I would like to express my appreciation to you for what you have done for me with your shadow work. I've been listening to Carl Jung every day for some time, and I really get it now. My life has changed, and it's all because I attended your workshop. Thanks so much.
Joy FergusonWorkshop participant, former bookkeeper and mother of six. 
SIT is becoming such an integral part of how I think and work with clients. It's a lens I naturally reach for now, and I genuinely believe every therapist should have it in their toolbox.
Le Bey Mc CallaghanHypnotherapy & Rapid Transformational Therapy Specialist 