Counselling is a form of therapy that involves talking to a trained professional about issues and challenges that you may be facing. It’s a process where you can share your views, and concerns and be heard. Counselling will help you look at situations differently, and gain clarity around certain issues. It can also help you identify and work towards your goals.

Counsellors use various forms of therapy to help their patients, but the focus is on talk therapy (psychotherapy).

Counsellors can help with a range of issues including:

• mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or stress

• drug and alcohol abuse

• life transitions

• relationship problems, including family issues

• eating disorders

• fears and phobias

• low self-esteem

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• grief and loss

• dealing with trauma,

Counsellors usually have a Bachelor's Degree and a Graduate Degree along with supervised training. They also participate in ongoing professional development. Registered counsellors belong to a national regulatory body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Psychologists are trained in the science of how people think and how these thoughts influence feelings and behaviours. Psychologists have special training in the diagnosis and assessing people, and can provide help with mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Due to their science-backed training, they tend to work within more of a medical framework than counsellors.

Counsellors adopt more of a person-centred approach and focus on asking questions and listening. Counsellors don’t assess and diagnose their clients. Instead, they support people by helping them gain clarity around issues and to address problems positively. Counsellors can help you increase your self-awareness, and support you to develop strategies that will help you overcome your challenges.

There are many reasons why people seek the help of a counsellor. Some people visit a counsellor to help them work through specific issues they are currently dealing with, such as relationship breakdowns, grief, stress, anxiety or depression. Other people come because they are finding it hard to deal with things from their past (e.g. difficult childhood or trauma). Some come to seek support for parenting issues, family counselling, and others may come to help them reach specific goals in life. There is no right or wrong reason for visiting a counsellor.

Yes! It’s normal for conflict to exist in families. Because the family unit involves many people, relationships and dynamics can be complex. I can help you develop strategies to improve communication, acceptance and love, so you can find real joy and connection within your family.

Yes! As a certified life coach, I offer solution-focused, structured and tailored coaching to help you identify and overcome the obstacles that are holding you back from achieving your goals. Whether you’re facing a personal or career challenge I will help you develop the skills you need to move forward with confidence and improved self-awareness.

Yes! I can offer counselling services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Plan-managed, NDIA-managed and self-managed participants can access my services. To access counselling services under the NDIS, you must have the item Improved Daily Living in your plan under the Capacity Building category.

Counselling can help people with a disability strengthen their skills, overcome challenges and build important life skills to increase their independence.

No, you don’t need a referral.

Get in touch with me via the booking form on the website contact page HERE to discuss a suitable date for your appointment.

Nothing at all. Just bring yourself.

Sessions are 50 minutes long.

There’s nothing you need to do to prepare for your first session. Just come with an open mind and I will guide you through the process. We will talk about why you’ve chosen to seek counselling and what you hope to achieve. I may ask about your current concerns and challenges, past experiences and medical history, so I can determine the best counselling approach for you. By the end of the first session, we will most likely have agreed on some goals and made a plan to help you achieve these.

The number of sessions you’ll need will depend upon why you’re coming to see me and what we hope to achieve together. Some people only require short-term counselling, while others may need counselling for a longer period. We will discuss what’s best for you at your session.

Yes. You can bring a support person with you to all your appointments. However, it’s often best to have your session on your own so you can feel free to talk about whatever you need to, without worrying about what someone else may think.

We feel it is important patients are provided with clear disclosure of the likely costs incurred for consultation.

Fees:

• Individual Sessions $90

• Couple Sessions $120

• Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

• Payment is via bank transfer or cash only.

Fees for The Circle of Security Parenting™ program are available on request.

If you have private health insurance, you may be able to claim part of your fee. Please check with your provider.

Counsellors are bound by ethical guidelines and the Australian Counselling Association Guidelines. This means that everything we discuss in counselling sessions is confidential. However, there are a few exceptions where confidentiality may need to be breached.

These include:

• There are concerns about a risk to your safety or the safety of another person

• Information shared in your counselling sessions is subpoenaed by a Court

• You have provided us with permission to speak to another person or organisation about your circumstances

• There is a legal requirement to do so (e.g. you discuss information relating to a criminal offence or investigation that has not been brought to the attention of the police).

We fully understand plans can change at the last minute and will always aim to help and to re-schedule your appointment to a more convenient time. However, we would appreciate at least 24 hours' notice, where possible.

Plenty of street parking is available.

The closest train station is Roma Street station.

Bus routes that stop near our location are 321, 381, 411, 435, and P426.