Individual counselling gives you time and space to slow down and look honestly at what's happening. Not to fix you — you're not broken — but to help you see clearly again and move forward with purpose.
My approach is both supportive and purposeful. I bring genuine warmth and a willingness to ask the questions that matter — including the ones that might challenge you. Counselling here is not passive. It requires your honesty and commitment. In return, you get my full professional attention and the respect of honest engagement.
What People Come With
People seek individual counselling for a wide range of reasons. There's no threshold you have to reach before you're entitled to support.
Common reasons people come include:
- Anxiety and overthinking — persistent worry, physical tension, difficulty switching off
- Depression and low mood — flatness, withdrawal, loss of motivation or pleasure
- Burnout and workplace stress — emotional exhaustion, cynicism, reduced performance
- Grief and loss — bereavement, relationship endings, loss of identity or purpose
- Life transitions — career change, separation, relocation, retirement, becoming a parent
- Relationship difficulties — conflict patterns, communication breakdown, loneliness within relationships
- Trauma and its effects — intrusive memories, hypervigilance, difficulty trusting
- Identity, meaning, and direction — a sense that life isn't aligned with who you are or want to be
- A general sense that something needs to change — even when it's hard to articulate
You don't need to arrive with a clear problem statement. Sometimes the first work is simply figuring out what the work is.
How Individual Counselling Works
Sessions are 50–60 minutes. We meet in person in Keilor, Melbourne, or via telehealth across Australia.
Our first session is about understanding your situation — what's brought you here, what your experience has been, and what you're hoping to move toward. This is also your opportunity to assess whether my approach feels like the right fit. The relationship between us matters, and I take it seriously.
From there, sessions are collaborative and goal-informed. We work together to clarify what matters most to you, identify the patterns and beliefs that are keeping you stuck, and build the insight and practical skills needed to create real, lasting change.
My practice integrates a range of evidence-informed approaches, drawn on as relevant to your needs:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — identifying and shifting unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — psychological flexibility and values-based living
- Mindfulness-based approaches — developing present-moment awareness and emotional regulation
- Trauma-informed practice — working safely and at your pace with difficult experiences
- Existential and person-centred approaches — exploring meaning, identity, and what it means to live well
- Strengths-based practice — building on what you already have, not only addressing what's wrong
I don't use a one-size approach. The work is shaped around you.
What to Expect
Counselling is not a quick fix, and I won't pretend otherwise. Real change takes time, honesty, and a willingness to sit with discomfort. Most people begin to notice a shift — in perspective, in their responses, in their sense of self — within the first few sessions, even when the bigger work continues longer.
What you can expect from me:
- Confidentiality — your sessions are private and protected by professional ethical standards
- Respect — for your experience, your pace, and your autonomy
- Honesty — I will name what I notice, including things that might be uncomfortable to hear
- Consistency — I show up prepared and fully present to your work
What I'll ask of you:
- Willingness to engage honestly, even when it's difficult
- Commitment to the process between sessions — change happens in your life, not just in this room
- Openness to being gently challenged
Is This the Right Fit?
Individual counselling with me may suit you if:
- You want more than symptom management — you want to understand what's driving what you experience
- You're willing to take responsibility for your growth, alongside being supported
- You value depth, integrity, and a counsellor who is both warm and direct
- You want a professional relationship grounded in evidence and ethical practice
This may not be the right fit if you're seeking advice-only support, or if your needs are better served by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or medical practitioner. I'm happy to assist you to find the right referral if that's the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if I need counselling?
If something is affecting your quality of life — your sleep, your relationships, your sense of self, your ability to function — that's a reasonable signal to seek support. You don't need to be in crisis. Many people come to counselling during periods of transition or growth, not only difficulty.
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How long will I need to come for?
This varies significantly. Some people work through a specific issue in 6–10 sessions. Others engage in longer-term work over months or years. We'll review progress together and you're always in control of how long you continue.
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What's the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
Both provide evidence-informed psychological support. Psychologists in Australia have government-subsidised sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan (via a GP referral). PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellors like myself are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates, though some private health funds offer rebates — check the Fees & Rebates page for details. The quality of the therapeutic work depends far more on the individual practitioner than on the professional title.
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Can I do counselling online?
Yes. Telehealth sessions are available across Australia and are just as effective as in-person sessions for most presentations. All you need is a private space and a reliable internet connection.
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What if I've tried counselling before and it didn't help?
Prior experience that wasn't helpful is worth talking about — it often reveals something important about what you need. A different approach, a different focus, or simply a different therapeutic relationship can make a significant difference.
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Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, with narrow exceptions required by law — if there is risk of serious harm to yourself or others. I'll explain confidentiality clearly in our first session.