Counselling
Counseling provides a confidential, supportive space where you can explore personal challenges with a trained professional. It can help you gain new perspectives, cope with difficulties, and develop strategies for positive change.
Counseling can be beneficial at any point when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or in need of guidance. It provides a space to share your troubles, explore options, and develop strategies to manage challenges. Whether you’re facing a life transition, relationship struggles, or personal issues, counseling can help untangle your thoughts and offer relief. Booking an appointment can be a vital first step toward improving your well-being and quality of life.
Yes, my preferred medium is online videoconferencing however I do also provide phone counselling if preferred. In person counselling is also available. All options are secure and confidential.
Online counseling allows you to attend sessions from the comfort of your home via secure video conferencing. All you need is a device with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet, private space. Some of my clients even do sessions from their cars while overlooking a nice park if a private space at home isn’t possible. I’ll provide easy-to-follow instructions before your first session to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Yes, research shows that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy. Many clients find it more convenient and accessible, especially if they have busy schedules, travel, live in remote areas, or simply prefer the comfort of their own space. If you’ve never tried it before you might like to give it a go, you may find you prefer it to in-person counselling.
You can choose to book either 60-minute or 90-minute sessions. Many clients try both and find they prefer the 90-minute sessions as it allows time to dive a little deeper.
We will discuss this further in our discovery call together however as a general guide I usually suggest clients start with weekly sessions to establish momentum and then we can review and change to fortnightly sessions and then monthly sessions as appropriate.
I recommend starting by booking a free discovery call via this link.
You can then schedule subsequent appointments by:
- Using the online booking system on this website.
- Contacting me directly via phone on 0424 327 748 or email.
When we schedule your first full appointment, I will then send you payment details, a client agreement, and any necessary consent forms.
My current standard fee for a 1.5-hour appointment is $160, and for a 1-hour appointment is $120, with payment required prior to the session. Some clients elect to pay monthly or for a longer package of sessions at which point I provide a few additional inclusions which we can speak about on our discovery call. I accept payment via bank transfer or online payment platforms, and full details will be provided when your appointment is confirmed. If you are experiencing considerable financial hardship please do still reach out and if I am unable to assist you I may be able to provide some alternative suggestions.
No you do not require a GP referral to attend counselling sessions with me.
If you are facing financial hardship, please contact me to discuss options. If I am unable to assist you I may be able to provide alternative suggestions.
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. For Monday appointments, 48 hours’ notice is required. Late cancellations or no-shows will incur a fee up to the value of the session.
The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and goals. Counseling can be short-term, addressing immediate concerns, or longer-term for more complex issues. Book in a free discovery call for a casual chat about your current challenges and by the end I will likely be in a better position to estimate how many sessions might be needed. We’ll typically review progress after about 6 sessions to assess how things are going and if adjustments are needed. Oftentimes clients will address one challenge and decide to continue further with counselling as they experience how supportive it is for them.
Counseling can be incredibly beneficial for those experiencing personal or relationship difficulties. The outcomes can vary depending on your personal situation, your openness to change, and your commitment to integrating tools and insights into your daily life. Common outcomes include greater clarity, better emotional management, improved relationships, and new ways of approaching problems. Your commitment and motivation to engage in the process play a significant role in how effective the counseling will be.
Yes, everything shared in counseling is confidential, with a few legal exceptions, such as cases involving risk of harm to yourself or others, or when required by a court order. De-identified cases may also be discussed in supervision as part of commitment to ethical and professional practice. I will explain these exceptions clearly at the start of our work together.
It’s normal to feel anxious about starting counseling and it’s something to be proud of that you’ve found the courage to reach out and start this process. I have been told that I’m very approachable and I aim to create a safe, welcoming, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable expressing yourself. We will move at a pace that works for you, and you are in control of how much you choose to share and when.
The free discovery call is a casual chat for around 15 – 20 minutes so we can get a sense of each other and see if we might be a good fit to work together. Generally, we chat about your current challenges and goals, I can share a bit more about how I work, answer any questions you may have, and we can go from there. If you’re experiencing any obstacles to starting counselling, we can chat about that too and see if together we can come up with some ways to assist.
The initial session or two is all about establishing a foundation from which to work together. Together we’ll explore your current challenges, what you hope to get out of counselling, and a bit about your background. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask me any further questions that may have arisen, and we’ll chat about a possible plan for how we might move forward in our sessions tailored to your needs and goals.
I use a range of evidence-based therapies, tailored to your needs. These may include:
- Person-centred therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Parts Dialogue (IFS informed)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Solutions-Focused Therapy
- Meta Dynamics
- Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
- Trauma-informed care
The choice of approaches will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ll work together to decide the best approach for you.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to counselling that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It recognises that emotional experiences and trauma are often stored in the body, not just the mind. By incorporating mindfulness, body awareness, and physical techniques such as breathwork, movement, or grounding exercises, somatic therapy helps clients release stored tension, process emotions, and build a greater sense of safety and resilience in their bodies. This approach can be especially helpful for those dealing with trauma, stress, or anxiety.
Somatic therapy can be especially helpful for working with trauma, anxiety, stress, and chronic illness, but can benefit any emotional difficulties.
Yes, you can. I often interweave somatic therapy with other forms of counselling however if you prefer you can book sessions with a sole focus on somatic therapy. These sessions will typically go for 60-minutes and may include elements of resourcing, body scanning, discussion, and movement. We can discuss this further on our initial discovery call.
Yes, I find that somatic therapy incorporates beautifully with many of the other counselling modalities that I utilise. We can discuss on our discovery call what approaches may be best suited to your needs and preferences.
Qigong
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice (based on Traditional Chinese Medicine) for cultivating, balancing, and encouraging the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. Using gentle movements, breathing, and mindfulness techniques, we learn to relax, calm the mind, and increase our energy to experience greater vitality, resilience, peace, and clarity.
No, you don’t have to be fit to do Qigong. While Qigong can help to build strength, flexibility, and balance, Qigong uses gentle easy movements that can be tailored to honour any physical limitations. Qigong is typically practiced standing up, however can be easily altered to engage in as a seated practice, which I frequently do with clients managing chronic illness.
Yes, I’ve found that Qigong works extremely well as an online class. Feedback from my students is that they love the online format enabling them to remain in a known environment and remain in the relaxed state at the end of the class without having to navigate travel. All it requires is that you are able to step back a little from your camera so that I can see a little more of your body than you might typically see on a videoconference. If you prefer an in-person class however, this is also possible. Please register your interest and once I have enough registrants to proceed with a class I will contact you.
It is best to speak with your doctor or other licenced healthcare professional to ascertain whether Qigong might be appropriate for your particular injury or health condition. I can however share that Qigong is a gentle movement practice that has a foundational principle of honouring your own body and tailoring the practices to suit your needs and limitations. Please feel free to reach out to discuss this further.
I have taught many students who have previously struggled with mindfulness practices who find Qigong a good alternative. Qigong’s gentle repetitive movements can help students to drop into a more meditative state organically and without a focus on sitting still or quietening the mind. At the end of classes students often report feeling more grounded, calm, at ease, and with a quieter mind without having strived to achieve this.
Qigong classes typically run for 60-minutes. Classes will tend to be predominantly moving forms however non-moving forms of Qigong (meditations) will sometimes be incorporated. A typical class will start with an orienting practice, move into a practice to work all of the meridians (energy pathways) in the body, and then run through a series of standing moving practices, followed by a seated closing sequence. Practices can all be easily adapted to suit your needs and abilities, and while most practices are typically practiced standing, you are welcome to do them sitting. Instruction will include working with the breath, posture, movement, and visualisation. Feel free to reach out to discuss further and ask any questions you may have.
I generally require that students commit to a full term for a number of reasons. Firstly and most importantly, it is difficult to fully experience the practice of Qigong and its associated benefits from attending a single class. Secondly, I have a minimum number of students required to proceed with a term of classes and instruction does build in complexity, so it can be difficult to accommodate someone attending a single class. If you are unable to commit to a term however do let me know and we can discuss what options might be available as I do occasional run a separate event incorporating Qigong.
Benefits from practicing Qigong may include:
- Reduced stress
- Reduced overwhelm
- Reduced anxiety
- Nervous system regulation
- Increased relaxation
- Improved sleep
- Improved general health and wellbeing
- Improved focus
- Improved strength & flexibility
- Improved balance
I am a qualified Qigong facilitator through OpenSky Qigong and have been teaching since approximately 2014 both in person and online. I cohost retreats with the Melbourne Meditation Centre and occasionally run classes for the Conquering Chronic Illness group.
Meditation
There are many different definitions of meditation and the definition that you may choose can vary depending on what your intention is. For me, I like the definition that meditation is the practice of cultivating moment-to-moment awareness of your experience with curiosity and openness. Rather than trying to quiet or control the mind, this definition of meditation invites you to observe your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations as they arise. It’s about being present with whatever is happening in the here and now, whether it’s stillness, movement, calm, or chaos. Through this present allowance, we tend to find the mind naturally begins to calm and the body begins to relax. Practicing meditation can help you develop greater self-awareness, acceptance, and a deeper connection to your inner and outer world.
Many students that I’ve encountered who have struggled with meditation previously have been operating under a definition of meditation that constrains them and doesn’t work with their unique needs. In these classes we embrace components such as movement, thoughts, and emotions that may not have been part of your previous experience with meditation. I also guide you through different styles of meditation in each class so that you can experience a wide range and discover which ones work for you. And of course I provide a space where you can raise your challenges with meditation and together we can brainstorm ways forward with your practice.
Some of the benefits of practicing meditation may include:
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Improved sleep
- Improved focus
- Improved management of emotions
- Reduction in tension and pain
- Increased sense of wellbeing
- Increased resilience
- Improved relationships
- Increased self and other awareness
- Increased acceptance
- Deeper connection to your inner and outer world
While meditation apps can be a great starting point, attending a live class offers a deeper and more personalised experience. In this class, you’ll benefit from real-time guidance tailored to the needs of the group, the opportunity to ask questions, and the sense of connection that comes from practicing with others in a shared space. Unlike apps, which are one-size-fits-all, this class allows for a dynamic and responsive approach, incorporating your unique intentions and challenges. Additionally, the supportive environment can help you stay accountable, deepen your practice, and create a sense of community, connection, and encouragement that apps simply can’t replicate.
I have been practicing meditation myself since approximately 2007. I completed the certified meditation teacher training with the Melbourne Meditation Centre in 2020 and continued with them as a teacher offering classes in person and online and co-hosting annual mediation retreats. I have also volunteered as a spiritual mentor with Trillium Awakening since approximately 2018.