Counselling in Illawarra, NSW

Jacob Montoya (Dip.Counselling) and Amna Pervais (B.App.Psych) are Generalist Counsellors. Amna is also a Gestalt Psychotherapist registered with PACFA who brings her experience as a mother and wife to her therapeutic interventions. They both have significant knowledge and experience in offering Person-Centered Therapy and case management, emphasizing the use of empathy, understanding and unconditional acceptance which enhances counselling outcomes. Jacob is specialised in Couples Counselling, abuse issues and mindfulness. Both use Healing Inner Conflict (HIC) to get very specific outcomes in a short timeframe.
Jacob Montoya (Dip.Counselling) and Amna Pervais (B.App.Psych) are Generalist Counsellors. Amna is also a Gestalt Psychotherapist registered with PACFA who brings her experience as a mother and wife to her therapeutic interventions. They both have significant knowledge and experience in offering Person-Centered Therapy and case management, emphasizing the use of empathy, understanding and unconditional acceptance which enhances counselling outcomes. Jacob is specialised in Couples Counselling, abuse issues and mindfulness. Both use Healing Inner Conflict (HIC) to get very specific outcomes in a short timeframe.

I am a registered psychologist with experience supporting people through a number of different concerns. I consider your needs, and aim to tailor therapy to be relevant to yourself. I am motivated to see people engage with their values, connect to the world around them, and build the action that contributes positively to life. It can be challenging to explore your current difficulties, so I appreciate the steps you have taken to better your life. I hope by working together with openness and respect, you might see the change you are after.
I am a registered psychologist with experience supporting people through a number of different concerns. I consider your needs, and aim to tailor therapy to be relevant to yourself. I am motivated to see people engage with their values, connect to the world around them, and build the action that contributes positively to life. It can be challenging to explore your current difficulties, so I appreciate the steps you have taken to better your life. I hope by working together with openness and respect, you might see the change you are after.

I include my gorgeous horses in client sessions to increase the potential for healing of emotional wounds, increasing resilience, building healthy relationships and restoring confidence. Together we use the authentic interactions with the horses to help build capacity in many areas of your life, such as learning skills to reduce stress and anxiety, alleviating mental health concerns, improving the ability to make appropriate choices and becoming aware of patterns that no longer serve us, developing clear and healthy boundaries, learning how to make heartfelt connections or increasing communication skills.
I include my gorgeous horses in client sessions to increase the potential for healing of emotional wounds, increasing resilience, building healthy relationships and restoring confidence. Together we use the authentic interactions with the horses to help build capacity in many areas of your life, such as learning skills to reduce stress and anxiety, alleviating mental health concerns, improving the ability to make appropriate choices and becoming aware of patterns that no longer serve us, developing clear and healthy boundaries, learning how to make heartfelt connections or increasing communication skills.

I believe in a holistic approach to mental health. My commitment is to empower individuals by fostering resilience and promoting emotional well-being through tailored therapeutic strategies. As a work cover registered provider, I support individuals recovering from workplace injuries with tailored psychological care.
I also offer bulk billing and privately funded session for client's. I utilise cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive processing therapy, EMDR, schema therapy and mindfulness based-with a strong commitment to trauma informed practice and care. Safety and transparency in my practice is key.
I believe in a holistic approach to mental health. My commitment is to empower individuals by fostering resilience and promoting emotional well-being through tailored therapeutic strategies. As a work cover registered provider, I support individuals recovering from workplace injuries with tailored psychological care.
I also offer bulk billing and privately funded session for client's. I utilise cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive processing therapy, EMDR, schema therapy and mindfulness based-with a strong commitment to trauma informed practice and care. Safety and transparency in my practice is key.

You might be experiencing anxiety or depression, seeking ways to manage ADHD or autism, or working through trauma and PTSD. Perhaps you're looking to develop a healthier relationship with food and your body, or wanting to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, taking the first step towards change shows courage. At Olivia Hawkins Psychology, we provide compassionate psychological care across all life stages.
You might be experiencing anxiety or depression, seeking ways to manage ADHD or autism, or working through trauma and PTSD. Perhaps you're looking to develop a healthier relationship with food and your body, or wanting to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, taking the first step towards change shows courage. At Olivia Hawkins Psychology, we provide compassionate psychological care across all life stages.

Many of my clients are exhausted from a life in which everyone else's needs have always been made more important than their own. From the earliest age, they weren't supported to have boundaries, and now find themselves struggling with self-esteem, low mood, anxiety, problems with keeping supportive friendships and partnerships alive, struggling to assert themselves at work or cope with professional demands, and feeling stuck in relationship dynamics in which they can't be their true self. They want to put their painful past behind them, and to have their needs recognised and allowed space going forward.
Many of my clients are exhausted from a life in which everyone else's needs have always been made more important than their own. From the earliest age, they weren't supported to have boundaries, and now find themselves struggling with self-esteem, low mood, anxiety, problems with keeping supportive friendships and partnerships alive, struggling to assert themselves at work or cope with professional demands, and feeling stuck in relationship dynamics in which they can't be their true self. They want to put their painful past behind them, and to have their needs recognised and allowed space going forward.

Mathew Aquilina
Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Wollongong, NSW 2500
Not accepting new clients
I am a registered psychologist and board-approved clinical supervisor. A decade of experience in the psychology field has seen me undertake a variety of work including: child and adolescent therapy; parenting support; group facilitation; university student counselling; adult therapy; clinical supervision; and service management. I practice from an attachment-based and relational framework and am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Schema Therapy; Psychodynamic therapy; the Circle of Security protocol; and the 'Becoming Us' Perinatal Mental Health Facilitator Training.
I am a registered psychologist and board-approved clinical supervisor. A decade of experience in the psychology field has seen me undertake a variety of work including: child and adolescent therapy; parenting support; group facilitation; university student counselling; adult therapy; clinical supervision; and service management. I practice from an attachment-based and relational framework and am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Schema Therapy; Psychodynamic therapy; the Circle of Security protocol; and the 'Becoming Us' Perinatal Mental Health Facilitator Training.

People attend counselling and psychotherapy because they are feeling upset, in emotional pain or have a long-standing problem that needs attention and clarity. I assist people to work through the issues they bring and not just focus on the problem but the whole person and how this is impacting their lives. Issues I can assist with are self esteem, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, life transitions, separation and divorce, parenting, inner critic, and relationship issues with yourself and others.
People attend counselling and psychotherapy because they are feeling upset, in emotional pain or have a long-standing problem that needs attention and clarity. I assist people to work through the issues they bring and not just focus on the problem but the whole person and how this is impacting their lives. Issues I can assist with are self esteem, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, life transitions, separation and divorce, parenting, inner critic, and relationship issues with yourself and others.
I work with children individually and in group programs through my organisation Bush Magic Therapy. My bush school program teaches children social skills, anxiety management, emotional regulation and other therapeutic skills through fostering nature connection and teaching survival skills. We offer programs from 0-14 years which include playgroup, bush school, after school and school holidays. We aim to be inclusive of all children and to build a community of support around children and families. NDIS funding can be claimed for involvement in the program.
I work with children individually and in group programs through my organisation Bush Magic Therapy. My bush school program teaches children social skills, anxiety management, emotional regulation and other therapeutic skills through fostering nature connection and teaching survival skills. We offer programs from 0-14 years which include playgroup, bush school, after school and school holidays. We aim to be inclusive of all children and to build a community of support around children and families. NDIS funding can be claimed for involvement in the program.

Adam is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and the founder of Measured Minds, a practice that provides tailored neuropsychological services. The practice is focused on two key areas: 1. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments (e.g., NDIS applications/reviews, suspected ADHD, developmental disorders, and other brain-related conditions); and 2. Cognitive intervention/remediation (e.g., assisting individuals with ADHD, cognitive decline, or another brain-related condition to overcome challenges). All sessions are designed to focus on your individual needs.
Adam is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and the founder of Measured Minds, a practice that provides tailored neuropsychological services. The practice is focused on two key areas: 1. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments (e.g., NDIS applications/reviews, suspected ADHD, developmental disorders, and other brain-related conditions); and 2. Cognitive intervention/remediation (e.g., assisting individuals with ADHD, cognitive decline, or another brain-related condition to overcome challenges). All sessions are designed to focus on your individual needs.

You might be feeling anxious, stuck, or just worn out from holding it all together. Maybe you're longing for a sense of calm, clarity, or a way to feel more like yourself again. I’m here to walk alongside you. My approach is gentle, down-to-earth, and grounded in mindfulness and body-based practices. Together, we’ll explore what’s really going on beneath the surface—at your pace—with kindness and curiosity. This is a space where you don’t have to be “fixed,” just supported in finding your way back to balance, ease, and hope. My approach is grounded in compassion and presence, gently guiding you toward calm and lasting change.
You might be feeling anxious, stuck, or just worn out from holding it all together. Maybe you're longing for a sense of calm, clarity, or a way to feel more like yourself again. I’m here to walk alongside you. My approach is gentle, down-to-earth, and grounded in mindfulness and body-based practices. Together, we’ll explore what’s really going on beneath the surface—at your pace—with kindness and curiosity. This is a space where you don’t have to be “fixed,” just supported in finding your way back to balance, ease, and hope. My approach is grounded in compassion and presence, gently guiding you toward calm and lasting change.

Put simply, I help men deal with feelings of being alone, broken, unheard, with impacts from mild through to feeling hopeless and ‘near the end of your ability to cope’.
I help men cope with addiction, depression, stress, grief and life challenges. I help them cope with shame and suffering from sex and sexuality problems, and kink challenges.
You’re not alone, you’re not broken. There are ways to change how you feel and to make things better, in a few weeks. You’re not trapped, there is hope - you just need someone to share this with, and to help you see your way forward. That’s what I do.
Put simply, I help men deal with feelings of being alone, broken, unheard, with impacts from mild through to feeling hopeless and ‘near the end of your ability to cope’.
I help men cope with addiction, depression, stress, grief and life challenges. I help them cope with shame and suffering from sex and sexuality problems, and kink challenges.
You’re not alone, you’re not broken. There are ways to change how you feel and to make things better, in a few weeks. You’re not trapped, there is hope - you just need someone to share this with, and to help you see your way forward. That’s what I do.

Hi, I’m Maddy. I’m a registered psychologist with the goal of providing a warm, supportive, and inclusive space for my clients so that we can work with their unique needs and navigate their challenges with compassion and understanding. In my practice, I help people with a variety of concerns. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD or trauma-related issues, facing workplace stress, struggling with life transitions and adjustment, or experiencing relationship difficulties, I'm here to support you. Whatever brings you here, know that you'll find a non-judgmental, empathetic listener in me.
Hi, I’m Maddy. I’m a registered psychologist with the goal of providing a warm, supportive, and inclusive space for my clients so that we can work with their unique needs and navigate their challenges with compassion and understanding. In my practice, I help people with a variety of concerns. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD or trauma-related issues, facing workplace stress, struggling with life transitions and adjustment, or experiencing relationship difficulties, I'm here to support you. Whatever brings you here, know that you'll find a non-judgmental, empathetic listener in me.

As a dedicated psychotherapist and behavioural specialist, I bring over 15 years of experience to my practice. My expertise is working with children, adolescents and adults grappling with complex trauma, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. My passion lies in offering holistic support to individuals navigating the intricate landscape of improving and maintaining mental wellbeing.
As a dedicated psychotherapist and behavioural specialist, I bring over 15 years of experience to my practice. My expertise is working with children, adolescents and adults grappling with complex trauma, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. My passion lies in offering holistic support to individuals navigating the intricate landscape of improving and maintaining mental wellbeing.

Jake is a clinical psychologist committed to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. He emphasises creating a safe therapeutic environment that encourages clients to openly share their thoughts and emotions. Jake uses a range of evidence-based modalities and strategies to help clients facilitate their own growth and positive change.
Jake is a clinical psychologist committed to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. He emphasises creating a safe therapeutic environment that encourages clients to openly share their thoughts and emotions. Jake uses a range of evidence-based modalities and strategies to help clients facilitate their own growth and positive change.

Immediate availability for people 12 years and over. I work with various presentations including eating disorders, stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD and complex trauma.
Immediate availability for people 12 years and over. I work with various presentations including eating disorders, stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD and complex trauma.
FSA Psychology, based in Shellharbour, offers both in-person and telehealth services, delivering compassionate support to children, adolescents and adults through Psychological intervention and Assessment. With clinical expertise in mental health, our team is committed to meeting you exactly where you are, both emotionally and personally. Whether you're facing challenging emotions or behaviours, we’re here to help you make sense of them and develop practical, effective strategies to move forward with confidence.
FSA Psychology, based in Shellharbour, offers both in-person and telehealth services, delivering compassionate support to children, adolescents and adults through Psychological intervention and Assessment. With clinical expertise in mental health, our team is committed to meeting you exactly where you are, both emotionally and personally. Whether you're facing challenging emotions or behaviours, we’re here to help you make sense of them and develop practical, effective strategies to move forward with confidence.

Hello! I’m Emily Lewis, an online wellbeing psychologist and neurodivergent coach who supports Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD women reconnect with their authentic nature and create lives that feel more aligned, meaningful, and nourishing. I offer a neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach that respects each person’s unique neurobiology and lived experience. My practice, Vibrant Living, is a nurturing space for self-discovery and transformation - a place to gently explore what truly matters to you and to begin shaping a life that honours your values, wellbeing needs, and unique ways of being in the world.
Hello! I’m Emily Lewis, an online wellbeing psychologist and neurodivergent coach who supports Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD women reconnect with their authentic nature and create lives that feel more aligned, meaningful, and nourishing. I offer a neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach that respects each person’s unique neurobiology and lived experience. My practice, Vibrant Living, is a nurturing space for self-discovery and transformation - a place to gently explore what truly matters to you and to begin shaping a life that honours your values, wellbeing needs, and unique ways of being in the world.

You might be feeling disconnected from your own needs, voice or self-worth. Whether you're navigating life transitions, life after trauma or just trying to hold everything together - I see you, and I can help. I’m passionate about supporting women who are rebuilding their lives after difficult experiences - learning to quiet their inner critic, manage self-doubt, and embrace their potential. Sessions with me are grounded, compassionate, and collaborative. I bring not only professional training, but my own lived detours through loss, anxiety, and starting over, and an understanding of how lonely it can feel to lose yourself.
You might be feeling disconnected from your own needs, voice or self-worth. Whether you're navigating life transitions, life after trauma or just trying to hold everything together - I see you, and I can help. I’m passionate about supporting women who are rebuilding their lives after difficult experiences - learning to quiet their inner critic, manage self-doubt, and embrace their potential. Sessions with me are grounded, compassionate, and collaborative. I bring not only professional training, but my own lived detours through loss, anxiety, and starting over, and an understanding of how lonely it can feel to lose yourself.

I am a registered Psychologist and enjoy working with a range of presentations including anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, low mood & depression, interpersonal difficulties and life transitions. I am also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician with ANZAED and have a particular interest in working with a range of eating disorders & body image concerns. I generally work with ages 16yrs & over.
I am a Medicare approved provider accepting referrals with Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP) & Eating Disorder Treatment & Management Plans (EDP).
I am a registered Psychologist and enjoy working with a range of presentations including anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, low mood & depression, interpersonal difficulties and life transitions. I am also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician with ANZAED and have a particular interest in working with a range of eating disorders & body image concerns. I generally work with ages 16yrs & over.
I am a Medicare approved provider accepting referrals with Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP) & Eating Disorder Treatment & Management Plans (EDP).
See more therapy options for Illawarra
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Illawarra, NSW
200+
Average cost per session
$165
Counsellors in Illawarra, NSW who prioritize treating:
87% | Anxiety |
76% | Depression |
72% | Self Esteem |
72% | Stress |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Relationship Issues |
62% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
65% | Medicare Rebates |
44% | NDIS |
37% | Other |
How Counsellors in Illawarra, NSW see their clients
79% | In Person and Online | |
21% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Illawarra?
Search for nearby psychologists or counsellors by inputting your city, suburb, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. Psychologists must be registered in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Most Social Workers listed in the directory are members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in Australia.
Psychologists have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed a postgraduate internship or postgraduate degree. Psychotherapists generally have an undergraduate degree in a health related field in addition to 3-4 years of specialist training in psychotherapy and a period of personal psychotherapy. In order to belong to a professional organisation such as the ACA or PACFA, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to have completed a certain level of AQF qualifications and/ or an approved training course as well as clinical and supervision hours. Social Workers registered with the AASW are required to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
Psychologists have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed a postgraduate internship or postgraduate degree. Psychotherapists generally have an undergraduate degree in a health related field in addition to 3-4 years of specialist training in psychotherapy and a period of personal psychotherapy. In order to belong to a professional organisation such as the ACA or PACFA, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to have completed a certain level of AQF qualifications and/ or an approved training course as well as clinical and supervision hours. Social Workers registered with the AASW are required to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Australia could be between $100 and $250. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The Better Access Scheme is a government program offering Medicare rebates for mental health care. To access the program you will need to be assessed and diagnosed by your GP and get a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions a year with practitioners who accept bulk billing, with no out of pocket costs for you.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The Better Access Scheme is a government program offering Medicare rebates for mental health care. To access the program you will need to be assessed and diagnosed by your GP and get a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions a year with practitioners who accept bulk billing, with no out of pocket costs for you.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the ACA, PACFA, or the APS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others or when a minor is in danger, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.