Counselling in Willoughby, NSW

Hi, I’m a client-centred counsellor and psychotherapist who helps young people and adults move through challenges they may be facing such as stress, relationship breakdowns, anxiety, depression and grief and loss. I also provide trauma responsive care. I work collaboratively with clients to help them feel safe, build resilience and to think and feel more positively about themselves. Clients thereby develop a better connection with themselves and those who are important to them and feel able to face their challenges with greater ease and a sense of empowerment.

I am a clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience. I enjoy working psycho-therapeutically with clients, within an integrative framework, to help them better understand their patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. I work strongly in and with the therapeutic relationship, believing this to be central to the process of therapy and change. Common presenting issues that I work with include anxiety, depression, shame and self-criticism and relationship trauma. I enjoy working with people across the life span, including children and adolescents, valuing the benefits of this developmental lens in my therapy work.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are" said Carl Jung. We are all born with unique gifts and potential. My believe is that, despite the trauma, loss and disappointments that you have suffered, you have the ability to heal and live a meaningful life. I love working with people that are committed to change and are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. I consider it a privilege to be part of such a precious process and I offer my full commitment and genuine care to each client I work with. I help people to recover from substance abuse issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and life transitions.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I strive to create a space where my clients feel safe, supported, and able to speak freely without fear of judgement. I would describe myself as a warm, empathic, and understanding with a passion for providing client-centered care. I have experience working with individuals across the life-span experiencing various mental health difficulties in a variety of clinical settings, including private practice, in-patient hospital, schools, and university clinics. I currently work with adolescents, young adults, and adults.

Want to create the life you want and reach your potential? Could you do with a little help to solve your problems? Need some support to fast track some of your goals? Well that's what I'm all about! I'm an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist and I work from a trauma-informed and client-led perspective. I'm kind but direct when needed, and support in a solutions focused manner. I love to laugh, and enjoy helping people work through challenges and achieve their goals. I'm a certified DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) practitioner and run DBT Skills groups or individual DBT sessions both in person or online.

Creating change takes commitment. My clients are adults (18+) who want to see changes in their lives and are ready to work together to make this happen. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, and I work collaboratively with clients to identify their issues and the therapeutic approach that best suits them. Clients who want to draw on their strengths to manage life's challenges and learn to be more self-compassionate are welcomed.

Peter is a qualified counsellor and is registered with the Australian Counselling Association. Peter has a relaxed and caring nature and works towards assisting clients to cultivate short-term and long-term solutions to navigate through life’s challenges and to live their lives with improved self-confidence, self-awareness, and with profound meaning. His counselling approach centres on the following evidence-based treatment approaches including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Person-centred Therapy Solution-focused Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

June has over 22y experience as a Psychologist and is a full Member of the Australian Psychological Society. Central to June's practice is an authentic, collaborative, non-judgmental and empathic therapeutic relationship, which research has shown to be the most important factor in successful counselling. As all humans are different, June tailors concepts and techniques from different therapy approaches, to empower clients to improve their psychological health. June has a Master of Counselling Psychology and is a registered provider with Medicare, all health funds, WorkCover, and Access+.

Vonnie believes in the importance of therapeutic relationships, providing a safe space allowing individuals to feel heard and supported when life is challenging. Vonnie had experiences volunteering in various community and multicultural services, practiced face-to-face, online, and telephone counseling to the individuals. She has worked with individuals, children, and parents, and also immigrants. Growing up in a multicultural environment, Vonnie is able to communicate in English, Chinese and Malay. She also integrates faith issues in counselling for Christian clients as requested.

Aarthi is registered as a clinical counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She brings over 10 years of experience working directly with clients from all walks of life. Aarthi has experience working with individuals and families experiencing concerns relating to couples, domestic and family violence, trauma, grief and loss, child welfare and wellbeing, as well as depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental health issues. She has experience using trauma informed, strengths-based and outcomes focussed practices. Aarthi is dedicated to providing a service that is person-centred.

Jennifer is a Counsellor & Psychotherapist who provides individuals the space to be heard by a caring health professional in an accepting environment where new possibilities and life changes become an option. Jennifer works in private practice, is a Lifeline Counsellor and is a Clinical Supervisor at Canberra University. She works collaboratively with individuals, couples and families to achieve growth, change and new possibilities. Jennifer is a trauma informed therapist who utilises evidence-based therapy with people who are experiencing relationship issues, are stressed, grieving, or experiencing mental health concerns.

In my role as Counsellor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I aim to help people find safety and connection in their bodies, their relationships and in the environment in which they live. My deep understanding of the nervous system along with a non judgemental, empathic and caring presence, helps my clients to settle into their own therapeutic exploration of self.

Do you struggle with relationship difficulties, from intimate partners to friendships? Whether it be from infidelity, monogamy or navigating ethical non-monogamy to dishonesty, trust, boundary setting or simply the courage to express your needs. Have you been deeply hurt in a relationship and at a loss as to how to heal and where to go from here? Do you need to break free of people pleasing patterns and the anxiety and guilt around being authentic to your needs? Do you struggle with the courage to express your needs? These are just some of the many questions that life throws at us and they can often be complex issues to unravel...

I am passionate about supporting people to reclaim their lives and relationships from the effects of problems, such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues. I enjoy meeting with a diversity of people, who each bring their hopes and dreams about what is important in life. Many people want assistance to find their next steps.

From collaborating with different people through therapy over the years, I have noticed that even everyday people feel the effects of modern life on their mental health. This is because modern life comes with a lot of complexity and demands. Today, people pursue a combination of identity, lifestyle, fulfilment, achievement, supportive relationships, a work-life balance, financial gain, career progression, a bigger world purpose, and more. The pursuit is wonderful, however navigating these demands can strain our mental health over time.

Are you in constant conflict with your partner? Do you find yourself disconnecting from each other over time? Relationship issues like conflicts and fighting are an integral part of a relationship. However, there is a good chance that the toxicity in the relationship has deeply wounded both. The needs of each other are ignored and arguments become less on the important issues as both are emotionally detached to care any more.

I have a special interest in working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, imposter syndrome, depression, chronic health issues, grief and loss, life transitions (e.g. career, stage of life, migration), PTSD, OCD, tics and Tourettes. I am passionate about helping individuals live a life worth living based on their values. Some populations I particularly enjoy working with include people of colour, gifted individuals, young women, and creatives. In addition to providing individual therapy, I have a keen interest in cognitive assessments to identify gifted abilities or learning disabilities.

My approach is based on recognition of your uniqueness. Working together we can identify what is important for you, issues you may wish to explore and changes you may want to make.You deserve the opportunity to share your worries, anxieties, your strengths and dreams in a safe and accepting space, and find pathways and hope for the future.