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Counselling, also known as 'talk therapy', is a collaborative therapeutic practice with a trained professional.
Through using psychotherapeutic interventions, counselling attends to an individual's unique challenges of life. Counselling enhances a person's ability to respond effectively to their unique circumstances and has a range of psycho-social, health and well-being benefits.
The practice of counselling in Australia is governed by a strict code of ethics, and delivered by a trained, supervised and experienced individual. To see more - Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia's (PACFA) Code of Ethics.
We start with the basics. I explain how I work, while covering things like privacy, confidentiality, and how risk is handled.
From there, we talk about what’s brought you here. You might have a clear goal or just a sense that something needs to shift. Either way, we explore what matters to you, where you’d like things to change, and what is essential (or is off-limits).
The work is guided by respect and common-sense, that is, what feels useful and meaningful, steady - at a pace that suits you. By working this way, you can be fully informed and decide if my services are right for you.
Sessions are plain-spoken and confidential. We’ll focus on what you bring, working at your pace to address challenges and build clarity, resilience, and next steps.
Each session begins with a check-in, a chance to slow down and take stock of where you’re at. No need to arrive knowing exactly what to say; just bring what’s on your mind from the past, present, future.
Some days might involve discussing a past experience, working methodically with an issue, sorting through a strong response or emotion, or unpacking patterned behaviour. It may simply being getting-stuff-off your chest. Other times it’s more about sorting through the everyday noise and getting clearer on what matters. There’s structure when you need it, and space when you don’t.
The aim is to create a steady, respectful space where we can work at your pace.
I specialise in working with men, but I also work with adolescents and adults of all genders. I do not currently work with couples, families, or children.
Some of the issues counselling may address include:
Stress, anxiety and depression
Anger, shame and guilt
Relationship issues and family history
Work, career and financial pressure
Mental health and wellbeing
Fatherhood and parenting
Alcohol, drug use and addiction
Isolation, loneliness and life transitions
Grief, death, loss and change
Identity, meaning and dreams
Spirituality and religion
Trauma - acute, chronic and complex
Every story is different, and there’s no “right” reason to come. If something’s weighing on you, or if you’ve hit a patch where not much makes sense, it might be time to talk.
It all depends on why you’re here and how the therapeutic alliance is working.
It is crucial that counsellors and clients develop a shared understanding of what's happening, how to respond, and what meaningful change looks like.
We’ll check in regularly about how things are going, paying attention to changes in mood, behaviour, relationships, and what else is happening for you.
Some people feel mentally clearer or more settled. Others notice they’re responding differently to situations, or feeling more like themselves again. For others it is about the reduction of symptoms (problems) related to particular circumstances - relationships, diagnoses, work, etc.
I don’t tend to use psychometric measures (I leave that to psychologists and psychiatrists), but I do track your feedback and satisfaction.
If formal measures are important to you, we can discuss how they fit into our work.
Benefits vary, but often include:
Relief from stress, anger, or fear
Feeling less stuck or overwhelmed
Strengthening relationships, with others and yourself
Greater clarity on what matters and what’s in the way
Understanding patterns and where they come from
Carrying grief, shame, or uncertainty with more steadiness
Reconnecting with meaning, purpose, and direction.
The changes aren’t always dramatic, but over time many people notice they have more awareness, more choice, and better quality of life.
When talking about outcomes, its not only about symptom reduction; counselling also aims to strengthen the social and personal resources that help you live well.
Psychosocial outcomes might include things like:
Feeling more able to deal with challenges.
Improved relationships and social connections.
Greater sense of purpose, identity, or belonging.
Increased capacity to manage stress and uncertainty.
More awareness of patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour — and the ability to change them.
The PACFA Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors highlights that effective counselling supports both psychological wellbeing and social participation. This means we’re not just working on what’s inside your head, but also how you engage with your life, your relationships, and your community.
Plain spoken, straight-forward, and collaborative.
My role is to be a professional listener. The work is guided by your life, your values, and your pace. I work as someone who helps you tune in to what matters, make sense of what’s happening, and find steady ground again. I don’t follow a set script.
Some sessions are practical. Others are reflective. Some are quiet. The common thread is respect and curiosity.
I draw from a mix of approaches — including narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, humanistic counselling, psychodynamic psychotherapies, cognitive behavioural therapies, integrative psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy and systems therapy, and analytical (Jungian) psychology.
I listen, closely and without judgement, however it’s not passive.
I may offer reflections, ask questions, and help you get clearer on what’s happening and why. I don’t hand out advice or tell you what to do. Instead, I help you tune in to what matters, what fits with your values, and what kind of life you’re building.
Sometimes that means offering a different way of looking at things. Sometimes it’s noticing what’s been overlooked. The work is less about giving answers and more about helping you hear whats important and what matters.
If I'm successful I'll put myself out of a job!
There’s no homework, but reflection between sessions can be useful.
Some people like something to take with them, others don’t. We’ll figure out what supports your process, not just what looks productive on paper. This might mean paying attention to how something shows up in your day-to-day life, having a conversation you’ve been avoiding, or noticing physical responses in certain situation. It’s never a requirement, and there’s no worksheets to fill out (unless that kind of structure works for you).
I work mainly with men aged 25 and above, offering support around stress, anxiety, relationships, fatherhood, alcohol use, identity, and life transitions.
I don’t work with high-conflict situations, nor with unmanaged, acute issues necessitating intensive psychiatric support - for example: unmanaged complex mental health conditions, acute risk, or needs better suited to other specialist services or medical care.
Online counselling can be just as effective as meeting face-to-face, provided we set it up well. You’ll need:
A private, distraction-free space (some clients use a home office or even their parked car)
Reliable internet connection
Good lighting and camera placement (torso upwards)
Headphones (recommended for sound quality and privacy)
Devices set to “Do Not Disturb” The aim is to create a space where you can speak freely and feel fully present, just as you would in a physical consulting room.
Yes. Telehealth is secure and widely used. Many men in regional areas prefer it because it’s private, flexible, and removes the barrier of long travel times.
Plain-spoken, outcome-focused counselling delivered via secure video or phone for men 25+ across regional and rural Victoria.