Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

As part of my own life journey I was significantly injured whilst working as a nurse in a secure mental health hospital ward & I was faced with not being able to continue the work I felt passionate...

As part of my own life journey I was significantly injured whilst working as a nurse in a secure mental health hospital ward & I was faced with not being able to continue the work I felt passionate about due to dealing with significant chronic pain. This forced life change caused great inner anger & despair for me at the time & after the much needed emotional support of a therapist including career guidance for the first time, I embarked on a new path with a similar focus of supporting client mental health - commencing retraining as a Counsellor. I now look back & feel grateful for the new life path I continue on, as it has brought me many personal successes & inner growth I don't believe I would have achieved without the circumstances I faced at that time. Through learning therapy techniques that I could more adeptly support my clients with, I was also able to experience the power of healing my own personal trauma past triggers, as well as no longer have chronic pain! Through my counselling career I have been privileged to support so many people who have inspired me to continue this path. Thus, I continue to have passion for supporting clients healing, growth & happiness in whatever way is important for them.

My path to counselling began with my own curiosity about human behaviour, shaped largely by my complex relationship with my mother. From a young age, I was drawn to understanding why people act the...

My path to counselling began with my own curiosity about human behaviour, shaped largely by my complex relationship with my mother. From a young age, I was drawn to understanding why people act the way they do, how relationships shape us, and why we sometimes repeat painful patterns despite wanting something different. Later, working in high-pressure environments led me to burnout and a search for balance. Through yoga, I discovered the power of mindfulness, presence, and self-compassionâ??tools that transformed my own life and deepened my understanding of emotional well-being. This journey reinforced my belief in our capacity for healing and change, sparking a passion for helping others make sense of their own experiences. Counselling allows me to explore the very questions that have always fascinated meâ??how we become who we are, how pain can be a catalyst for growth, and how we can reshape our narratives to create lives that feel more aligned and meaningful. And most importantly, I love passing on this understanding to my clients, helping them uncover their own strength, resilience, and ability to heal.

I have always enjoyed deeper one-on-one conversations with people of all ages. As a child I was always drawn to help those experiencing isolation and rejection. Later in life I was struck by a quote...

I have always enjoyed deeper one-on-one conversations with people of all ages. As a child I was always drawn to help those experiencing isolation and rejection. Later in life I was struck by a quote from one of my lecturers: Humans can endure suffering much better than they can endure indifference. My decision to embark in counselling was due to the realisation that we can help others immensely by our listening, presence and solidarity with them.

Rachel's dream as a teen was to work in performing arts. She studied Art and Theatre in school and enjoyed exploring the charactersâ?? motivations and emotions. Key people in her life discouraged her...

Rachel's dream as a teen was to work in performing arts. She studied Art and Theatre in school and enjoyed exploring the charactersâ?? motivations and emotions. Key people in her life discouraged her from pursuing it as a career. She'd read some of her motherâ??s self-help books in Year 12 and knew Psychology was the only other subject area she could become equally passionate about. She loves her chosen career quite simply because she loves people, and finds them endlessly fascinating.

Life experiences along with years of significant trauma led me to a very dark place. I found ways to cope and to help others out of the darkness to a brighter life. It became a passion to see others...

Life experiences along with years of significant trauma led me to a very dark place. I found ways to cope and to help others out of the darkness to a brighter life. It became a passion to see others move forward from stuck positions.

I have a passion for understanding people and offering the right help at the right time. Past challenges in my life such as stress and chronic pain have shifted due to having had good therapy in...

I have a passion for understanding people and offering the right help at the right time. Past challenges in my life such as stress and chronic pain have shifted due to having had good therapy in various healing modalities. So I am a believer in effective work! This is what led me to study and go further.

As a young business graduate in the mining industry I figured out pretty quickly that corporate was not for me. I embarked on a backpacking journey and discovered my passion for advocacy and social...

As a young business graduate in the mining industry I figured out pretty quickly that corporate was not for me. I embarked on a backpacking journey and discovered my passion for advocacy and social justice. Retraining 25 years ago as a social worker and psychotherapist has been the best life decision I ever made!

A healthy curiosity of human behaviour, not 'why' but 'how' someone comes to be who they are and what manifests due to life experiences. I like people - prior to my formal qualifications, I have...

A healthy curiosity of human behaviour, not 'why' but 'how' someone comes to be who they are and what manifests due to life experiences. I like people - prior to my formal qualifications, I have been mentoring, guiding, counselling individuals for over 25 years - a natural and intuitive instinct to create a safe and trusting platform for individuals to find their pathway and to help them find their 'empowerment'. What is important for the client? To be seen as a 'whole' individual - my approach to counselling is holistic and integrative.

As a manager, leader, parent, uncle and partner over the last 20 years I have found people often seeking me out for advice and support with the challenges of life. After many suggesting that I take up...

As a manager, leader, parent, uncle and partner over the last 20 years I have found people often seeking me out for advice and support with the challenges of life. After many suggesting that I take up a career in counselling and psychotherapy I finally made the decision to do so.

I survived childhood trauma. I now assist others to move from a sense of powerlessness and distress through to surviving and then thriving. I specialise in recovery based transformation processes.

I survived childhood trauma. I now assist others to move from a sense of powerlessness and distress through to surviving and then thriving. I specialise in recovery based transformation processes.

I was born in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia in my late thirties. I have always had a strong drive to understand the world, and to contribute something meaningful to that world. At the...

I was born in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia in my late thirties. I have always had a strong drive to understand the world, and to contribute something meaningful to that world. At the tender age of 19, I did not quite realize that my real curiosity was People and Life, and I therefor did a Master in Applied Physics, with a minor in environmental science. I initially worked in the field of photo voltaic solar energy, as a consultant and policy maker. In my early thirties, my body went on strike (I developed such severe problems with my back I could not sit behind a desk anymore). It made me realize (with a lot of resistance initially) that I had been completely out of touch with my body, and in a way, with myself, who I really was and what I really wanted in life. I quit my job (and career) and spent several years travelling, exploring and discovering. During those years, I slowly realized that being occupied with the workings of the material world wasn't really nourishing my soul, but that I seemed to be naturally good at really listening to people, helping them understand themselves better and to make changes in themselves and their lives for the better. I also realized I needed to live in a country where I could live much closer to nature and a sense of wildness, and I decided to migrate to Australia. I retrained as a counsellor/psychotherapist (and also became a certified mindfulness teacher). I have found it very rewarding to be able to connect with people in the places within themselves where they suffer most and are usually completely alone, and to help bring about insight, healing and transformation.

When I was 17 I was walking through an opp shop with a friend and came across a book on psychology. As I was flicking through the pages I thought that it looked interesting. I paid 70c for it and took...

When I was 17 I was walking through an opp shop with a friend and came across a book on psychology. As I was flicking through the pages I thought that it looked interesting. I paid 70c for it and took it home. It was fascinating and I just kept reading chapter after chapter. I didn't go straight into psychology but never forgot what I read. I later worked in community mental health before enrolling in a psychology honours degree. I loved what I learnt from time studying and still read and write each week.

I was drawn to the counselling profession from my teen years when I felt that there were insufficient supports for teens in high schools. Although my route to becoming a counsellor was long, it was...

I was drawn to the counselling profession from my teen years when I felt that there were insufficient supports for teens in high schools. Although my route to becoming a counsellor was long, it was always in my vision.

I have always been deeply interested in people and the human condition. No two people are the same and everyone has a fascinating story to tell. It is such a privilege to listen carefully and seek to...

I have always been deeply interested in people and the human condition. No two people are the same and everyone has a fascinating story to tell. It is such a privilege to listen carefully and seek to understand people. I believe it is very important for you to feel safe to explore your concerns and make well considered choices that align with your values.

The good support I received through challenges and difficulties through therapy.

The good support I received through challenges and difficulties through therapy.

I became interested in counselling and psychotherapy when I witnessed significant alcohol abuse in rural Australia. That prompted me in 1990 to begin study in alcohol and other drug counselling. I...

I became interested in counselling and psychotherapy when I witnessed significant alcohol abuse in rural Australia. That prompted me in 1990 to begin study in alcohol and other drug counselling. I have enjoyed the training and the work ever since.

Iâ??ve always been drawn to understanding peopleâ??s inner worldsâ??what shapes us, how we cope, and how we heal. Through my own life experiences and witnessing the strength of others, I felt a...

Iâ??ve always been drawn to understanding peopleâ??s inner worldsâ??what shapes us, how we cope, and how we heal. Through my own life experiences and witnessing the strength of others, I felt a strong pull toward supporting people through the more difficult parts of being human. Choosing psychotherapy as a profession has allowed me to combine my curiosity about the mind with my interest in helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with their sense of self.

I like helping people

I like helping people

Retiring from full-time work coincided with my father's health deteriorating. When looking for counselling options for him, I realised how few options were available for older people - especially...

Retiring from full-time work coincided with my father's health deteriorating. When looking for counselling options for him, I realised how few options were available for older people - especially counsellors who understand the aged care environment. On commencing my studies, I also realised that much of my work history included counselling people and that was an aspect of work that I enjoyed and found meaningful.

I chose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession because of my deep-seated desire to support individuals in their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. Throughout my life, I've been...

I chose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession because of my deep-seated desire to support individuals in their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. Throughout my life, I've been drawn to understanding the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of human relationships. I find great fulfillment in providing a safe and empathetic space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Moreover, witnessing the transformative power of therapy in both my own life and the lives of those around me fueled my passion for pursuing this profession. Whether it's helping clients navigate through challenging life transitions, heal from past traumas, or discover their inner strengths and resilience, I am continually inspired by the profound impact that therapy can have on individuals' lives. Additionally, I value the holistic approach of psychotherapy, which not only addresses symptoms but also considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. This aligns with my belief in the importance of treating individuals as whole beings and empowering them to cultivate a sense of balance and fulfillment in all aspects of their lives. Ultimately, choosing psychotherapy or counselling as a profession allows me to blend my compassion for others with my commitment to personal growth and empowerment. It's a privilege to walk alongside clients on their journey towards self-discovery, healing, and ultimately, living more authentic and fulfilling lives.

Counselling has been a persistent theme throughout my life. Starting with friends at school talking to me about their parents, boyfriend, friend, sport and study problems. My fascination with the...

Counselling has been a persistent theme throughout my life. Starting with friends at school talking to me about their parents, boyfriend, friend, sport and study problems. My fascination with the human mind took me to studying Psychology at University. From there I spent most of my life helping families that included a person with a disability to manage and re-engage in the real world. Also supporting those with illnesses such as cancer or heart disease to manage difficulties and reformat their life. Always keeping in mind the life they want to live. Parent coaching was an important part of my growth experience as I think bringing up children is one of the most important things you could do in life. However it is also one of the most challenging, through the experience I learnt to walk the curve. Walking the curve of parenting is a skill learnt through time founded in Love. Believing in early intervention I've supported families through grief and loss after the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship or period of life.

It definitely chose me. It was my first love. Coaching has become my second love. I feel very blessed to have had a career doing what brings me joy.

It definitely chose me. It was my first love. Coaching has become my second love. I feel very blessed to have had a career doing what brings me joy.