- Milton Erickson
Mrs Cecilia Calnan
Social Worker, Hypnotherapist
Southwest Sydney Counselling
Campbelltown, Sydney NSW 2560
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
As an Accredited Social Worker and Strategic Hypnotherapist, I offer a unique, holistic approach to mental health and well-being. My practice is grounded in the belief that therapy should be both personalised and adaptive, acknowledging that every person's experience is different and requires a treatment plan that works for them.
I have spent years supporting individuals within the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) hospital system, working with people facing complex emotional and practical challenges. Now, in private practice, I integrate these skills to provide therapy tailored to your needs.
Beyond traditional counselling, I also offer alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy, if this is what you are comfortable trying. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for change; however, I appreciate that this may not be for everybody.
Background
Before opening my private practice, I worked extensively in hospital and community settings across South Western Sydney. My role as an Accredited Social Worker involved supporting individuals and families through some of their most challenging and vulnerable moments—whether it was during a hospital admission, after a diagnosis, or when navigating complex systems like housing, Centrelink, child protection, or mental health services. These years gave me not only clinical experience, but also a deep compassion for the human condition and the resilience we each carry—even when we don’t feel it.
One of the joys of private practice has been the ability to work with people longer term, watching their growth and change unfold over time.
Services
As a counsellor and social worker, I work from a holistic, strengths-based framework that acknowledges the impact of both internal experiences and external pressures. My work is grounded in evidence-based practice, integrating techniques from various therapeutic models while maintaining a flexible and collaborative approach.
I also support NDIS participants, offering therapeutic and social work services to help build emotional resilience, increase independence, and work toward personal goals.
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist I offer an additional option for clients looking for a different therapeutic approach. Hypnotherapy is a gentle, focused method that helps people make meaningful changes by accessing the unconscious mind.
Quality Provision
At Southwest Sydney Counselling, service quality is at the heart of everything I do. High-quality service starts with how clients are welcomed. From the first point of contact—whether it’s a phone call, email, or session booking—clients can expect a warm, respectful, and responsive approach. I understand that reaching out for support can be a vulnerable step, and I ensure that every interaction reflects care, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Social Work - 2012 - UNSW
- Dip Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy - 2023 - Institute of Applied Psychology
Modalities
Christian Counselling - Ericksonian - Hypnotherapy - Strengths-Based
Therapy Approach
My approach to support is holistic, compassionate, and practical. I draw on a combination of traditional talk therapy, clinical social work, strategic hypnotherapy, and the Gordian Pillars psychotherapy method—a model that views personal struggles as stemming from a gap between current experiences and desired emotional outcomes. This approach helps us uncover the underlying behavioural patterns and unconscious responses that may be keeping you stuck, and work gently toward meaningful change.
Together, we choose the method that feels most comfortable and effective for you. My goal is to create a space where healing feels possible, progress feels personal, and therapy feels like it truly fits your life.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers
Appointments
New time slots have just opened up!
No wait time currently.
All sessions are provided Online.
Fees & Insurance
Free 20 min consultation appointment
Counselling Session (90 min initial): $220
Ongoing Sessions (60 min): $180
Hypnosis Session (90min initial): $220
Ongoing Sessions (60 min): $180
NDIS funded Social Work (60 min): $193.99
Payment Options
Self-funded only
Suitable for NDIS funded clients
Contact Cecilia
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Cecilia Calnan
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Before opening my private practice, I worked extensively in hospital and community settings across South Western Sydney. My role as an Accredited Social Worker involved supporting individuals and families through some of their most challenging and vulnerable moments—whether it was during a hospital admission, after a diagnosis, or when navigating complex systems like housing, Centrelink, child protection, or mental health services. These years gave me not only clinical experience, but also a deep compassion for the human condition and the resilience we each carry—even when we don’t feel it.
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My professional development has been shaped by a combination of person-centred, solution-focused, and experiential philosophies, alongside a deep belief in the power of behavioural change and neuroplasticity. These foundations guide my work as a therapist, social worker, and hypnotherapist.
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As a qualified clinical hypnotherapist I am endlessly surprised at how much the brain can change given the right tools and directions.
It is true that knowledge is power. -
I use the Gordian Pillars psychotherapy model, which recognises that many of our struggles stem from an experiential gap—a disconnect between how we’re experiencing life and how we want to feel. This framework resonates deeply with me because it honours the complexity of human behaviour, while also providing practical pathways to growth. I believe that behaviours are often learned, and over time can become automatic—reinforced through neurological pathways. The Gordian Pillars approach helps clients explore these patterns, challenge their automatic responses, and uncover meaningful exceptions to the rules they've internalised.
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As this style of therapy (strategic psychotherapy) is considered to be brief therapy, clients will see change within 6-10 weeks.
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I have personally experienced the Gordian Pillars method and can attest that it has changed my life.
In fact because it helped me so profoundly I decided to learn how to help others using this therapy and have never looked back. -
I love the look on my clients faces when I can create change and when they catch themselves behaving like the person they want to be.
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Sure, don't we all.
It's part of life.
Life would be dull, boring and mundane without these kind of days. Don't you think? -
We are too quick to speak.
Be quick to listen and slow to speak. -
As a bible believing Christian, the bible still manages to amaze me every day.