Philosophy & Vision
You may be feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you — in your relationships, coping strategies, or how your past continues to influence your present. Many people I've supported feel emotionally exhausted by high-conflict or unsafe relationships, overwhelmed by anxiety or low mood, or disconnected from themselves.
Pain is there in every life, but it can be integrated and transformed into new meaning and purpose. A strong counselling relationship of trust and respect is my starting point. Together, we can make sense of your experiences—both past and present—at a pace that feels right for you.
My goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen and heard, a space free of judgement, where you can speak openly and honestly. We can start to imagine and then take meaningful steps toward your preferred future. I look forward to hearing your story and walking alongside you on that journey.
Background
I retrained to be a counsellor at mid life, after working as an academic for many years. My Doctorate was in Sociology, which focuses on understanding how culture helps to shape people’s lives and stories. Some stories are more helpful than others. All stories can be re-written in therapy so that they serve you better.
I have worked in non-profit organisations supporting survivors in various capacities, alongside my counselling practice.
Services
My goal is to make you comfortable and ensure that you benefit from the commitment you are making to therapy. Not everyone is comfortable in a ‘traditional’ therapy setting. I offer a choice of online sessions, or ‘walk-and-talk’ therapy in a quiet, natural setting.
We can meet at an outdoor location near you (that offers privacy, shelter and space) and talk as we walk at a gentle pace. Experiment with what works for you and choose different options each time if you like!
Quality Provision
I am registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and abide by the associations code of ethics and standards (PACFA Reg.Certified Practising 32708).
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling - 2025 - Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
- Doctor of Sociology - 2007 - University of Newcastle
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - DBT - Integrative - Motivational Interviewing - Narrative Therapy - Solution Oriented - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I use an integrative approach to practice. Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy and techniques from Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be tailored to provide support that works for you.
What works for some issues (such as CBT for anxiety reduction) and individuals is less effective for other issues (like healing the impact of intergenerational trauma) or people. What works for you is something we will keep checking on in our sessions.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
34 William street
Stockton NSW 2295
Appointments
Please visit my practice website to see my most up-to-date availability for bookings
Fees & Insurance
Book a free 30 minute call to discuss your concerns and gauge if I might be be a good fit for you. Standard online or walk and talk sessions are $100 for 55 minutes, or $150 for extended 75 minute sessions. No rebates are available.
Payment Options
Fees are payable within 7 days via bank transfer
Contact Lisa
Please book a free initial consultation online
A conversation with Lisa Milne
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I started my career in academia because of a deep interest in societies and why they are structured as they are. My work in trying to reduce social inequalities and volunteering at non-profit organisations, as well as my personal recovery journey, led me to become a therapist who offers lower cost, accessible options.
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The kinds of philosophies underpinning Narrative and trauma informed approaches have most deeply influenced my professional development so far. I believe that feeling 'heard' and 'seen' and knowing how much you do matter is a key part of healing. Tools for rejecting old, unhelpful stories about us and reclaiming our own loving self-understanding are important ways to feel safer, more grounded and surer of our own path.
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I am very interested in supporting people to reach their full potential, by developing further self-understanding and gentle self-compassion.
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I am an integrative therapist. Our work begins with establishing a supportive therapeutic relationship and developing a shared understanding of your goals. If it seems I may be able to help you, we will explore your goals and ways to achieve them. If I or you don’t think I can help, we’ll talk it through and I can refer you to someone with the right expertise, or who may be a better fit for your needs.
If we are a good fit, we can together identify practical and achievable steps that align with what matters to you. Throughout therapy, we will reflect on your progress and adapt our approach to ensure the work remains relevant and useful. Sessions may focus on understanding patterns that keep you stuck, imagining your preferred future, practising new skills to meet challenges, or strengthening skills to use in your daily life to sustain desired changes. -
When we begin to understand what works for you, we can start to consolidate your gains. Progress often comes as we identify blocks and challenges, then find that new habits and ways of being that assist clients to move past those are becoming easier and feel more natural. Once you feel that you are creating meaningful and lasting changes, we can wrap things up by considering how to maintain your gains in your everyday life.
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My own therapy experiences have given me greater capacity to meet life on its own terms, put the past into perspective and safeguard my peace.
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I find great satisfaction in supporting others to achieve meaningful, sustainable positive change. I am genuinely interested in others stories. It is a privilege to be trusted with others private innermost concerns.
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I believe that fragmentation of social bonds and disconnection are some of our social world's greatest challenges, beyond the physical realities of poverty, inequality and environmental change.
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"The gift of Therapy" by Irvin Yalom. Years before becoming interested in being a therapist myself, I read the many books by this gifted healer. I was moved and fascinated by the stories they contain.