Philosophy & Vision
I support teenagers and young adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to turn next. You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, peer relationship challenges, identity exploration, family or foster care dynamics, or navigating life as a neurodivergent person. I also offer a safe and affirming space for those within the LGBTIQA+ community. Together, we’ll explore what’s been happening, understand your emotions, and find ways to make life feel more balanced and manageable. My goal is to help you feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to yourself and the life you want to create.
In our sessions, you’ll find a safe and supportive online space to understand your emotions, see things more clearly, and strengthen your ability to cope. With experience working with teenagers and adults in counselling and as a support worker, I work at your pace to find clarity, develop coping skills, and create change.
Background
Before starting my private practice at Daintree Counselling, I worked with teenagers and adults in counselling and support worker roles, including high school settings and with neurodivergent young people. These experiences have shaped my compassionate, client-centered approach, helping me provide a safe, inclusive space for clients to explore challenges and build resilience.
Services
Daintree Counselling offers private and NDIS-funded online counselling for teenagers and young adults, supporting challenges such as anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationships, and family or foster care dynamics. Sessions provide a safe, affirming space to build coping skills, confidence, and emotional resilience.
Quality Provision
I am a certified practicing member and accountable to the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
I regularly attend one-to-one clinical supervision and relevant ongoing professional development training.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling) - 2025 - USQ
Modalities
DBT - Motivational Interviewing - Person Centred - Solution Oriented - Strengths-Based - Systems Theory
Therapy Approach
I take a compassionate, client-centered approach rooted in evidence-based therapies and inclusive practices. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to tailor support to your unique needs. My framework also integrates strengths-based, trauma-informed, and systems-informed perspectives, recognising the impact of your environment, relationships, and identity on your well-being. Whether navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, or neurodivergence, I aim to empower you to build resilience, develop coping skills, and achieve meaningful change.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 2
Appointments
Available for online sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 3:30 pm to 9 pm.
Email or call to book.
Fees & Insurance
Standard 50min session: $110
Contact me via email for a 15-minute telephone consultation.
Contact Samara
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Samara Woodford
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I was inspired to pursue counselling through my own personal experience with therapy, which showed me the transformative impact of support and guidance. This motivated me to help others discover their strengths, gain clarity, and focus on what they want to achieve in life.
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My professional development is deeply influenced by a blend of person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed philosophies. Additionally, I integrate queer theory to affirm diverse identities and systems theory to understand the broader contexts influencing clients' experiences. This framework allows me to provide compassionate, inclusive, and effective support to teenagers and young adults.
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I am particularly passionate about supporting teenagers and young adults as they navigate critical stages of mental health and personal development. My focus is on helping them build resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of connection, providing a strong foundation for their transition into adulthood.
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I work from a holistic, strengths-based approach, tailoring my methods to suit each individual client. My practice is informed by a range of evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and other strengths-focused approaches, integrating techniques to best meet each person’s unique needs.
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Progress in therapy varies for everyone. Some notice relief or clarity after just one session, while others experience gradual shifts over time. Long-standing issues may require regular sessions over months, while recent challenges can often be addressed in 6–10 appointments. Therapy is about building self-awareness, understanding, and the freedom to make different choices.
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Therapy has enabled me to navigate mental health challenges while maintaining balance in everyday life. It has helped me reframe how I view myself and the world, focusing on my existing strengths and abilities and building on them—ultimately supporting me in creating a life I am proud of.
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What I value most about being a therapist is the opportunity to support and witness clients as they navigate both significant and everyday transitions. It is deeply rewarding to see their growth and progress, empowering them to engage with life more fully and authentically.
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Yes, I have days when my hair doesn’t cooperate, but I also have effortless good hair days. Like most things, it’s just one day, and tomorrow can be completely different—sometimes it’s all about perspective.
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The most significant problem we face today varies greatly between individuals and across cultures. At its core, I believe it stems from unmet fundamental human needs: safety, belonging, connection, and the freedom to live authentically. When these needs, as described in Maslow’s hierarchy, are not met, it impacts wellbeing and the ability of communities to thrive.
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A quote from the Doctor Who television series has always resonated deeply with me:
“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.”
This reflects a powerful truth about acknowledging both pain and joy, recognising that growth and healing often come from allowing space for the full range of human emotions.