Simone Waddington
Counsellor
The Kind Quiet Project
North Bendigo, VIC 3550
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I believe healing begins when we feel genuinely heard. I work with women navigating breast cancer, grief, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, life transitions and changes in identity. Together, we create a calm, compassionate space to explore what you're experiencing and what matters most. My approach is warm, trauma-informed and person-centred, drawing on supportive conversation, therapeutic writing and CBT-informed strategies. Therapy may focus on building self-understanding, strengthening coping skills, increasing resilience and navigating change with greater confidence. I bring together professional expertise, lived experience and more than 30 years of experience across education, wellbeing and mental health. You don't need to have the right words. We begin where you are.
Background
Before private practice, I worked across education, wellbeing and mental health for more than 30 years. My background includes teaching, training, school wellbeing and supporting adults living with significant mental health challenges. I am a registered teacher and hold a Master of Counselling from Monash University. My lived experience of breast cancer has deepened my understanding of illness, recovery and change. I also bring a background in fine art, visual design and writing, which informs a thoughtful and creative approach to counselling. Through The Kind Quiet Project, I support women through life's challenges, transitions and breast cancer experiences.
Services
I offer online counselling for women across Australia, with flexible appointments available during weekdays, evenings and Saturdays. My practice supports women navigating breast cancer, grief, anxiety, emotional overwhelm and life transitions. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and may draw on supportive conversation, therapeutic writing, reflective practices and CBT-informed strategies. Whether you're seeking support during a difficult time, working through a specific challenge, or looking for space to reflect and reconnect with yourself, counselling provides a compassionate and confidential environment to explore what matters most to you.
Quality Provision
I am committed to providing ethical, trauma-informed and person-centred counselling in a safe, respectful and confidential environment. Sessions are tailored to each client's unique needs, strengths and goals. As an ACA-registered counsellor, I engage in ongoing professional development and clinical supervision to support high-quality, reflective practice and the best possible outcomes for clients.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling - 2020 - Monash University
- Certificate IV in Mental Health - 2021 - Swinburne University
Modalities
CBT - Creative Arts Therapy - Journal Therapy - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My approach is warm, compassionate and trauma-informed. I believe counselling works best when people feel safe, heard and accepted without judgement. I work collaboratively with clients, moving at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful of their experiences. Drawing on person-centred counselling, CBT-informed strategies, supportive talk therapy and therapeutic writing, I tailor sessions to individual needs and goals. Together, we create space to make sense of difficult experiences, build self-understanding, strengthen coping skills and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, resilience and self-compassion.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 2
Appointments
Online appointments available Monday to Friday, with limited evening and Saturday sessions. Flexible appointment times are available to support varying schedules and needs.
Fees & Insurance
Free 15-minute introductory call. Individual counselling $120. Therapeutic Writing & Art as Therapy: Intro $25, single session $40, 8-week group $240. Private health fund rebates are available with participating funds.
Payment Options
Secure online payment is required at the time of booking via the Zanda client portal. Payments are processed through Stripe using major credit and debit cards.
Contact Simone
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Simone Waddington
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My path to counselling grew out of a long career in education, wellbeing and mental health. Throughout that work, I was consistently drawn to conversations that helped people make sense of their experiences and reconnect with their strengths. Over time, I saw how powerful it can be when someone feels genuinely heard and understood. Counselling felt like a natural extension of that work and an opportunity to support people more deeply during times of change, loss and uncertainty.
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Person-centred and trauma-informed approaches have had the greatest influence on my work. I believe people are the experts in their own lives, and that meaningful change happens in relationships where there is respect, empathy and genuine curiosity. I am also influenced by creative and narrative approaches that recognise the importance of stories, reflection and meaning-making in the healing process.
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I am particularly interested in resilience, identity, grief, life transitions and the ways people adapt to unexpected change. Much of my work focuses on women navigating breast cancer, illness, recovery and the emotional impact these experiences can have on relationships, confidence and sense of self. I am also interested in creativity as a pathway to self-understanding, wellbeing and growth.
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I draw primarily on person-centred counselling, supportive talk therapy and CBT-informed strategies. Where appropriate, I also incorporate therapeutic writing and reflective practices. My approach is flexible and collaborative, with each client's goals, strengths and circumstances shaping the work we do together.
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Progress looks different for everyone. For some people, simply having a space where they can speak openly and feel understood is an important first step. Over time, clients often notice greater clarity, increased self-awareness, stronger coping skills and a growing sense of confidence in navigating challenges. Progress is rarely a straight line, but meaningful change often begins with small shifts.
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Therapy has deepened my understanding of the importance of self-compassion, reflection and connection. It has reinforced my belief that we do not have to face life's challenges alone and that being truly listened to can be a powerful experience. Both personally and professionally, it has strengthened my appreciation for the courage it takes to ask for support.
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I feel privileged to witness people's strength, insight and capacity for growth, especially during difficult times. I value the trust that develops within the therapeutic relationship and the opportunity to walk alongside people as they make sense of their experiences and discover new possibilities for themselves.
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Absolutely. I'm human. Things don't always go to plan, and life can be messy. I think acknowledging our shared humanity is important. We don't need to be perfect to grow, heal or support one another.
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One of the greatest challenges is disconnection—from ourselves, from one another and from our communities. Many people are carrying enormous pressures while feeling increasingly alone. Creating spaces where people feel heard, valued and connected may seem small, but I believe it is deeply important work.
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Rather than one particular work, I am continually inspired by creativity itself—books, visual art, writing and the stories people share about their lives. Creativity reminds me that there are many ways to express difficult experiences, find meaning and imagine new possibilities. As a counsellor and creative practitioner, that belief continues to shape both my work and my life.