Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Since I was in high school I just knew that Counselling was where I was meant to be. I have always had a desire to support those around me and help empower people to be the best versions of...

Since I was in high school I just knew that Counselling was where I was meant to be. I have always had a desire to support those around me and help empower people to be the best versions of themselves.

My interest in counselling grew from a longstanding curiosity about people; what shapes us, how relationships influence our lives, and why certain patterns can continue to repeat over time. I've...

My interest in counselling grew from a longstanding curiosity about people; what shapes us, how relationships influence our lives, and why certain patterns can continue to repeat over time. I've always been drawn to understanding human behaviour and the different ways people make sense of their experiences. Over the years, both personal and professional experiences reinforced the importance of having a space where people feel genuinely heard, understood, and free from judgement. They also deepened my appreciation for the role of self-awareness, curiosity, and reflection in navigating life's challenges. Counselling allows me to combine that curiosity with the privilege of walking alongside people as they explore their experiences, better understand themselves, and discover what feels right for them. For me, it's about creating a collaborative relationship where insight can develop naturally, rather than providing answers or telling someone how they should live their life.

I have always been interested in the human experience and exploring the depths of the mind. I am a naturally reflective, curious and intuitive person, who enjoys listening to others and thinking with...

I have always been interested in the human experience and exploring the depths of the mind. I am a naturally reflective, curious and intuitive person, who enjoys listening to others and thinking with them. Throughout my medical career I have had a holistic approach and been interested in the person experiencing symptoms, not only the symptoms themselves.

My own experience of childhood trauma and the healing I found through therapy shaped both my life and my path. I chose this work because I know, firsthand, how powerful it can be to feel truly seen,...

My own experience of childhood trauma and the healing I found through therapy shaped both my life and my path. I chose this work because I know, firsthand, how powerful it can be to feel truly seen, heard, and supported during difficult times.

I chose counselling because my life and work have consistently placed me alongside people during times of challenge, change, and growth. Through years as a father and step-father, working in the...

I chose counselling because my life and work have consistently placed me alongside people during times of challenge, change, and growth. Through years as a father and step-father, working in the building trade, disability support, and education, I saw how unspoken stress, unmet emotional needs, and life pressures can deeply affect individuals and families. I also witnessed how meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. Counselling allows me to combine lived experience with professional skill to create a safe, practical, and respectful space where people can explore difficulties, build insight, and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Since I was a little girl I have always been the person that people would confide in. When I started teaching music at the age of 16 my students would often talk to me about difficulties at home or...

Since I was a little girl I have always been the person that people would confide in. When I started teaching music at the age of 16 my students would often talk to me about difficulties at home or school. This inspired me years later to complete a Master of Arts in Counselling, specialising in marriage, children, and families. Since then I have enjoyed helping people discover their strengths to lead contented and fulfilling lives.

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.

My own period of struggle and suffering lead me into psychotherapy, first as a reader of theory and then as a patient. I have a lot to thank my own therapists for. I got into mental health work around...

My own period of struggle and suffering lead me into psychotherapy, first as a reader of theory and then as a patient. I have a lot to thank my own therapists for. I got into mental health work around the same time as I got into my own therapy and found both to be very sustaining. Becoming a psychotherapist was a natural process of growth and deepening into my career. From the start, I was oriented towards one on one depth work. Personal therapy, study and training provided the scaffolding. In short: I was not very good at anything else.

I chose to be a therapist and counsellor because I have a knack for connecting with people who are in distress and they come to me because I care.

I chose to be a therapist and counsellor because I have a knack for connecting with people who are in distress and they come to me because I care.

For me, counselling grew from a long-standing commitment to people, relationships and social justice rather than a single defining moment. Early in my career, I was drawn to the relational depth of...

For me, counselling grew from a long-standing commitment to people, relationships and social justice rather than a single defining moment. Early in my career, I was drawn to the relational depth of the work. Sitting with people in complexity, hearing their stories, and supporting them through change, loss and uncertainty. Alongside this, I became acutely aware of the systems that often failed individuals, families and communities, and I’ve spent much of my career working within those systems to advocate for meaningful, sustained support. Over time, working across mental health, perinatal care, family and community settings, I saw how often people were expected to “cope” without space to be properly heard or supported. Psychotherapy felt like a natural extension of this work: a way to offer grounded, thoughtful support that honours both individual experience and the wider systems people live within.

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.

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.

Back in 2006 I spiraled down into depression and anxiety due to chronic stress at work. Thankfully I saw an Integrative GP who took into account my lifestyle, nutrition and underlying health issues...

Back in 2006 I spiraled down into depression and anxiety due to chronic stress at work. Thankfully I saw an Integrative GP who took into account my lifestyle, nutrition and underlying health issues instead of just prescribing me antidepressants. This started me on an exploration of somatic therapy for managing my depression.

After years working in organisational development, leadership, and change management, I found myself increasingly drawn to the deeper psychological and relational patterns underneath how people cope,...

After years working in organisational development, leadership, and change management, I found myself increasingly drawn to the deeper psychological and relational patterns underneath how people cope, adapt, relate, and function under pressure. Much of my work involved supporting individuals and teams through burnout, conflict, uncertainty, restructures, and significant life change. Over time, counselling and psychotherapy felt like a more meaningful and direct way to work alongside people during difficult or transitional periods of life. I also developed a strong interest in men’s wellbeing and the ways many men learn to carry pressure, emotion, responsibility, and identity quietly and alone. Embers & Coal grew from that intersection — combining psychologically informed practice with a grounded understanding of pressure, relationships, identity, and change.

I was drawn to psychotherapy through an interest in how people make sense of their lives, relationships, and emotional worlds. Over time this developed into a commitment to work that takes people’s...

I was drawn to psychotherapy through an interest in how people make sense of their lives, relationships, and emotional worlds. Over time this developed into a commitment to work that takes people’s experiences seriously and tries to understand distress in the context of their histories, relationships, and broader social worlds. Psychotherapy offered a way of doing work that is both intellectually engaging and deeply human.

My choice to study Social Work initially was due to a strong interest in working with children and the idea of having fun in my job was very important and appealing. Out of rebellion I decided I...

My choice to study Social Work initially was due to a strong interest in working with children and the idea of having fun in my job was very important and appealing. Out of rebellion I decided I didn't want to be a teacher (like everyone else in my family it seemed! - mother, father, step father, grandfather, aunts, uncles.) As I gained experience in working therapeutically with children and the adults in their lives I increasingly enjoyed working creatively with people of all ages and also with groups of people. Continuing to learn about people (our minds, emotions, bodily experiences, dreams etc.) and relationships, led me to expand my awareness of various healing modalities and to study Process Oriented Psychology - the love of my life! I will talk more about this in the next question.

The path to Counselling was influenced from having a really positive experience with a 'spiritual director' - who acted similar to a Counsellor and I found incredibly helpful. From then, the idea...

The path to Counselling was influenced from having a really positive experience with a 'spiritual director' - who acted similar to a Counsellor and I found incredibly helpful. From then, the idea really started to come into focus when I became involved in mens work. I was part of putting together contemporary rites of passage programs for young men as well as running a mens circle and regular retreats, which led me to consider more ways to support people. Then a Counsellor friend of mine encouraged me to study Counselling - so I did!

I was told from a very young age that I was good at helping people. Whenever anyone needed support young or old I would be there with a listening ear, empathy and support. As I grew older I realised...

I was told from a very young age that I was good at helping people. Whenever anyone needed support young or old I would be there with a listening ear, empathy and support. As I grew older I realised this is where I found my meaning and purpose and what made me feel truly fulfilled was the ability to empower others to feel heard and feel better with the tools I was learning to provide. This is why I chose social work as my profession which is grounded in empowerment and helping others.

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.

I chose clinical social work because throughout my career I witnessed the profound difference that skilled, compassionate support can make for individuals and families facing trauma, adversity, and...

I chose clinical social work because throughout my career I witnessed the profound difference that skilled, compassionate support can make for individuals and families facing trauma, adversity, and complex life challenges. In frontline roles, I saw people navigating overwhelming circumstances with limited access to safe, informed help, and I felt strongly called to be part of changing that. Clinical social work allows me to combine evidence-based practice with genuine human connection, supporting people to feel understood, regain stability, and rebuild their lives with dignity. It is a privilege to walk alongside people in their most vulnerable moments and to support meaningful, lasting change.

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.

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...

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.

Rachel's dream as a teen was to work in performing arts. She studied Art and Theatre in school and enjoyed exploring the characters’ 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 characters’ motivations and emotions. Key people in her life discouraged her from pursuing it as a career. She'd read some of her mother’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.

Having for as long as I remember an ability to help people make sense of and respond to life's challenges I decided to make a career of it.

Having for as long as I remember an ability to help people make sense of and respond to life's challenges I decided to make a career of it.

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 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.

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 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 like helping people

I like helping people

I have observed a lot of pain and the possibility of healing is available that gives hope to individuals and future generations.

I have observed a lot of pain and the possibility of healing is available that gives hope to individuals and future generations.

Significant family illnesses which changed my world overnight as a teenager, set my path towards caring and supporting. Firstly I went into nursing and specialised in Patient Safety and Quality....

Significant family illnesses which changed my world overnight as a teenager, set my path towards caring and supporting. Firstly I went into nursing and specialised in Patient Safety and Quality. Trying to make the world a better place for those that needed help the most was core to my soul.

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.

My own personal journey through the landscape of trauma and spirituality.

My own personal journey through the landscape of trauma and spirituality.

My background as a Health Project Coordinator working with homeless and disadvantaged young people and vulnerable children and parents. This was highly rewarding, very challenging and energising work.

My background as a Health Project Coordinator working with homeless and disadvantaged young people and vulnerable children and parents. This was highly rewarding, very challenging and energising work.

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.

Raised by war traumatised parents my search for meaning began as a young woman. I was attracted by the ideas of existential philosophy, feminism, Buddhism and Jungian Psychoanalysis.

Raised by war traumatised parents my search for meaning began as a young woman. I was attracted by the ideas of existential philosophy, feminism, Buddhism and Jungian Psychoanalysis.