We can’t find that page – but counselling support is here
You’re not lost. You just took a side track.
Sometimes links break or pages move. It’s okay. You’re in the right place for support.
Anxiety or stress? See how counselling can help
Relationship strain? Support that’s practical and fair
Feeling low or flat? Depression counselling that meets you where you’re at
Grief and loss? Gentle space to make sense of it
Prefer a quick chat? Request a call back
You’re not alone
Reaching out can feel big. Many people start here. We keep sessions simple, respectful, and useful from day one.
Clear. Compassionate. Practical.
We focus on what you need most right now. Tools that fit your life. Steps you can use this week.
Northern Beaches and online
Sessions in Manly and across Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Online options are available across NSW.
immediate help
If you need immediate help, call 000.
If you need crisis support, contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue.
We’ll be here when you’re ready.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
What is realistic counselling and how is it different from traditional therapy?
Realistic counselling focuses on what’s helpful, practical and grounded in your day-to-day life. Rather than analysing your past endlessly or talking in circles, it’s about making sense of what’s happening now — and what to do about it.
It doesn’t mean ignoring emotions. It means working with them in a way that leads to insight, action and clarity. If you’ve ever thought, “I just want someone who gets it,” that’s what realistic counselling offers. At The Counselling Practice, we focus on real conversations, not textbook scripts.
how might realistic counselling work for me?
If you’re looking for support that is clear, direct and actually helpful in the real world, realistic counselling could be a good fit. It’s beneficial if:
You’re feeling overwhelmed, but don’t know where to start
You’ve tried other therapies that felt too theoretical or slow
You want to talk things through with someone practical, not clinical
You’re not looking to be “fixed” — you just want tools that work
At our Manly practice on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, we meet you where you are. No jargon. No judgment. Just support that makes sense.
What does realistic counselling look like in practice
Men tend to benefit from more realistic conversations and so sessions are more often focused, conversational and grounded. You might talk about what’s weighing on you, where you’re stuck, or how certain patterns keep showing up in your relationships. From there, your counsellor will help you identify what’s in your control — and what changes might make life feel lighter.
We often use practical frameworks from therapies like CBT, ACT or mindfulness-based approaches, but without overwhelming you with jargon. Everything is adapted to your life, your pace and your goals.
What kind of issues can a more realistic approach to counselling help with?
A Realistic approach to counselling on Sydney’s Northern Beaches can support you through a wide range of challenges, including:
Stress and burnout, especially related to work or family responsibilities
Depression or low mood, when motivation disappears
Anxiety or overthinking, including sleep issues and restlessness
Relationship problems, including communication breakdowns and emotional distance
Life transitions, such as moving, divorce, job change or loss
These issues don’t need to be at a crisis point to matter. If something’s feeling off, that’s enough of a reason to start.
Why choose The Counselling Practice for a realistic appraoch to counselling in can help
Because we actually understand what you’re asking for. Many people come to us saying, “I just want something that makes sense.” That’s our starting point. We offer realistic counselling that’s straightforward, compassionate and backed by evidence-based approaches.
Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, grief, conflict or just need a space to think things through, our team provides support that’s clear, honest and thoroughly tailored to you — online or in person from our practice in Manly.