what is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?

Psychologists have university degrees in psychology and can diagnose mental health conditions. Counsellors like me have specialised training in helping people work through life challenges, stress, and relationship issues. Think of it this way: if you need a formal diagnosis or assessment, see a psychologist. If you want practical support to work through what's going on in your life, counselling is often the better fit. Plus, there are no gap fees or insurance paperwork with counselling.

what qualifications do counsellors have?

I'm currently completing my Graduate Diploma of Counselling. I also bring 40+ years of business experience, including conducting in-depth research with over 2,000 people as customers, in leadership and staff roles. Before formalising my counselling training, I was already doing this work - helping people make sense of complex situations and find practical ways forward. My approach draws from Internal Family Systems, Gestalt therapy, mindfulness practices, and organisational psychology..

what does counselling do?

Counselling gives you space to think clearly about what's really going on. When you're dealing with work stress, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, it's hard to see the situation objectively when you're in the middle of it. Counselling helps you step back, spot patterns, understand what's driving certain behaviours or reactions, and work out practical steps that actually fit your life. It's not about fixing you - you're not broken. It's about building skills and clarity.

what should I expect?

Your first session is free - 60 minutes to see if this feels right. We'll start with whatever brought you here and go from there—no forms, no tests, just conversation. I'll ask questions that help you think about things differently, and we'll work out what practical support might be helpful. Sessions are in Balgowlah (near Manly) or online if that works better. It's straightforward, no jargon, no judgment.

how many counselling sessions will I need?

Depends entirely on what you're dealing with and what feels helpful. Some people get clarity in a few sessions. Others work with me for months. There's no set program or timeline. We check in regularly about what's working and adjust as we go. You're in control of how long this continues.

are my counselling sessions and information confidential?

Absolutely. What we discuss stays between us. The only exception would be if someone were at immediate risk of serious harm - and if that ever came up, we'd talk through it together first. I don't keep detailed files or notes that go into any system. This is your private space to speak openly.

do Counsellors always ask about childhood experiences?

Not unless it's relevant to what you're dealing with now. I'm more interested in what's happening in your life today and how we can make it work better. Sometimes patterns from earlier in life do show up in current challenges, but we only go there if it helps make sense of what you're experiencing now. This isn't about digging up the past for the sake of it.

is counselling only for people who have experienced trauma or are currently experiencing a problem?

Not at all. Plenty of people come to counselling when life is actually going pretty well, but they want to understand themselves better, improve relationships, or build resilience before challenges hit. Others come when they're dealing with everyday stress, work pressure, or life transitions. You don't need to be in crisis or have experienced trauma to benefit from having someone skilled help you think things through.

i feel too much shame to come to counselling, won't counselling make me feel more guilty?

This is the opposite of what good counselling does. Shame thrives in isolation and silence. When you can talk openly about what's going on without being judged, shame loses its power. My job isn't to make you feel guilty about anything - it's to help you understand yourself with more compassion and find practical ways to move forward. Most people leave sessions feeling lighter, not heavier.

do only males see male counsellors?

Not at all. While I do specialise in working with men and understand the particular pressures men face, I work with anyone who feels comfortable with my approach. Some women prefer working with a male counsellor, especially around relationship or workplace issues. Some men prefer female counsellors. It's about finding the right fit for you, not about matching gender.