frequently asked questions men’s counselling manly

Answers to frequently asked questions

what does counselling do?

Counselling gives you a straight-up space to work through what’s actually going on, without judgement or theory. When you’re in the thick of work stress, relationship pressure, or just feeling stuck, it’s hard to see things clearly. Counselling helps you step back, spot the patterns, and understand what’s driving certain reactions. From there, we work out practical steps that actually fit your life. It’s not about fixing you — you’re not broken. It’s about building clarity, strength, and tools you can use every day.

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 bring a Bechelor and Masters’s in Business and over 40 years of business experience, including conducting in-depth research with more than 2,000 people in customer, leadership, and staff roles. Long before I received formal training, I was helping people make sense of complex situations and find practical solutions. My approach draws from Internal Family Systems, Gestalt therapy, mindfulness practices, and organisational psychology.

what should I expect?

Your first session is free and runs for 60 minutes, giving you the chance to see if this feels right. We’ll start with whatever brought you here and go from there - no forms, no tests, just straight conversation. I’ll ask questions that help you look at things differently and together we’ll work out what practical support could be most useful. Sessions are available face-to-face in Balgowlah (near Manly) or online if that suits better. It’s straightforward, no jargon, no judgement.

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 to see what's working and make adjustments as we go. You're in control of how long this continues.

are my counselling sessions and information confidential?

Yes, everything we discuss stays between us. The only exception is if someone is at immediate risk of serious harm, and even then we would talk it through together first. I don’t keep detailed files or notes that are stored in any system. This is your private space to speak openly and honestly.

do Counsellors always ask about childhood experiences?

Not unless it’s relevant to what you’re going through now. I focus on what’s happening in your life today and how to make it work better. Sometimes old patterns show up in current challenges, but we only explore them if it helps make sense of your situation. The goal isn’t to dig up the past for its own sake—it’s to create clarity for your present.

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

NNot at all. Many people come to counselling when life is going well but they want to understand themselves better, improve relationships, or build resilience before challenges arrive. Others seek support with everyday stress, work pressure, or major life transitions. You don’t need to be in crisis or have a trauma history to benefit—counselling can simply be a way to think things through with skilled support.

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

The opposite. Shame thrives in silence and counselling breaks that by giving you a space to talk openly without judgement. My role isn’t to make you feel guilty, it’s to help you understand yourself with more compassion and find practical ways forward. Most people leave sessions feeling lighter and clearer, not heavier.

What if I don’t know what to say?

That’s normal. You don’t need to have the perfect words. Most men typically begin by discussing work stress, relationship pressures, or simply feeling stuck. My job is to guide the conversation so it feels natural, not forced.

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.

We hope these frequently asked questions have given you a clearer picture of what to expect from men’s counselling Manly, and how it can support you.