True Blue Counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy where you meet with a trained professional to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. The counsellor listens carefully and provides support, guidance, and strategies to help you manage and overcome personal challenges. It can help with various issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, stress, or life transitions. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and gain insights that can improve your mental and emotional well-being.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling with emotions or situations in your life that feel too difficult to manage on your own, it might be a good idea to seek counselling. Some signs that you may benefit from counselling include persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty coping with daily tasks, relationship issues, or trauma-related symptoms. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and that you don’t have to go through challenges alone.

Counselling can help with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

• Relationship difficulties (family, couples, or friends).

• Life transitions (divorce, career changes, grief, or loss).

• Low self-esteem or self-worth.

• Stress management.

• Addiction or substance use concerns.

• Coping with trauma or abuse.

• Anger management.

• Parenting challenges.

If you're unsure whether counselling is right for your specific concern, it’s helpful to speak with a counsellor who can assess your situation and provide guidance.

The duration of counselling varies depending on the individual’s needs and the issues they are facing. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others might benefit from long-term therapy. On average, most people attend between 6 to 12 sessions, but this can be adjusted based on progress. Counselling is typically flexible, and the number of sessions can be decided between you and your counsellor.

A typical counselling session usually lasts around 50 minutes to an hour. During the session, you'll have the chance to talk about what’s on your mind in a confidential environment. The counsellor may ask questions to help you explore your feelings, identify patterns, and work toward finding solutions. They may also introduce coping strategies, techniques, or exercises to help you manage or address your concerns. The session may involve talking, goal-setting, or reflective activities.

Yes, counselling is confidential. What you discuss with your counsellor is generally kept private. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there is a legal requirement to disclose information. However, your counsellor will explain these limits of confidentiality at the beginning of your sessions, and they will always aim to protect your privacy.

You do not need a referral to see a counsellor in Australia. You can contact a counsellor directly to book an appointment.

It is important to note that counsellors are unable to accomodate Mental Health Care Plans from your doctor, as you are unable to claim a Medicare rebate.

t’s completely normal to feel a bit uneasy when starting therapy. If at any point during a session you feel uncomfortable, it’s important to communicate this with your counsellor. A good counsellor will be understanding and work with you to create a safe, trusting environment. If after a few sessions you still don’t feel comfortable, it’s okay to look for another counsellor with whom you feel more at ease.

Yes, counselling can make a significant difference. It helps many people improve their mental health, find solutions to personal challenges, and build better coping skills. However, the success of counselling depends on your engagement in the process, your willingness to explore your thoughts and feelings, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Many people report feeling a sense of relief, clarity, and empowerment after attending counselling, which helps them lead more fulfilling lives.

Your mental wellness and happiness are just as important as your physical health. Science has proven there is a direct link between stress and trauma and your physical wellness. True Blue Counselling acknowledges this and offers counselling sessions at a very competitive rate. We understand the Cost of Living Crisis has affected what we choose to spend money on. For that reason, we are prepared to offer discounted service for people on a lower income, like pensioners and carers. Financial hardship should be no barrier to sincere need, and will be considered on a case by case basis.

I obtained a Graduate Diploma in Counselling in 2006, a Certificate 4 in Mental Health in 2011 and a Master of Counselling in 2024.

Here is what the Australian Counselling Association has to say:

Norcross, J. C., & Goldfried, M. R. (2005). Training in Psychotherapy Integration. Handbook of Psychotherapy Integration. doi:10.1093/med:psych/9780195165791.003.0021

This guide is designed to help people understand what the differences are between the professions so they can better understand how their needs can be met. There is no evidence to suggest that one form of mental health care speciality is superior to another. Everyone is different and has different needs to meet their individual circumstances.

Evidence based practises and modalities are taught to trained professionals, all of whom overlap in many ways, but have distinctions in other ways.

So what's the difference between a Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Social Worker, and Mental Health Nurse?

Counsellors

In contrast to treatments utilising mainly chemical or physical measures a Counsellor or Psychotherapist uses evidence based therapies to help clients develop interpersonal skills to gain insight to promote positive personality growth and development. Counsellors are relational practitioners who assist with the resolution of specific problems or changes in life transitions, holistically tailored to the needs of clients (which can be individuals, families, couples or groups) in their family, social and cultural contexts to assist clients to resolve issues affecting their wellbeing and social functioning. The relationship with the client is the focal point of therapy utilised to explore underlying problems and disordered patterns of behaviour that require resolution, within the framework of a contracted professional relationship.  

Psychologists

A Psychologist will diagnose a problem and sometimes refer clients to a psychiatrist for medication. There are three commonly referred to which include: generalist, clinical, and counselling psychologists. All registered psychologists can diagnose, assess and treat clients within the limits of their competence (AAPI). <https://aapi.org.au/Web/findapsychologist/About-psychologists-for-clients/Web/Accessing-Psychologists/What-is-a-psychologist.aspx?hkey=c760c394-c888-42f0-8e9e-1f2828493563>

A large number of psychologists fulfil some type of a therapeutic role, assessing their client’s concerns and life circumstances, and offering support, advice and treatment to address their client’s issues (APS). <https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/What-does-a-psychologist-do/Assessment-and-therapy-(1)>

A psychologist with an area of practice endorsement usually has additional university qualifications and supervised training in that specific area.

More than 60% of Australia's psychologists are psychologists with general registration. A generalist Psychologist works in a number of settings and is often called upon to conduct psychological assessments and write reports for individuals, education and forensic settings (APS). <https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/General-psychologist>

Clinical psychologists provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across the lifespan and for mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex (APS). <https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/Clinical-psychologists>

Counselling psychologists provide a wide variety of techniques and therapeutic approaches that meet the specific needs and circumstances of clients which include mediation, counselling, and mental health disorders (APS). <https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/Counselling-psychology>

When working with clients, I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to best meet their unique needs and goals. Here's a brief overview of the therapies I use and how each one can be helpful:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, clients can develop healthier thinking patterns and, as a result, improve their emotional well-being and behaviours. It's often used for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress management.

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

ACT encourages clients to accept difficult emotions and thoughts rather than trying to avoid or suppress them. The focus is on increasing psychological flexibility and helping clients live in alignment with their core values. It’s particularly useful for people who feel "stuck" in negative thought cycles and helps with issues like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

3. Expressive Therapies:

These therapies use creative expression—such as art, music, dance, or writing—as a way to explore emotions, release stress, and gain insight. Expressive therapies can be especially helpful for those who may struggle with verbal communication or for clients dealing with trauma, as it allows for non-verbal processing of emotions.

4. Mindfulness:

Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It helps clients become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in a non-reactive way. Mindfulness can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being. It's often integrated into other therapeutic approaches like CBT or ACT.

5. Solution-Focused Therapy:

This is a short-term, goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. The therapist works with the client to identify strengths and resources, develop a vision of their desired future, and create practical steps to reach their goals. It’s effective for people who want to see quick progress and have specific, actionable goals.

6. Psychodynamic Therapy:

This approach is based on the idea that unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence current behaviour and relationships. Psychodynamic therapy helps clients understand the root causes of their issues, often by exploring childhood experiences and unconscious patterns. It can be especially helpful for those dealing with long-standing emotional difficulties or complex relationships.

Each of these therapies can be tailored to fit the individual, and often, I combine elements from multiple approaches depending on what will be most effective for the person I'm working with.