In-Person in Illawong, NSW 2234
Online in Australia
Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, especially when you are overwhelmed, stuck or unsure where to begin.
I work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, ADHD, grief, workplace pressure, relationship difficulties, low self esteem, emotional overwhelm or major life changes. You do not need to arrive with a clear explanation of what is wrong. We can start with what has been feeling hardest lately.
My approach is warm, practical and straight talking. I will listen properly, ask honest questions and help you make sense of what has been happening. Together, we can look at the patterns, pressure and emotions underneath it and work out practical steps that feel realistic.
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked across law enforcement, the legal sector, crisis response, child protection and community services. These experiences shaped the way I work, with calmness, compassion and respect for what people carry.
Face to face counselling is available in Illawong, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, with online counselling available across Australia. I also offer a free 15 minute phone consultation if you would like to ask a few questions first.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior
Demographic Expertise: Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: My approach is warm, practical and trauma informed. I tailor each session to your needs, drawing on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment based counselling and emotionally focused therapy.
Together, we may look at unhelpful thought patterns, build emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, improve communication and understand the deeper patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
Sessions are collaborative and focused, while still giving you space to talk things through at your own pace. My aim is for you to feel genuinely heard and supported, while also leaving with practical tools you can use in everyday life.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $160 AUD
- Accepts Insurance
- NIB Health Fund & BUPA
Education & Credentials
Mindnest Counselling B.Couns
- Female
- License # 17556
- Licensed in NSW
- Practicing Since 2021
Education: I undertook an Associate Degree in Policing while serving as a NSW Police Officer, along with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training. I later earned a Diploma of Counselling and went on to complete a Bachelor of Counselling.
Mindnest Counselling Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Illawong, NSW 2234
- Available Online for residents of Australia
- Online Therapy Details: SecureVideo
Mindnest Counselling is a private counselling practice based in Illawong, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. I offer face to face counselling for adults and secure online counselling across Australia.
People often come to counselling because something is no longer working, even if they cannot clearly explain what needs to change. You might be anxious, burnt out, overthinking everything, struggling to switch off, dealing with ADHD or grief, or feeling stuck in patterns that keep repeating.
I support adults with anxiety, social anxiety, stress, burnout, ADHD, workplace pressure, grief and loss, relationship stress, boundaries, assertiveness, emotional regulation, low self esteem and major life changes.
I also provide counselling for police, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency services workers dealing with difficult incidents, workplace pressure, cumulative exposure or difficulty switching off.
Sessions are practical, supportive and tailored to what is happening for you. I will not simply sit quietly while you try to work everything out on your own. We look at what has been feeling hardest, what may be sitting underneath it and what could help in everyday life.
My work draws on approaches including CBT, ACT, attachment informed counselling and trauma informed practice. I use these approaches flexibly rather than following a one size fits all formula.
My professional background includes counselling, law enforcement, the legal sector, crisis response, child protection and community services. With experience as a general duties police officer, I understand some of the culture and pressures that can be difficult to explain outside the role.
Mindnest Counselling is located at Suite 9, 273 Fowler Road, Illawong. Free parking is available at Illawong Shopping Village, including undercover parking. Weekday and selected evening appointments are available, and no referral is required.
Individual counselling sessions are $160 for 50 minutes and couples counselling sessoons are $220 for 50 minutes. Bupa and nib rebates may be available depending on your cover. A free 15 minute phone consultation is available if you would like to ask questions and see whether working together feels like the right fit.