My approach to counselling

You’ve heard a bit about counselling, psychology and therapy.

Perhaps you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?“

You’ve done the Google searches:

“Therapist near me” or maybe even

“Male therapist near me,” and it all just feels a bit overwhelming.

Read more about What men really want from therapy here

Searching for a therapist that’s the right fit can feel like quite the exercise. It’s also the single biggest factor in helping you make the progress you’re looking for.

💭 Maybe you’re unsure what to expect in therapy.

💭 Maybe you’re worried about being judged.

💭 You might even wonder: “Is seeing a therapist worth it?“

At Solid Foundations Counselling, my goal is simple: to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood.

I believe counselling should be practical. Whilst I’m not here to solve your problems for you, by offering a different perspective and helping uncover your strengths I can provide you with the tools and strategies that can assist with navigating challenges, and building the confidence you need to move forward.

Too often, we feel defined by anxiety, stress, or depression. My approach puts you at the centre, not just your symptoms. I fully understand many of the challenges I work through with my clients from both a clinical and personal perspective including burnout, relationship breakdown, life and career transitions, grief and struggles with anxiety and depression. Before we talk strategies, I want to know what matters to you, what values guide your life, and what you hope to get out of our time together.

The benefits of therapy come when there’s trust, and that develops over time. I focus on creating a safe, non-judgemental space where you can be honest, vulnerable, or even uncertain. It can feel uncomfortable at times and that’s often a sign that you’re on the right track, but respecting boundaries and working at your pace is essential to building the trust necessary to facilitate the progress you’re looking for.

If you’re asking, “what does a counsellor do?” here’s the truth: good therapy is about connecting your past to your present, so you can step into the future with clarity. We’ll explore how your experiences shaped you, but our focus is on building resilience and direction going forward. There will be times when we discuss the events that got you to where you are to help make sense of your situation. Confidence is a byproduct of self-awareness.

Feeling stuck can make change seem impossible. That’s why I help you break down big obstacles into small, achievable steps. By practising simple tools outside of sessions, you build momentum that leads to lasting change.

Ideally, we catch up at a frequency that suits you. With some clients, this starts off as weekly sessions that spread out over time. Many clients tell me that simply having someone to check in with when they need it makes all the difference.

Every client is different. Some come to counselling to manage stress and anxiety, others for grief, relationship challenges, or finding direction in life. I adapt our sessions to suit your unique needs and if I can’t provide what you’re looking for, I have an incredible network of professionals I will happily connect you with so that you can make the progress that’s meaningful to you.

Research shows the benefits of counselling go well beyond symptom relief. Clients often report:

✅ Greater emotional resilience

✅ Improved communication and relationships

✅ More effective stress management

✅ Clarity around values and life direction

Common comments I hear from those I work with include:

💡 “I’ve never spoken to anyone about this before.”

💡 “I feel lighter!”

💡 “I’ve never thought about it like that before!”

Counselling is an investment in yourself; one that pays off in both the short and long term.

At Solid Foundations Counselling, I focus on building exactly that – solid foundations for a healthier, more balanced life.

Whilst some clients only need a couple of sessions together, counselling isn’t necessarily about quick fixes. It’s about creating space for growth, healing, and clarity.

Having someone to talk to knowing that they are 100% in your corner with the tools and insights to help you move forward, is like having a high performance coach for your mental wellbeing.

Read more about what to expect in your first counselling session

📍 In-person counselling in Melbourne – Oak Park and West Footscray

💻 Online therapy available Australia-wide. Get in touch via phone or email or book a session here.