A different way to understand anxiety
Anxiety is not a failing of character or a sign that something is wrong with you. It is your nervous system doing exactly what it evolved to do, scanning for threat and preparing you to respond. The problem is that in modern life, that alarm system often fires when there is no real danger, and the more we fight it, the louder it gets.
In sessions, we slow this down. We look at what your anxiety is actually responding to, how it shows up in your body, and the patterns that keep it cycling. Understanding the mechanism is often the first relief - it turns something frightening and formless into something you can work with.
The approaches I use
My work draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), polyvagal theory and somatic awareness. Rather than trying to think your way out of anxiety, you learn to change your relationship to it: to notice anxious thoughts without being run by them, to regulate your nervous system, and to keep moving toward what matters even when discomfort is present.
This is evidence-based, practical work. You leave sessions with tools you can actually use - not just insight, but capacity.
In person in Carlton, or online
Sessions are available in person at 167 Drummond Street, Carlton VIC 3053, or online via a secure, confidential platform anywhere in the world. Many clients find online sessions just as effective, particularly when anxiety makes leaving the house feel like a lot.
Common questions
How many sessions will I need for anxiety?
There is no fixed number, and we decide together. Some people feel a real shift within a handful of sessions, once they understand what their nervous system is doing. Others want longer to work with patterns that have been running for years. We review how it is going as we go, and you can pause or stop at any point.
Will counselling make my anxiety go away?
The aim is not to switch anxiety off. It is to change your relationship with it, so it stops running your life. Anxiety is an alarm system, and you need it. In sessions you learn to notice the alarm, settle your body, and keep moving toward what matters while it sounds.
Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?
No. You can book directly, and you do not need a GP referral or a diagnosis to start. If it would help to involve your GP or another practitioner, we can talk about that together.
Can I claim anxiety counselling on Medicare?
No. I am a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor, not a psychologist, and Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan do not cover counsellors. Some private health funds do cover counselling, so it is worth checking your policy. I provide a receipt for every session.
Learn more about individual counselling or read the frequently asked questions.