What happens in a first session
Mostly, we talk. I will explain confidentiality, ask what brought you here, and we will get a sense of whether we work well together. You do not need to prepare anything.
Read moreResources
Helpful Things to Read
Support you can reach for right now
A few plain-language answers to the questions I am asked most, and the organisations I most often point people towards.
Questions I am asked most
Short pieces written for the moment before you pick up the phone.
How to explain counselling to your child
Children cope far better when they know what to expect. A few simple phrasings that work, and the ones best avoided.
Read moreWhen a child will not talk about it
Silence is not resistance. Why play, sand and LEGO® often reach what questions cannot.
Read moreSupporting an anxious child at bedtime
Practical things parents can try tonight, and why reassurance sometimes makes worry louder.
Read moreSchool refusal: where to start
What is often underneath it, and how to work with the school rather than against the morning.
Read moreLooking after yourself as a practitioner
Notes on supervision, vicarious trauma and the quiet cost of caring well.
Read moreAustralian mental health directory
A wider list, grouped by who it is for. All are Australian, free or low cost, and independent of my practice. In an emergency, always call 000.
Crisis and immediate support
- Lifeline 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention · 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service Free 24/7 phone and online counselling · 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue Anxiety, depression and suicide prevention, 24/7 · 1300 22 4636
- MensLine Australia 24/7 support for men, including relationship concerns · 1300 78 99 78
- Open Arms Counselling for veterans and their families, 24/7 · 1800 011 046
Children, young people and parents
- Kids Helpline Counselling for ages 5 to 25, any time · 1800 55 1800
- Parentline Victoria Support for parents and carers in Victoria with children up to 18. Outside Victoria, your state or territory government has its own parent helpline · 13 22 89
- Raising Children Network Evidence-based parenting information, newborn to teen
- ReachOut Youth-friendly mental health information and forums
- headspace and eheadspace Mental health support for ages 12 to 25, with centres nationwide. eheadspace phone and online support, 3pm to 10pm every day · 1800 650 890
- Emerging Minds Infant and child mental health resources for families
Family violence, abuse and safety
- 1800RESPECT Family violence and sexual assault support, 24/7 · 1800 737 732
- Safe Steps Victoria’s family violence response centre, 24/7 · 1800 015 188
- Blue Knot Foundation Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma · 1300 657 380
- Bravehearts Support and education on child sexual abuse · 1800 272 831
Specific communities
- 13YARN Crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellors · 13 92 76
- QLife Peer support for LGBTQIASB+ people, 3pm to 9pm every day · 1800 184 527
- Victorian Transcultural Mental Health Support for multicultural communities and the services that work with them · (03) 9231 3300
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health Mental health information in community languages
Specific concerns
- Butterfly Foundation Eating disorders and body image, 8am to midnight · 1800 33 4673
- PANDA Perinatal anxiety and depression, for parents and partners · 1300 726 306
- Red Nose Grief and Loss Support after the death of a baby or child, 24/7 · 1300 308 307
- Griefline Free counselling for grief and loss · 1300 845 745
- Sane Australia Support for complex mental health issues and carers, Mon to Fri 10am to 8pm · 1800 187 263
- Carer Gateway Counselling and practical support for unpaid carers · 1800 422 737
Alcohol, drugs and gambling
- DirectLine (Victoria) Confidential alcohol and drug counselling, 24/7 · 1800 888 236
- National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline Connects you to your state’s service, 24/7 · 1800 250 015
- Family Drug Support Support for families affected by drug and alcohol use, 24/7 · 1300 368 186
- Gambler’s Help Free counselling for gambling and its effects on families · 1800 858 858
Finding a service or practitioner
- Medicare Mental Health The Australian Government’s guide to finding mental health support near you. The phone line is open weekdays 8:30am to 5pm and is not a crisis line · 1800 595 212
- eMHPrac digital directory Comprehensive directory of Australian digital mental health services, kept current
- ACA “Find a Counsellor” Search registered counsellors by location and specialty · 1300 784 333
- Mental Health Online Free online assessment and self-guided programs
- This Way Up Evidence-based online courses for anxiety, stress and low mood
These services are listed as a convenience and are not affiliated with Hope and Healing Therapy. Phone numbers and hours can change — please check the organisation’s own website for current details. For the most comprehensive and regularly updated list of Australian digital mental health services, see the eMHPrac directory.
Not sure where to begin?
You are welcome to get in touch for a confidential, obligation-free conversation — no referral needed.