Our Approach
We are committed to your wellbeing, and believe that we offer easily accessible, competitively priced, professional, and qualified services to help you determine and achieve your goals. Emphasis on person-centred, trauma-informed, strengths-based and solution-focussed practice, allows us to support you effectively from the initial point of contact.
Research has shown the greatest participant satisfaction and results occur in client-led relationships, in collaborative, safe and non-judgemental environments. Along with relaxation techniques and a specific focus on calming the mind, our counselling is a therapeutic service which aims to promote your understanding and increase your ability to independently manage problematic events in your life.
Areas of Focus
Including, but not limited to:- Relationships
- Grief and Loss
- Advanced Care Planning
- Terminal Illness
- Anxiety / Stress / Depression
- Social Isolation & Loneliness
- Support for Carers
- Voluntary Assisted Dying
- Alcohol & Substance Misuse or Abuse
- Responding to Life Transitions (Separation, employment, illness etc)
- PTSD (Incl Male Adult Victims/Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse)
Service Delivery Options
In-Home
If you choose the In-Home option a therapist conveniently comes to visit you in your home, enhancing your feelings of safety, comfort and ability to control. Open discussion is more achievable as people often feel more relaxed in their home rather than in a clinical office environment. This generally allows an increase in their level of participation and can reduce feelings of stress an anxiousness.
Our Face-to-Face sessions are currently available throughout the northern suburbs of Sydney, Monday to Friday and on some weekends. (please see the Contact page for more information).
If you live outside this service area you might consider our online option, which has similar benefits to our face-to-face sessions. Please read the information below.
In-Nature
In-Nature sessions can be particularly therapeutic, promoting calm and relaxation. Much research has produced evidence highlighting the various positive effects of being in a natural environment and its ability to promote overall wellbeing. Activities such as the practice of Forest Bathing (or Shinrin-Yoku) has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels, as well as improve mood and motivation.
Our outdoor sessions can be conducted if the weather allows, at your local park, gardens, beach or similar.
It could mean simply sitting on a park bench or in your garden, increasing positive emotions as well as reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Please read our Benefits of Nature page for more information.
(Please note that these locations do not always provide absolute privacy unless on private land, and alternatives can be discussed at the time of booking).
Online
These sessions are equally effective as in-person and can promote convenience and feelings of safety, allowing you more flexibility. Online sessions overcome geographical or travel issues and are available to anyone in any location in Australia provided you have access to a reliable internet connection.
Interruptions can lead to frustration and disrupt the flow of thought and ability to progress. If you have issues with internet reliability, perhaps consider the telephone option or contact us to discuss your options further.
Online sessions are also suited to many, particularly those with physical or time constraints, work or family commitments.
Often people prefer to have an element of distance between themselves and a counsellor, this option provides a protective barrier allowing you to feel more at ease and helps to overcome privacy or stigma issues.
Telephone
Our telephone sessions can provide convenience and comfort if this is your preference. In a quiet space with no interruptions, you are able to communicate freely from home or anywhere that suits you. Being outside or between appointments, our telephone sessions allow you greater flexibility and the ability to make the most of your day.
Recent research has shown that telephone and online services can be equally as valid as in-person sessions. Many people prefer telephone sessions due to anonymity, flexibility and convenience, however the decision is yours based upon your individual needs and preferences.
Available Australia-wide as 1-hour sessions or 30-minute follow-up sessions.
Please contact us for more information.
Our Memberships
All discussions in our sessions are confidential.
Improve Your Life practices non-discrimination — we will not discriminate anyone on any grounds. You will not be judged on your present or past situations, beliefs or behaviours, or personal choices.
With us you will feel free to discuss anything that is concerning you.
Please click here to see our Privacy Policy.
Improve Your Life Counselling – ABN 55 956 135 088 – is a registered Australian business providing professional services by qualified practitioners.
Cancellation Policy: Less than 48 hrs prior to the session will incur 100% of agreed fees. See more here.