
Petra is a highly skilled, tertiary-qualified counsellor with almost 10 years experience supporting clients' mental health. Insightful and altruistic, Petra creates a safe space to support her clients to lead more fulfilling lives.

Counselling, in person or online.
For thousands of years, human beings have taken mind-altering substances as a way to alter their perceptions and play with their minds. Natural herbs, manufactured drugs, and alcohol have all been used in this way. Many people are able to take such substances only occasionally and without interference to their relationships or general wellbeing.
But there have also always been people who have had difficulty moderating their use of drugs or alcohol, and it is these people who may go on to suffer from addiction. Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney represents a network of professional psychologists and counsellors who have significant experience addressing addiction.


Petra is a highly skilled, tertiary-qualified counsellor with almost 10 years experience supporting clients' mental health. Insightful and altruistic, Petra creates a safe space to support her clients to lead more fulfilling lives.

Sue is a Masters-qualified counsellor. Compassionate and authentic, Sue supports individuals to better understand the interplay between their internal world and their external relationships.

Wade is a tertiary-qualified Registered Counsellor with almost a decade of experience across hospital, community and private-practice settings. Warm and grounded, Wade works with individuals, creating a trusting space to allow for deep reflection.

Silvia is a Registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist with qualifications in counselling, psychology and Somatic Experiencing®. Compassionate and supportive, Silvia works with individuals to manage life’s challenges.
Individuals ✓After hours ✓

Atia is a degree-qualified counsellor with over 15 years experience working with individuals and couples. Compassionate and supportive, Atia supports her clients to develop self-awareness, empowering them to improve their wellbeing.
Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓

Jonathan is a tertiary-qualified counsellor with over 10 years experience working with adults and adolescents. Authentic and compassionate, Jonathan provides practical support, equipping clients with the skills and capacity to be their best.
Individuals ✓Weekends ✓

Daniela is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience. Warm, empathetic and deeply humanistic, she creates a space where clients feel genuinely heard, challenged and empowered to make meaningful change.
Individuals ✓Weekends ✓

Revi holds a Master of Social Work (Counselling) and has over 20 years experience counselling both individuals and couples. Compassionate and client-centred, Revi is passionate about helping her clients navigate life’s challenges.
Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓

Dinah is a degree-qualified counsellor with almost 10 years experience. Empathetic and optimistic, Dinah works in partnership with her clients, empowering them to bring about positive change and feel happier in their lives.
Individuals ✓After hours ✓
Not sure who to choose?
Weekdays 9am to 6pm, a person answers
After hours, or any time
We have practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, and a full telehealth team. Our intake specialists know who works with what, and they will point you to the right person, whether that is near home, near work or online.
Step 1
Call us weekdays between 9am and 6pm and one of our intake team picks up. They will ask what is going on and talk you through the options before you commit to anything.
Step 2
The fit between you and your therapist is the strongest thing we know of for making therapy work. We match on what you are facing, the approach you prefer, gender, language and how far you can travel.
Step 3
We confirm your booking in writing so that you know when and where you’ll be meeting your new therapist.
Addiction can be characterised as a state in which the person or their relatives and friends come to experience their drug use as a hindrance to the quality of their everyday life. This interference to one’s life may come in many forms; but often involves an experience of depression or anxiety, for some people issues with violence or loss of control, for others loss of good judgment or a loss of a significant relationship.
Counsellors & Psychologists have developed a number of evidence-based approaches for the treatment of addiction. Read on to find out more about drug addiction and how to enquire about the counselling options available to you through Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney.

Addiction to drugs (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ICE or alcohol) rarely happens instantaneously. Rather, the process of drug addiction is generally a slow one which builds up over time. People might, initially, use drugs only in a recreational way, they might use it to chill with some friends, make more of a dance party, or as a way to enhance the experience of sex.
Alternatively, people might start using drugs initially for a specific purpose, a glass of wine after work to help unwind from the day, some lines of coke to aid a student cramming for an exam. (This article is electronically protected, Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)
Using drugs in a contained way might seem fairly harmless, and certainly some people are able to use drugs sporadically or only in particular and limited circumstances. But for many others, drug taking can become habitual, desensitisation leads to increased use, and the addiction takes hold.
Drug addicts typically spend a lot of time (and money) thinking about, purchasing and taking drugs, until the process of buying and taking drugs becomes the central interest in their lives. Other pursuits and responsibilities, such as work, study, friends and family, often fall by the wayside, jobs get lost, exams failed, and relationships fail.
The downward spiral of drug addiction tends to worsen over time:-
- Increased drug use leads to increased physical dependence, and users may find that they get sick if they do not take their drug.
- Increased drug use leads to increased tolerance to the drug, and users may find that they need to take more of the drug to get the same effect or ‘high’ that they used to get from far less.
- Drug users may harm themselves or others whilst intoxicated (for e.g. whilst drink driving) or by the actual act of drug taking (e.g. catching or passing on an infectious disease such as AIDS or Hepatitis through shared needle use).
- Drug addicts might resort to activities such as theft or prostitution to help fund their drug taking, particularly if there drug addiction has forced them to lose their job.
- Drug addicts might overdose, die of drug related disease or suicide.
Why is it that some people seem prone to drug addiction, whilst others do not? No one knows for sure. However, it seems that certain factors are predicators to addictive personalities:
1. Genetics, Vulnerability to some forms of drug addiction often seems to be heredity (this does not mean that if your parent was a drug addiction, you will be to. It simply means that you might be predisposed, genetically, to addictive behaviour.
2. Childhood Abuse or Trauma, There is much evidence to suggest that addiction has a great deal to do with childhood experiences, so if you were subjected to abuse as a child (sexual, emotional or physical), or you experienced neglect or some sort of trauma, or you were the child of addicted parents, these are all indicators that you might be more susceptible to developing a drug addiction in later life.
3. Mental Illness, There is some evidence to suggest that people who are mentally ill or affected by other psychological issues (such as anxiety or depression) may use drugs as a way to manage their condition.
4. Chronic Pain, Suffers of chronic pain can become addicted to drugs as they search out solutions to their constant pain.
Whilst these factors might predispose people to becoming addicts, it is clear that these are not essential criteria on which to develop an addiction. Drug addiction affects people of all races, classes, backgrounds and cultures. Anyone can suffer addiction, and all addicts are likely to suffer some kind of negative consequences to their addiction. (This article is electronically protected, Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)
If you think you might be addicted to drugs or alcohol, and your addiction is affecting the quality of your life, addiction counselling can help. Call Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney in complete confidence. We work with professional specialists in the area of addiction counselling including counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists.
If this article was relevant to you, you may also be interested in reading articles on Gambling Addiction, Sex Addiction, Prostitution or Pornography Addiction.
No referral is needed to start. For Medicare rebates, ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Please speak to our team about your options.
Most new clients are seen within days, sooner by telehealth. Many of our practices offer early morning, evening and weekend appointments, and our intake team will find the times that suit you.
Yes, you can choose either. You can see a clinician at one of our practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, or by video from anywhere in Australia, and many clients switch between the two.
Your clinician listens to what’s brought you in, asks about your goals, and agrees to a plan with you. There is never any pressure to share more than you’re ready to.
Sessions run for 55 minutes, and the fee depends on who you see. Counsellors start from $150, social workers and psychologists from $200, and clinical psychologists from $230. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, a Medicare rebate may apply to sessions with a psychologist or a registered mental health social worker, so please speak to our staff about your options.
These are the things people come to us for.

Worry you cannot switch off, or panic that arrives out of nowhere.

Flat and exhausted, with no interest in things you used to enjoy.

Arguments that go round in circles, or drifting apart and not knowing how to talk about it.

We’ll help you spot triggers, slow the surge, and choose what happens next.

Days that feel chaotic, with everyday tasks harder than they should be.

Things that happened years ago that still affect how you feel now.

Compulsive sex or pornography use, and the issues that trigger it.

After a death, a diagnosis, or the end of something that mattered.

Food, weight and eating taking up more of the day than they should.

The full list of things our clinicians work with, across every practice and online.
Every clinician is fully registered and insured, and bound by their professional association's Code of Ethics, as our counsellor guarantee sets out.
Not sure which suits you? Speak to our team about your options.
Book with Sydney’s most trusted network
With a wealth of experience and a board of certified professionals, you know you’re in safe hands.
I am a new mum and wanted a therapist near me who specialized in postnatal depression. I thought at first I was just tired and overwhelmed but I just seemed unable to cope with anything. I wanted someone who could help me refind myself. The whole process, from finding Counsellors Sydney via Google to attending my first session with a therapist, was 10 days. Really happy, was the best decision to contact Associated Counsellors Sydney.
I have a very full schedule and wanted to find a therapist close to both where I work and where I live but I’ve found it harder than expected. I have had counselling before, but was not happy with my counsellor. Just not a great fit, and I was looking for a better one. Google, led me to stumble upon the great team at Counsellors Sydney; they’re professional, efficient, and really nice to speak to on the phone. I am sure they will provide me with some great options for who my new therapist will be.
Mental health has never been a priority in my family and so when it came time to find myself some support, I didn’t have anyone to get some guidance on where to start. Counsellors Sydney was able to find me some matches really quickly and their helpful team enabled me to trust they know what they were doing. If I ever need to find therapy in Sydney again, I know where I’m heading first :) .
Choose a region to see its practices, their addresses and who works there.

Registered Counsellor
Petra is a Registered Counsellor and member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) with experience in various roles across the healthcare industry. She holds a Diploma from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and a Graduate Diploma in Relationship Counselling, as well as advanced accreditations in grief & loss, addiction, abuse and eating disorders.
Petra has worked extensively with a diverse range of individuals across multiple organisations in both the aged care, clinical and charity sectors. Through her time at the Butterfly Foundation, Petra empowered her clients through evidence-based therapy to help them overcome negative eating patterns. Petra also has specific experience treating complex mental health in elderly clients, supporting them through issues such as trauma, grief and cognitive decline. Prior to her commencing a career in counselling, Petra worked in various roles within the corporate space, collaborating and liaising with an assortment of professionals, helping shape the person-centred approach she utlises in therapy today.
In private practice, Petra’s focus is to meet and understand where individuals are at in their lives, and best support them using a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, ACT, Strengths Based Therapy and Narrative Therapy. In her sessions, Petra assists her clients in a range of concerns, including anger management, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, workplace stress, as well as more complex mental health including eating disorders and addiction.
Petra is an insightful and altruistic counsellor, who believes everyone is unique in their counselling needs and, as such, aims to personalise each session to the individual. Creating safe, supportive and confidential spaces for people to engage, Petra uses empathy and understanding to support her clients in their mental health journey and onto more fulfilling lives.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table

Registered Counsellor
Sue is a Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a member of PACFA (Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia). She holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from ACAP University College in which she was National DUX, and a Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Prior to starting a private practice, Sue worked in hospital settings where she gained significant experience in a broad range of presentations including trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and relationship issues. In this role she facilitated group therapy sessions as well as one-on-one trauma-informed psychotherapy sessions, and also facilitated patient workshops and lectures. Sue has also worked with renowned experiential trauma programme facilitators across the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
When working with clients, Sue takes an integrative, trauma-informed and person-centered approach. She also uses a psychodynamic relational model and employs the dynamic interplay between internal world and relational experiences. At times, Sue will also engage creative techniques, narrative therapy and Gestalt therapies to facilitate new ways of processing and expressing feelings.
Prior to her work as a counsellor, Sue worked for 25 years running creative businesses in both design and recruitment where she honed her ability to tailor innovative solutions to individual needs, and build trust-based relationships - skills she now brings to her therapeutic practice.
Sue is compassionate and an authentic counsellor, focussed on creating a supportive environment for her clients to promote personal growth and recovery. Sue is passionate about helping her clients reconnect with their sense of self and purpose.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table

Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Wade is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, registered with PACFA. He holds a Bachelor of Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology and a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health and Neuroscience from the University of the Sunshine Coast, with extensive advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
Wade’s career began in hospital and community mental health settings, including several years leading a therapeutic program and multidisciplinary team. This gave him broad experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges before he moved into private practice.
Since moving into private practice, Wade works with individuals, supporting them with a range of concerns including anxiety, stress and burnout, low mood, grief, relationship and attachment difficulties, and past trauma. He has a particular interest in trauma, attachment, men’s health and addiction-related concerns.
Wade’s approach draws primarily on Internal Family Systems, integrating trauma-informed, attachment-based, psychodynamic and polyvagal-informed techniques. He works deeply and relationally with his clients, taking the time to understand what’s beneath the surface and build a genuine sense of trust and connection. He believes lasting change comes through the relationship itself, not just the techniques used within it.
Wade describes his style as clear, honest and human, creating a space paced to each client where they can explore what’s present for them without judgement or pressure.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table

Registered Counsellor
Silvia is a Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology (Sydney), a Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology from Greenwich University (London) and is currently working towards full certification as a Somatic Experiencing® practitioner with Somatic Experiencing® International.
Silvia’s journey of connecting with her authentic self, self-discovery and curating conscious relationships inspired her to help others navigate their own challenges. She has since obtained experience in various mental health settings including for Not-for-Profit organisations, in-patient services at South Pacific Private Hospital, as a grief counsellor, and as a school counsellor.
Silvia brings a wealth of knowledge, insight and life experience to her work in private practice. She is experienced working with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, trauma, bereavement, self-esteem, anger management, life transitions, addictions, eating disorders and relationship issues. Silvia also has expertise in group facilitation and regularly facilitates programs on wide-ranging topics such as emotional regulation, negative core beliefs, co-dependency and parenting. Silvia’s work has been featured in Australian magazines including Marie Claire, Women’s Weekly and Body + Soul.
As an Integrative and Trauma-Informed therapist, in her work, Silvia draws on various approaches, including Gestalt Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Experiencing® techniques, and Family Systems Therapy. She also draws on Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Inner Child Work, and Mindfulness-based techniques.
Silvia is a warm, supportive and compassionate counsellor, who tailors her approach to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each client. She is passionate about fostering a sense of self, healing relational wounds and conflicts, and resolving unfinished business from the past through a safe and caring therapeutic relationship.
Silvia can help to guide you to foster resilience, cultivate inner balance and develop new ways of responding to life’s situations.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table

Counsellor & Relationship Therapist
Atia is a psychotherapist and counsellor. She has over 15 years of experience providing support to individuals, couples and families. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Counselling) from the Australian College of Applied Psychology and is a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Prior to moving to private practice, Atia worked as a counsellor across multiple organisations, providing support to a diversity of individuals, including refugees and asylum seekers, carers of individuals living with complex mental illness and adult survivors of child abuse. Atia has expertise in providing effective treatment for issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, addictions, grief, sleep, low self-esteem and relationships. She also specialises in trauma, with extensive experience supporting survivors of psychological, sexual and physical abuse, assault and domestic violence. In her work with couples, Atia works with issues such as communication, separation and divorce, infertility and life transitions.
Atia is trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including Existential Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Art Therapy. She employs an eclectic holistic approach to treatment, adapting her skills and knowledge to best suit the treatment needs of her clients.
In her work with clients, Atia aims to encourage insight and self-awareness, and improve her clients’ self-esteem, creativity, self-care, empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to adjust to challenging circumstances. With an emphasis on being a compassionate, non-judgmental and present therapist, she hopes to provide her clients with control over their journey to address their issues in a safe and empowering manner.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table

Registered Counsellor
Jonathan is a Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist, who has worked with clients of all ages during his time in the mental health field. He holds various diplomas in Counselling, including Integrated Psychotherapy and Family Counselling from the AIFC, and is also certified as a Professional Supervisor.
Beginning his career in the youth sector, Jonathan assisted both children and adolescents from disadvantaged and traumatic backgrounds, in which he learnt to tailor his sessions to each individual to create trusting and supportive environments. From his time at various alternative learning programs, such as Youth Off The Streets and the Divergent Edge, Jonathan worked with neurodivergent, disengaged and/or complex-presenting individuals, providing support in the form of individual psychotherapy, crisis counselling and group interventions.
Moving into private practice, Jonathan uses a holistic approach to therapy, exploring the connection between family dynamics, childhood, relationships, as well as the mind and body, to assess and reflect on his clients’ concerns. Utilising an array of evidence-based practices, Jonathan incorporates modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy and Mindfulness.
Jonathan can assist his clients with an array of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief & loss, self-esteem, anger, as well as more complex mental health including domestic violence, self-harm and suicidal ideation, addiction and trauma. Jonathan also has a particular interest in neurodiversity, specifically assisting those with ADHD.
Jonathan is an authentic and compassionate practitioner, who prides himself on his practical and insightful approach to counselling. Through supporting the development of appropriate life skills, he helps his clients identify and achieve their goals, as well as move forward with confidence and become the best version of themselves.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table

Registered Psychologist
Daniela is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, behavioural support, university teaching, and clinical supervision. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and has trained in a variety of evidence-based modalities including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at the Beck Institute, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with renowned US-based psychologist Marsha Linehan.
Daniela has extensive experience supporting clients from diverse cultures, professions and psychosocial backgrounds from her work in private practice, at universities and with the NDIS. She works with a wide range of presentations including but not limited to anxiety, depression, OCD, complex post-traumatic disorder, relationship and sexual challenges, career challenges, psychological disorders, mildlife transition and life purpose.
Daniela’s main therapeutic approaches are humanistic, existential, psychodynamic and systemic. She also utilises the tenets of positive psychology to promote and provide unconditional empathy and positive acceptance in her work with clients. In addition to her training in CBT and DBT, Daniela is also skilled in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and psychodynamic approaches.
Daniela is a welcoming, empathetic and inspirational practitioner. Her work is characterised by her warmth, her critical thinking and a humanist perspective. She is passionate about offering a space where her clients can feel heard, be respectfully challenged, and supported to create meaningful change.
Daniela is also an experienced careers psychologist and a member of the Career Development Association of Australia. In this capacity, she enjoys working with adolescents and adults to navigate career transitions, rediscover purpose, and align their work with their values.
Psychologist
$200 to $265
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Your GP can assess you and write a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Tell us if you already have one when you book, and ask for a psychologist or a registered mental health social worker, because the rebate only covers those. See the full fee table

Counsellor & Relationship Therapist
Revi is a professional Psychotherapist and Counsellor and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, with over two decades of experience counselling both individuals and couples. Revi holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a Masters of Social Work (Counselling).
Revi is experienced in working with a range of presentations including anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, relationship dynamics, conflict resolution and family support. She is an experienced relationship therapist. She also has experience in veteran and family counselling, addressing substance misuse and transition challenges. Additionally, Revi has worked with corporate clients providing workplace mental health support and has experience with critical incident responses and as an EAP provider.
As a counsellor, Revi is compassionate, holistic and client-centred. She utilises various evidence-based approaches including, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed care, the Gottman Method of relationship therapy, and Imago.
Revi tailors her services to meet each of her client’s unique needs and works collaboratively to create a supportive and empowering environment during her sessions. Revi is passionate about helping her clients navigate life’s challenges, foster resilience and achieve personal growth.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table

Registered Counsellor
Dinah is a Registered Counsellor and member of the Australian Counselling Association. She holds both a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Sciences from the Australian College of Applied Professions and a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from the University of New England, as well as a Bachelor in Biomedical Science from the University of Technology Sydney.
Having worked in the medical and mental health space for a number of years, Dinah has supported individuals experiencing moderate to severe mental health concerns, providing acute care and support for those in crisis. Through her time in both private and non-government organisations, Dinah has used evidence-based therapies to empower patients on their mental health journey.
Within private practice, Dinah has a holistic, person-centred approach to her counselling, building personal strategies and developing positive thinking through empathy to strengthen her clients’ interpersonal skills. Using a range of therapeutic approaches, Dinah has a particular focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Strategies. During her sessions, Dinah assists her clients in a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, self-esteem and phobias, as well as more complex mental health such as addiction and eating disorders. Dinah has a special interest in supporting clients with issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity.
Working with couples, Dinah has a broad range of experience with both traditional and non-traditional relationships, focusing on issues including arguments and communication, intimacy and sex, infidelity and stagnation.
Dinah is an empathetic and optimistic practitioner, taking a client-focused approach during her sessions. Working in partnership with her patients, Dinah aims to empower and bring about positive change as her clients move forward with their lives.
Counsellor
$150 to $220
fee range, per 55-minute session
Please ask for the exact fee when you call.
No referral is needed, so you can start straight away. This fee does not attract a Medicare rebate. See the full fee table