Our Locations
We have practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, and online. You can also access counselling through Zoom, Teams or Meet.
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St Leonards
Suite 3, Level 4/66 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
Ryde
Suite 7, 117 North Road
Ryde NSW 2112
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
West Ryde
79 Ryedale Rd
West Ryde NSW 2114
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
Online
Teams - Zoom - Meet
Online
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Cronulla
Level 1, 26-32 Ewos Parade
Cronulla NSW 2230
T:(02) 8004 9961 View details
Earlwood
Boomerang Ave
Earlwood NSW 2206
T:(02) 8004 9969 View details
Glebe
1 Arundel St
Glebe NSW 2037
T:(02) 8094 1796 View details
Elizabeth Street
411/185 Elizabeth St
Sydney NSW 2000
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Miranda
29 Kiora Road
Miranda NSW 2228
T:(02) 8004 9960 View details
Surry Hills
302/88 Foveaux St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
T:(02) 8094 1790 View details
Bondi Junction
404/332 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
T:(02) 8094 1792 View details
Parramatta
26 Marion Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
T:(02) 8897 0803 View details
Castle Hill
Suite 14, 15-17 Terminus St
Castle Hill NSW 2154
T:(02) 8090 0817 View details
Caringbah
Level 1, 418 Kingsway
Caringbah NSW 2229
T:(02) 8094 1799 View details
Erina Central Coast
Suite 10, 166A The Entrance Rd
Erina NSW 2250
T:(02) 8004 5170 View details
Dapto
Laver Road
Dapto NSW 2530
T:(02) 4210 6170 View details
Wollongong
81 Keira St
Wollongong NSW 2500
T:(02) 4210 6170 View details
Macquarie Street
504/135-137 Macquarie St
Sydney NSW 2000
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Cabramatta

Cabramatta West NSW 2166
T:(02) 8897 0803 View details
Campbelltown
3/167 Queen St
Campbelltown NSW 2650
T:(02) 8897 0811 View details
Dulwich Hill
Challis Ave
Dulwich Hill NSW 2203
T:02 8004 9963 View details
Lilyfield
1/358 Catherine St
Lilyfield, NSW 2040
T:(02) 8007 7337 View details
North Strathfield
Level 1/5 George St
North Strathfield NSW 2137
T:(02) 8004 9964 View details
Norwest
Suite 20/1 Maitland Place
Norwest NSW 2153
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Stanhope Gardens
1 View St
Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Beecroft
Karril Ave
Beecroft NSW 2119
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Bella Vista
Q Central Building, Suite 208A, 10 Norbrik Drive
Bella Vista NSW 2153
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Hornsby
202/16 Hunter St
Hornsby NSW 2077
T:(02) 8004 9965 View details
Northbridge
343 Sailors Bay Rd
Northbridge NSW 2063
T:(02) 8094 1793 View details
Chatswood
54/47 Neridah St
Chatswood NSW 2067
T:(02) 8004 8510 View details
Mosman
The Cottage, 44 Avenue Road
Mosman NSW 2088
T:(02) 8897 0810 View details
Cremorne
4/350 Military Rd
Cremorne NSW 2090
T:(02) 8897 0810 View details
Lane Cove
Room 3, 67 Burns Bay Rd
Lane Cove NSW 2066
T:(02) 8002 1201 View details
Narrabeen
9/12 Rickard Rd
North Narrabeen NSW 2101
T:(02) 8404 0622 View details
Dee Why (Narraweena)
Mundara Place
Narraweena NSW 2099
T:(02) 8404 0622 View details
Kogarah
Suite 5.01, Level 5, 15 Kensington Street
Kogarah NSW 2217
T:(02) 8897 0806 View details
Gosford
54 Hills St
North Gosford NSW 2250
T:(02) 8094 1785 View details
(02) 8205 0566
Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Booking Request
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    We have received your enquiry.

    We will call you today to discuss your enquiry. normally within 2 hours.

    We offer each caller a personalised service to help you to make an informed choice about counselling. Part of our service is to take the time to answer your important questions and to help you decide on the practitioner who is best suited to your needs.

    On busier days there may be a delay. Please wait as we will call you and intend to offer you our full attention and assistance within 24 hours.

    With ‘Associated Counsellors’ you are in good hands assured that your therapist is professionally registered and bound by a code of professional ethics and conduct.

    Grieving Couple
    Difficulty in Relationships

    Failed Relationships Fear of Intimacy & Commitment Issues

    Counselling, in person or online.

    Counselling and therapy can help

    Read more

    Emotional intimacy is an essential component of any good relationship. Fear of intimacy and a lack of trust in relationships often derives from the family interactions you witnessed and experienced as a child. Counselling and therapy can help you conquer your fear of emotional closeness and allow you to experience the full value of a positive relationship. Another article offers specific information about sex therapy and sexual issues.

    We see people for relationship problems at our Bella Vista, Lane Cove, Castle Hill, St Leonards and Miranda practices, and online.

    Clinicians offering relationship counselling

    Jenna

    Jenna

    Accredited Mental Health Social Worker & Couple Therapist

    West RydeOnline

    Jenna is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 15 years' experience across government health services and private practice. Warm and trauma-informed, Jenna works with individuals and couples to build safety, understanding and stronger connection, and build more secure connections with themselves and others.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Jenna
    Mike

    Mike

    Clinical Psychologist & Couple Counsellor

    Online

    Mike has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and over 20 years experience working with individuals and couples. His success as a counsellor is consistently demonstrated by the deep clinical relationship he has with clients.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Mike
    Megan

    Megan

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    St Leonards+1Online

    Megan is a Registered Counsellor with extensive experience supporting individuals and couples. Warm and empathetic, Megan uses an evidence-based, person-centred approach to help clients gain insight and create meaningful change. She is also an Accredited Mediator.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Megan
    Neri

    Neri

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    CabramattaOnline

    Neri is a Masters-qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with over 10 years experience working with both individuals and couples. Compassionate and insightful, Neri empowers her clients to transform their lives and relationships.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓Vietnamese ✓

    Naomi

    Naomi

    Psychologist & Couples Counsellor

    Bondi JunctionOnline

    Naomi is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years experience. Warm, empathetic and client-centred, Naomi works with individuals and couples to draw on their strengths to overcome difficulties. She is Gottman certified.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓

    Howard

    Howard

    Registered Psychologist

    NarraweenaOnline

    Howard is a Registered Psychologist with over 25 years experience working with individuals, couples and families. He uses a practical but supportive approach, aiming to assist his clients to achieve their goals as quickly as possible.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓

    Claire

    Claire

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    Sydney CBDOnline

    Claire is a Masters-qualified Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist working with individuals and couples on relationships, attachment and emotional wellbeing. Warm and collaborative, she creates a supportive space for clients to work through what feels difficult, at their own pace.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓

    Revi

    Revi

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    Bondi JunctionOnline

    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 ✓Hebrew ✓

    Graciela

    Graciela

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    DaptoOnline

    Graciela is a Masters-qualified counsellor with over 15 years experience working with individuals and couples. With a gentle approach, Graciela helps her clients develop awareness and gain control of their lives and relationships.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓Spanish ✓

    Jennifer

    Jennifer

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    Castle HillOnline

    Jennifer is a Masters-qualified counsellor with many years of experience. Collaborative and process-orientated, Jenny works with both individual and couples clients to develop healthier relationships with themselves and with others.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓

    Atia

    Atia

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    GlebeOnline

    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 ✓Czech ✓

    Christine

    Christine

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    Lane Cove

    Christine is a tertiary-qualified counsellor with over 20 years experience working with individuals and couples. She emphasises a collaborative approach to therapy, working with the client as an active partner in their treatment.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓

    Chris

    Chris

    Counsellor & Psychotherapist

    Surry HillsOnline

    Chris is a Masters-qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples. Open and empathetic, Chris draws on his clients’ curiosity, creativity and inherent strengths to make a meaningful and empowering difference in their lives.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓

    Andrea

    Andrea

    Psychologist & Couples Counsellor

    Chatswood

    Andrea is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years experience working with individuals and couples. Andrea helps her clients process and regulate their emotions, working with mind and body to sustain long-lasting change.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓German ✓

    Rose

    Rose

    Counsellor & Couple Therapist

    Sydney CBDOnline

    Rose is a Masters-qualified counsellor and Registered Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years experience. Working with both individuals and couples, Rose empowers her clients to enhance their wellbeing and achieve their goals.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓

    John

    John

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    Online

    John is a tertiary-qualified counsellor and one of our most experienced therapists. John works with individuals and couples to build awareness of the patterns behind their decisions and lead more empowered and fulfilling lives. He is Gottman qualified.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓

    Gaul

    Gaul

    Accredited Mental Health Social Worker & Relationship Counsellor

    CampbelltownOnline

    Gaul is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 17 years experience supporting individuals, couples and families, in hospital settings and private practice. Transparent, curious and collaborative, he works in partnership with his clients.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓

    Laura

    Laura

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    CronullaOnline

    Laura is a Masters-qualified counsellor with extensive experience. Known for her warm and grounded presence, Laura helps individuals, couples and parents to uncover their own capacity for healing and meaningful change.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓

    Di

    Di

    Counsellor & Psychotherapist

    Online

    Di is a Masters-qualified counsellor with over 10 years private practice experience. Empathic and collaborative, she works alongside her clients to make sense of what they are facing and find a way forward.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓

    Ali

    Counsellor & Couples Therapist

    ParramattaOnline

    Ali is a Masters-qualified counsellor with over 15 years of experience. Calm and compassionate, Ali works with individuals and couples, helping them feel safe, understood and better equipped to move forward.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓Arabic ✓

    Daniel

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    Bondi JunctionOnline

    Daniel is a tertiary-qualified counsellor with over 10 years of experience, working with both individuals and couples. Easy to talk to and quick to build trust, Daniel recognises each person’s strengths and helps them gain greater agency in their lives.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓After hours ✓

    Pauline

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    ErinaOnline

    Pauline is a Registered Counsellor with almost 20 years of experience in both New Zealand and Australia. Warm and caring, Pauline works with individuals, couples and families, helping them build understanding and stronger connections.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓

    Alexandra

    Counsellor & Relationship Counsellor

    EarlwoodOnline

    Alexandra is a degree-qualified counsellor and relationship therapist with 15 years of experience across government and not-for-profit services. Accepting and down-to-earth, Alexandra works with individuals and couples, inviting clients to come as they are and work towards meaningful change.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓Greek ✓

    Theodora

    Psychologist & Relationship Counsellor

    Dulwich HillOnline

    Theodora is a Registered Psychologist with over 10 years of experience, working with both individuals and couples. Warm and compassionate, Theodora helps her clients make sense of their experiences and build stronger, more secure relationships.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓Greek ✓

    See all our clinicians

    Not sure who to choose?

    Call 02 8205 0566

    Weekdays 9am to 6pm, a person answers

    Request a callback

    After hours, or any time

    Why people choose us

    How we help you find the right clinician

    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

    A person answers the phone

    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

    We match you to a clinician

    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

    Your booking is scheduled

    We confirm your booking in writing so that you know when and where you’ll be meeting your new therapist.

    The guide

    Fear of intimacy and its affect on your relationships

    intimacy in your relationship

    Deep and emotionally intimate relationships are what many of us desire, but for some people, these types of relationships are fraught with the fear of being hurt or being rejected. Of all of the activities that humans engage in, being in a relationship with another person is probably the hardest thing we ever attempt.

    Very often, family history and what we are taught about relationships has a huge impact on how we approach intimacy as we become adults. It is only when we gain self-understanding and learn about the underlying reasons for our fears that we can begin to relax into mutually trusting relationships, reaching emotional depth and satisfaction.

    Matthew’s Story

    Matthew is an articulate and intelligent man in his early 40s. He is well established in his career and frequently dates, although he never seems to have a steady girlfriend for more than a few months. Although he occasionally wishes that he were married and had a family, he finds that he rarely dates anyone for longer than a few months.

    One day Matthew realizes that of all his old school friends, he is the only one without a long-term serious partner. He starts to wonder whether he might be the common problem factor in his string of unsuccessful relationships. He starts to suspect that he might be pushing women away, and sabotaging good relationships, due to a fear of intimacy.

    On some level, he suspects he will probably never get married or have children of his own. Yet this knowledge makes Matthew feel sad and lonely. Matthew decides to visit a professional counsellor to talk about what is clearly a pattern of failed, short-term relationships. His counsellor helps him sketch out a personal as well as a family history and in the course of therapy, Matthew is reminded of his poor relationship with his parents growing up.

    Although he was never physically or emotionally abused, he did remember that his parents fought a lot while he was growing up. He remembered that he often heard them fighting and blaming each other or their children for their stress and arguments.

    Furthermore, with the help of the counsellor, Matthew realised that while he was growing up he craved his parents’ attention but because they both worked long hours, they seldom spent any time with him. Most of the interactions he had with his mother, whilst growing up, had to do with her scolding him for his poor grades in school and she often engaged in negative comparisons between him and his more accomplished siblings.

    Through counselling, Matthew realises that he came from a family where his parents constantly fought with each other and had little time to truly engage with him emotionally. He also comes to the realisation that while he loved his entire family, at some level he had sworn to himself that he would never enter into a marriage or allow what happened to him to happen to another child.

    Matthew realises that his fear of intimacy and marriage is a fear that in marrying he will find himself trapped in a loveless marriage, making victims of his own children as he was once emotionally neglected in childhood. He realises that he must work on these fears before he is able to move on to establishing a healthy relationship with a long-term partner.

    What do our parents teach us about relationships?

    Our parents are our first role models in life. They teach us about safety, security and our value as people. They also teach us about relationships -about respect, trust and how to be with another person.

    For those of us brought up in families where constant conflict exists, our parents teach us that being married, or being in a committed relationship, means being frequently angry at one another. As children, we do not always understand what parents or adults fight about, but we certainly recognise anger and upset feelings when we are around them.

    Children raised in an atmosphere of loud angry voices, recriminations and accusations can grow up to be adults who avoid conflict at any cost. They may be unwilling, or even unable, to voice their own emotions or opinions that are negative or different from that of their partner’s.

    Another thing that we learn about as children from our parents is trust. Trust takes many forms. It can be trust that the world is a safe place, where our needs will be met, or trust in the people around us.

    Children who are abused, neglected, ignored or regularly criticised, often become adults who have a very difficult time relaxing and trusting that it is okay to let down our emotional guards and to let someone else in.

    Even those of us who were not victims of physical or serious emotional abuse as children can still have a difficult time trusting intimate others, if we come from a family that did not value us for simply being who we were as individuals.

    Why is trust important in relationships?

    Trust is the foundation of all emotionally intimate relationships. The very nature of relationships requires that we trust enough in other people to share our inner feelings and thoughts with them, even though that sharing may make us vulnerable and at risk of being hurt or rejected.

    Intimate relationships are not limited to romantic or sexual relationships either, but instead can include almost any type of relationship, including friends, family and even co-workers.

    Deep trust is not something that usually happens instantaneously when we meet someone new. Instead it is something that most often develops over time, with each person taking small risks in trusting the other person, by sharing small pieces of information and gauging the reactions to that information.

    For example, on a first meeting, we might share what kind of work we do, or our favourite food or the types of movies we enjoy. We probably would not share stories about our first sexual experience or our deepest fears. Not only would this be ill-advised, but it would probably be alarming to the other person because it would be sharing at an inappropriate level for a first meeting.

    As a relationship develops, we gradually begin to share thoughts and feelings which further develop trust. In some ways, it is like the children’s game “one for you, one for me.” We share something about ourselves, “I really love the colour of leaves when the seasons change,”, and the other person shares something about themselves at a similar level, “me too, don’t you just love the deep hues of red and gold?”

    As time passes, the exchanges become more meaningful as we are able to share without fearing rejection or hurt for what we are sharing, “It really scares me to think about being old and being unable to take care of myself,” “I know, my grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s before she died and it was awful to watch.”

    Intimacy and sex: Are they the same thing?

    Very often we hear of a couple being “intimate” and understand that it is a polite way of saying that they have been sexual with each other. However, intimacy can be far more complex and multi-faceted than a sexual relationship.

    For many individuals, fear of intimacy and apprehensions about deeply emotional relationships can be roadblocks to truly fulfilling relationships. The reasons for these fears can be substantial and are generally brought about by an overwhelming desire to avoid past hurts. Distinguishing between sex and intimacy may be a foundational step toward establishing a truly fulfilling relationship.

    Why is being vulnerable difficult?

    For many of us, being vulnerable means that we must trust enough to risk being hurt by the other person. This can be a very scary prospect, especially if past experiences have shown us that trusting and opening up emotionally can leave us hurting and filled with regret and pain.

    Another reason that opening up to another person can be so difficult, is that many of us grew up in homes where vulnerability was not valued. It may also be that we witnessed family members getting hurt because of trusting and sharing.

    A family history of domestic violence, emotional manipulation or simply being told that our thoughts and feelings are not important, valid, or should not be shared, can also be reason why some people become wary of becoming emotionally vulnerable to another person.

    Why am I scared of emotional intimacy and vulnerability?

    While coming from a family history of emotional neglect or devaluing can certainly contribute to a reluctance to being emotionally vulnerable, another reason people often become hesitant to get emotionally involved has to do with power dynamics. Often, we are faced with the difficulty that if we open ourselves up emotionally to another person through trust and vulnerability, then we also run the risk of that person having knowledge about us that we might not share with others.

    This can be a scary proposition, particularly if what we are sharing is a part of ourselves that we protect and rarely, if ever, reveal to anyone else. If we come from a position of never wanting anyone else to have power over us, then letting our defenses down and becoming vulnerable can be one of the scariest things we ever do.

    Casey’s story

    Casey was in her mid 30s and had a successful career in advertising. She dated fairly often, but usually within a few months of meeting someone and going out a few times, she found that she had a hard time sharing or even really talking about her feelings with them.

    If she was pressed to talk about her past or about what she wanted for the future, she found she would soon break off the relationship. While she felt lonely and knew that she eventually wanted to have a family, she would always find herself feeling afraid of losing her sense of self, if she really allowed herself to enter a long term, committed relationship.

    Casey met Jeremy and they hit it off quite quickly. Except Jeremy was different, he didn’t seem to want to be sexual without getting to know her first. He was gentle, but persistent, and began asking Casey why trust was so difficult for her.

    Casey began to realise that he had a point, she didn’t really trust him, or anyone else for that matter. When he encouraged her to talk to a counsellor, she found a therapist she eventually began to trust, who helped her come to understand what in her family history and past experiences stood between her and the relationship and family she wanted for herself.

    How Can Counselling Help with Fear of Intimacy?

    Seeking the help of a professional counsellor, psychologist or therapist can allow you to gain an understanding of your family history and how you developed or failed to develop a sense of trust in other people. Counselling sessions may also be able to help you uncover how your family relationship patterns can be passed down from generation to generation.

    Common methods for addressing relationship intimacy issues include:

    • The Psycho-dynamic approach. This allows the counsellor to work with the client to establish a safe relationship within therapy. Eventually, the client may learn what a safe relationship is and then can hopefully go on to create similar relationships outside of therapy.
    • Family Genograms or Relationship Pattern Graphs
    • Talking about Fears
    • Role Playing
    • Discussions About Personal Relationship History

    Ultimately, working with a counsellor, therapist, or psychologist may help you conquer your fears about trust and emotional closeness so that you can begin to engage in satisfying and mutually beneficial relationships.

    How Do I Find Help for Intimacy Issues?

    If you or you or someone you know is facing intimacy fears or relationship issues, a counsellor, psychologist or therapist may be able to help. They can help you learn about how past events are influencing your current experiences, help you identify specifically where your fears lie and teach you methods to conquer those fears. (This article is electronically protected, Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)

    If you are struggling with relationship problems and would like to book a consultation with a qualified counsellor, or would like to obtain further advice please contact: Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney

    Questions

    Questions about relationships

    Before you book

    Do I need a referral?

    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.

    How soon can I get an appointment?

    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.

    Can I see someone in person or online?

    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.

    What happens in the first session?

    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.

    What are the fees, and can I claim Medicare?

    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.

    Fees & rebates

    Clear fees, no surprises

    Counsellors

    From $150per 55-minute session
    No referral needed · start straight away

    Social workers

    From $200per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Psychologists

    From $200per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Clinical psychologists

    From $230per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Every clinician is fully registered and insured, and bound by their professional association's Code of Ethics, as our counsellor guarantee sets out.

    How to get started, and how Medicare can help
    Pathway A · Start now
    Book directly
    • No referral needed, so you can start straight away.
    • No Medicare rebate on this path.
    • You can still get a plan from your GP later and start claiming Medicare then. If a rebate matters, ask for a psychologist.
    Pathway B · With Medicare
    See your GP
    • Your GP assesses you. If you are eligible you get a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
    • The plan lets you claim Medicare rebates.
    • Tell us you have a plan and ask for a psychologist or registered mental health social worker when you book.
    • The rebate only applies to services provided by psychologists or registered mental health social workers.

    Not sure which suits you? Speak to our team about your options.

    Getting started

    From first call to first session

    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.

    Call us, or ask us to call youMon to Fri 9am to 6pm a live intake specialist answers. No referral needed.
    We listen and matchBy concern, therapy style, gender, language and location across our practices and telehealth.
    Your first sessionIn person at a practice near you or by video, with evening and weekend times available.
    Review the fitIf it doesn't feel right, tell us, we'll rematch you quickly.
    Reviews

    What clients say about getting matched

    4.8
    189 Google reviews across our 20 practice listings
    Counted 7 October 2026. Read them all on Google

    My wife wanted to change counsellors but neither of us had the energy to actually spend time looking for a counsellor so it was great when we found Counselling Sydney. They found us plenty of options and we didn’t have to take more than an hour out of our day to explain what we needed. Great Job.

    Darryl B · April 2022
    ★★★★★

    Counselling Sydney’s team went above and beyond for my husband and me and made what could have been an awkward experience, super smooth. One phone call and form later and our first appointment was today. Thanks!.

    Suzie M · April 2022
    ★★★★★

    I have had some bad experiences finding counsellors in the past so I wanted to make sure the counsellor I found for my girlfriend and I was good the first time around. Counsellors Sydney asked a few key questions and was able to find us a suitable candidate that totally fit the bill. Very impressed with the attention to detail of this team.

    Jaida N · April 2022

    Reviews are shown as written, about our booking and matching service.

    We are not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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