Psychologists & Counsellors in Dapto

Graciela is a Registered Counsellor and couples therapist, with over 15 years experience in the mental health space. She holds both a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Western Sydney, an Advanced Diploma in Individual and Family Counselling, and a Masters in Counselling from Monash University.

Beginning her career in the government sector, Graciela assessed, supervised and treated vulnerable members of the population, developing programs and interventions for at-risk youth and victims of domestic violence. From her time at the Department of Juvenile Justice, Graciela provided individualised counselling to clients from diverse backgrounds, developing her personalised approach to therapy today.

In private practice, Graciela’s approach to therapy is founded in pragmatism, focusing on empowering her clients to achieve their goals, develop resilience and strengthen their emotional and mental health to overcome life’s challenges. Utilising an eclectic mix of modalities, Graciela prioritises approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Within her sessions, Graciela can assist clients in a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, career/transition issues, as well as more complex mental health such as trauma, suicidal ideation and victims of domestic violence.

As a couples and family therapist, Graciela is passionate about seeing relationships develop, often aiding her clients in communication, stagnation, intimacy concerns, arguments and identifying key concerns inhibiting connection.

Graciela is a warm and empathetic practitioner whose gentle and gracious approach encourages clients to feel at ease within her sessions. Through developing her patients’ awareness and understanding of their own circumstances, Graciela enables individuals to explore their presenting concerns and gain control over their life and relationships for the better.

Gaul is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Relationship Counsellor with over 17 years experience in the mental health field. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Sydney and is dedicated to supporting individuals (including adolescents), couples and families in his work as a counsellor.

In a private practice setting, Gaul is able to support a wide range of presentations including depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues (including sexual/intimacy concerns), grief, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and ODD. Additionally, he is particularly adept at working with couples and families facing communication challenges, parenting differences, sexual issues and life transitions.

In addition to his work in private practice, Gaul has significant experience in hospital settings, counselling and managing the mental health of adolescents, adults and families in an in-patient mental health unit setting. He also continues to provide clinical supervision services to practitioners across diverse professional backgrounds including Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Social Work.

When working with his clients, Gaul uses various therapeutic approaches, including both behavioural and psychotherapeutic modalities. In particular, he is trained in trauma-informed and trauma-focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Family Therapy, Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Gaul’s approach is naturally systemic, focussing on attachment and emotions therapy as an experience, rather than as a treatment.

Gaul is passionate and greatly values his therapeutic relationship with his clients, working in partnership with them. He is committed to ongoing professional development and learning. Gaul is transparent, curious, collaborative and focuses on developing understanding and fostering change.

Laura is a Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She holds a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling from Western Sydney University and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Wollongong.

Before moving into private practice, Laura worked extensively across school, community, and therapeutic care settings, supporting individuals and families through a trauma-informed and relational lens. Her experience includes individual and group therapy, as well as working with couples and parents.

Laura is grounded in a person-centred approach and integrates a range of evidence-based modalities into her practice, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman Approach, Somatic Psychotherapy, and expressive therapies such as art and play therapy. Her work is also informed by attachment theory, polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and trauma-sensitive yoga.

Laura is known for her warmth and grounded presence. She offers a safe, non-judgmental, and validating space where clients can express themselves authentically, explore their inner world, and reconnect with their sense of self. With gentle curiosity and deep respect for each person’s unique story, Laura supports clients in uncovering their own capacity for healing, integration, and meaningful change.

Irene is a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Relationship Therapist with 20 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Human Change and Counselling (Psychotherapy) from the Jansen Newman Institute (Torrens University) and a Diploma of Counselling from the Australian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT). Irene is a Clinical Registrant with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Alongside her clinical work, Irene has held senior leadership roles across mental health, crisis support and the community sector, including heading Lifeline Australia’s national crisis services and serving as CEO of not-for-profit organisations. This has given her a deep understanding of the complex, high-pressure situations people can face. She also teaches counselling at TAFE NSW and is an accredited Mental Health First Aid trainer.

In private practice, Irene works with individuals and couples, supporting them with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, trauma recovery, relationship difficulties and major life transitions. When supporting her clients, Irene draws on a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based, systemic, narrative and solution-focused therapies, and mindfulness. She is also trained in somatic psychotherapy.

When working with couples, Irene draws on her training in Bowen Family Systems theory and Milan Systemic Family Therapy. She helps partners understand the dynamics between them, how they communicate and manage conflict, and how they can rebuild trust and repair their relationship, while making sure the needs of each person are recognised. She also works confidently with parents, drawing on her experience as a trainer of both Circle of Security and Bringing Up Great Kids models for parents and caregivers.

Irene’s approach is warm, grounded and practical. She helps people reconnect with their emotions, bodies and relationships in ways that feel manageable, and is passionate about supporting stronger connection and resilience in individuals, families and communities.

Irene is the co-author of various published academic papers and reports, and was previously a NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal Panel Member (2016 to 2024).

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, EMDR, 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.

Neri is a Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist with more than 10 years experience in the mental health field. She holds extensive qualifications relevant to her work, including a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the University of Sydney, as well as both a Postgraduate Diploma of Counselling and a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Neri is also a clinical member and accredited supervisor of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.

Throughout her career, Neri has worked extensively with a diverse range of individuals, couples and families across multiple sectors, including public, private, community and corporate health. Prior to moving into private practice, Neri worked in a hospital setting, providing inpatient support to at-risk patients, using evidence-based mental health assessments to cater for their individual needs. She has also led, supported and supervised a variety of psychologically-based programs aimed at developing employment opportunities for NDIS participants.

In private practice, Neri focuses on empowering her clients using an integrated and person-centred approach, which includes such modalities as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Psychodynamic methods. In her sessions, Neri assists her clients with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, phobias, body image, harassment, chronic pain, gender issues, grief and loss, religious and identity concerns, as well as more complex mental health such as brain injuries, trauma and PTSD, addiction and dependencies. She has experience working with persons presenting on the autism spectrum or with intellectual disabilities.

In her work with couples, Neri believes in the strength of connectedness, and can assist clients with communication problems, parenting concerns, infidelidity, stagnation and sexual issues.

Neri is a compassionate and insightful counsellor, who aims to transform her clients’ situations through catering to their individual needs. Through creating trusting and safe environments during her sessions, Neri empowers her clients to move towards a happier and healthier life.

Di is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in private practice. She holds a Bachelor of Counselling, a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Strategic Psychotherapy, and is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Di is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and the Gottman method for relationship counselling.

Throughout her career Di has assisted clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, among other emotional and psychological concerns. She has extensive experience in relationship counselling.

As well as helping individuals and couples in private practice, Di has worked as a telephone counsellor for the Beyond Blue and 1800 Respect domestic violence help lines and Quitline.

Di takes a person-centred approach and is committed to working collaboratively with her clients to explore possibilities for change.

John’s work as a counsellor in private practice is supported by his extensive corporate experience in human resources, executive coaching and change management. John holds a Bachelor of Business, a Masters of Applied Science in Social Ecology and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and is an experienced conflict resolution facilitator.

John is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, a member of the Australian College of Clinical Counsellors and the Australian College of Supervisors, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Executive Coaches.

John works with both couples and individuals, drawing on a range of therapeutic modalities that best suit the presentations and personality of the client. He is particularly interested in the challenges and opportunities inherent in all relationships. He is accredited as an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner as well as a Voice Dialogue practitioner, and is able to administer a range of psychometric testing instruments. John is also trained to administer Gottman Therapy in his work with couples.

Commencing from a framework that steadfastly honours individual difference, John works with his clients to build awareness and insight into the patterns, processes and belief systems which inform our decisions and choices. In this way, he hopes to help his clients encounter a more conscious, empowered, effective and fulfilling way of living and being in the world.

Whilst his approach is initially cognitive, John endeavours, over time, to help his clients embrace their new belief systems holistically - enabling an integrated and sustainable approach to better living. He works to develop a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship with his clients, believing this to be a central component of good therapy and sustainable change.

John’s book “Breaking Patterns - Run the life you want to have or life runs you!” is available on Amazon. You can find it here.

Mike is registered as a Clinical Psychologist and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. He works with adults with anxiety disorders, depression, addictions, trauma, relationships and has a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ clients. His therapeutic approach uses CBT, ACT and mindfulness for letting go of unhelpful thoughts, being present with difficult emotions and connecting to your values; the things that really matter to you.

He completed his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2003. His doctoral training included internships in adult mental health, forensics, child & family services, and intellectual disabilities. His post-doctoral training has included skills in ACT, DBT and training in professional supervision.

Mike has worked in sexual health services in London, community mental health services in Auckland, student counselling at the University of Auckland and as a forensic psychologist in Sydney. He is one of our most senior clinicians and has been providing online therapy since 2012.