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.

    Abuse

    Counselling for Emotional & Psychological Abuse

    Counselling, in person or online.

    Emotional psychological abuse

    • Emotional and psychological abuse tends to take the form of insults, cut-downs, intimidation and bullying.

    Read more

    • No one enters a relationship expecting it to be abusive, emotional and psychological abuse tends to develop subtly over time, slowly eroding the victim’s self-confidence

    • Abuse only stops when it is understood and confronted. Sometimes the abuse doesn’t stop, in which case the abusive relationship may need to end

    We see people at our Surry Hills, Bondi Junction, Miranda, Campbelltown and Dee Why practices, and online.

    specialist couples and marriage counselling sydney
    Signs to notice

    Is this you?

    • Verbal insults and insinuations
    • Verbal aggression
    • Undermining confidence
    • Intimidation and power play
    • Isolation from family and friends

    Clinicians offering abuse counselling

    Wade

    Wade

    Counsellor & Psychotherapist

    CaringbahOnline

    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.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Wade
    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 ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Revi
    Neera

    Neera

    Registered Psychotherapist

    Surry Hills

    Neera is a Masters-qualified psychotherapist. Empathetic, thoughtful and intuitive, Neera works with individuals to strengthen their identity and reshape patterns.

    Individuals ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Neera
    Petra

    Petra

    Registered Counsellor

    RydeOnline

    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.

    Individuals ✓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 ✓

    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 ✓

    Sue

    Sue

    Registered Counsellor

    Surry Hills

    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.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    Jonathan

    Jonathan

    Registered Counsellor

    NorwestOnline

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    Daniela

    Daniela

    Registered Psychologist

    BeecroftOnline

    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 ✓Portuguese ✓

    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 ✓

    Silvia

    Silvia

    Registered Counsellor

    MosmanOnline

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    Megan

    Megan

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    St LeonardsNarrabeenOnline

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    David

    David

    Clinical Psychologist

    Stanhope GardensOnline

    David is a Masters-qualified Clinical Psychologist. Warm, authentic and non-judgemental, David supports his clients by carefully attuning to their needs, and imparting practical skills to build emotional insight and wellbeing.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    Dinah

    Dinah

    Registered Counsellor

    Sydney CBDOnline

    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 ✓

    Paul

    Paul

    Registered Psychologist

    St LeonardsOnline

    Paul is a Registered Psychologist and SIRA-accredited practitioner with a background in the corporate space. Empathetic and personable, Paul is dedicated to supporting meaningful change in the lives of his clients.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    Peter

    Peter

    Psychologist & Couples Counsellor

    Castle Hill

    Peter is a Registered Psychologist who works with individuals and couples. Practical and empathetic, Peter helps clients uncover what drives their thoughts and feelings, so they can trade self-judgement for self-compassion and make lasting change.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    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 ✓

    Sharon

    Registered Psychologist

    HornsbyOnline

    Sharon is a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years experience. Curious and supportive, Sharon looks beneath the distress rather than settling on a label, helping clients understand themselves and make lasting change.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    David

    Psychologist & Executive Coach

    Surry HillsOnline

    David is a Registered Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience working with leaders and the organisations they run. Thoughtful and attentive, David helps his clients reconnect with a sense of purpose and belonging.

    Individuals ✓Weekends ✓

    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

    Psychological Abuse

    Emotional and psychological abuse is generally subtle, it’s most often achieved through words, innuendo and gestures, and it’s subtlety can make it difficult to identify. Victims of emotional abuse might not even recognise that they are being abused until they are somehow able to see their experience from an objective viewpoint or until someone else gives it a name.

    Emotional abuse can take the form of:
    • Verbal insults and insinuations
    • Verbal aggression
    • Bullying
    • Undermining confidence
    • Intimidation and power play
    • Isolation from family and friends

    Why do we allow ourselves to be abused?

    No one walks into a relationship searching for or hoping for abuse, and very few of us wouldn’t baulk at the idea of an abusive relationship. So how does it happen and why can’t we just walk away?

    Emotional or psychological abuse tends to be fairly insidious activity that often starts with something mild like a small put-down or an aggressive rebuke. Subtle behaviour such as this tends to confuse the victim’s boundaries and understanding of what is acceptable, and what is unacceptable. If such negative behaviour is repeated, constantly, then it starts to weaken our sense of self and undermine confidence.

    Often without even realising it, the emotional abuse the effect of impeding our ability to stand up for ourselves when we think something might be wrong. In this way, emotional abuse weakens our resolve and our capacity to walk away from the situation or relationship.

    Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people who experienced abuse as children to find themselves in similarly abusive relationships as adults. The emotional and psychological abuse suffered as a child robs the person of their self-confidence and sets up an expectation that emotional abuse is the norm. At some level, victims expect that they will be treated badly because they believe they deserve such treatment.

    How do we stop emotional and psychological abuse

    One of the best ways to stop this type of abuse is to stand up for ourselves and tell the person to stop. This is, of course, easier to say than do!

    And if the relationship, and/or the abuse itself, is longstanding, then we have likely grown accustomed to being treated in this way and probably accept the behaviour to a large degree. Of course, standing up to the abuse may not stop it, and further action may be required. This may include taking leave of the relationship.

    Working with a relationship counsellor, psychologist or therapist can assist you with this process, and help you on the journey back to self-confidence and emotional health. Professional counsellors and therapists have specific training, knowledge and experience working with abusive relationships and can help victims develop strategies to keep themselves safe and to reconstruct their sense of self.

    Additionally, a professionally trained counsellor can help you gain the strength you need to make any big decisions, and support you in those decisions. This is particularly valuable if you are wishing to leave an abusive relationship.

    What is the “change-no-change-back” cycle?

    Families and relationships do not exist in a vacuum. Instead, they exist in a system in which every person has their role. As a result when one person in the system changes everyone else is thrown out of kilter. So, when an abuser works to change his or her abusive behaviour, or is not being abusive, the relationship invariably shifts.

    In these circumstances, the victim may find themselves feeling off centre and anxious because they do not know what to expect from their partner. A common response to this loss of expectation is an attempt to provoke the abuser, encouraging the abuser to return to the very same behaviour the victim has been trying to change.

    This is the “change-no-change-back” cycle. It may happen several times over the course of a relationship as a couple or family with an abusive history as they attempt to mend their relationships and develop a healthy family life.

    How do I find counselling help for emotional and psychological abuse?

    If you or a loved one is involved in a relationship that involves emotional and psychological abuse you may benefit from talking to a professional counsellor, psychologist or therapist.  If you would like to schedule a consultation or receive further advice, please contact us at Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney

    Sophie’s Story

    Sophie was 25 when she first met James. She fell ‘head over heals’ in love with him on their very first date and over the next year, he was romantic and thoughtful at all times. Sophie was thrilled to marry the man of her dreams. Once married, however, James seemed to change.

    He never hit her, but then he never missed a chance to verbally cut her down to size either. He insulted her for not finishing her college degree and for working as an administrative assistant, he degraded her by calling her insulting names in front of his friends, he oftened called her stupid. He never seemed to stop.

    Her family noticed that Sophie was a diminished version of herself when she was with James. She seemed to let herself be browbeaten into jumping up to meet his every need and never once stood up for herself when, clearly (in their mind) he was out of line in the way he talked to her.

    Soon, Sophie wasn’t calling very often and the family visits stopped entirely. She had no friends any longer and all of her time was spent either at work or with James.

    When a co-worker overheard a conversation Sophie had with her husband one day, she told Sophie that she didn’t seem really happy. When Sophie admitted that the her marriage was difficult, her colleague gave her the name of a professional counsellor.

    Sophie was fearful what James would say if he knew she was going to see a counsellor, but she felt like she needed to do something to restore her sense of self. Sophie contacted the counsellor and was able to arrange an appointment during her lunch hour, so that there would be no need to explain her absence to James.

    When Sophie met Debbie, she was relieved to find that Debbie simply listened quietly to her as Sophie explained the reasons for making the appointment. She felt a sense of calm and control that she hadn’t felt in quite some time.

    Debbie carefully explained how she worked and let Sophie know that her job was to help Sophie sort out her feelings, rebuild her confidence, and provide a safe space for her to talk without any judgments or assumptions.

    Over the next several months, Debbie listens carefully to Sophie’s story and to her emotions. She notices how bright Sophie’s face is when she talks about that first year of being with James and comments at how much in love Sophie had been with James during that time.

    Sophie agrees and wonders if that is the reason she has allowed James to pull her down so far. She begins to cry and feel like her life is a huge mess. Debbie reassures her that her problems with James do not make her a bad person.

    As Sophie slowly gains her confidence back, she begins to unconsciously change how she interacts with James. When he demands attention, she delays responding. When he throws an insult at her, she simply turns and leaves the room. He is baffled by her change of attitude, but doesn’t know how to react to it either.

    Finally, Sophie admits to James that she has been seeing a therapist and that she wants a change in their relationship. She would like James to attend couples counselling with her, but if he refuses to go, she understands but their relationship will be forever damaged.

    To her great surprise and joy, James is prepared to address her issues and agrees to make an appointment with a relationship counsellor recommended by Debbie.

    Questions

    Questions about abuse

    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
    ★★★★★

    I found Counsellors Sydney via google and I'm very happy with their help. They only got the required information from me, kept it light, and were very time efficient. Sadly, I did not feel comfortable with the assigned counsellor, but within 2 days of raising my concerns, I was speaking with a new one, so I was glad to have the help of a service rather than having to do the shopping around myself.

    Bennet E · April 2022
    ★★★★★

    Nice people. friendly service, happy with the counsellor I was provided. I’ll be recommending this service In the future for sure!

    Sandra Q · April 2022
    ★★★★★

    My therapist retired I was very scared I wouldn’t pick the right new one. These guys are really understanding of your individual needs and made sure I was shown all the best options before I got to choose. My previous psychologist was a man, so I wanted another man and in the end, I was provided with a choice of 3, the first of whom I am chatting with online tomorrow.

    Phillip A · 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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