Hello and welcome...
My name is Kristy and I am owner and counsellor at
Small Steps Counselling.
​
I specialise in providing personalised support to counselling students and newly graduated counsellors as they navigate the complexities of juggling their studies, personal struggles, client work and early career development.
​​​
Counselling students and new graduates - if you’re feeling
overwhelmed by the demands of your coursework,
adversely affected by course content, feeling challenged with separating personal and professional responses in session, and/or struggling with the transition into client work and client management,
you are definitely not alone!
​
I've experienced these same concerns firsthand.
From coursework-triggered emotions, uncertainty in my skills and ability, nervousness about my readiness for client work, logistics of juggling client sessions and caseloads, to the weightiness of hearing and holding space for the array of client stories - the whole gamut!
And all whilst managing my own personal struggles and trying not to become overwhelmed or burned out.
There's lots to contend with in the student-new graduate phase!
​​
In fact, the "learning-to-become-a-counsellor" to "newly-practising-as-a-counsellor" years can be a real rollercoaster of highs/lows, emotions and challenges, that's for sure! Which is why it's so imperative that new counsellors continually work on building their strengths, resilience and wellbeing. I am 100% invested in helping to ensure new counsellors experience sustainable, enjoyable career longevity.
​
That's why I'm dedicated to supporting those who support others - because even counsellors need someone to lean on and talk to.
​
I'm here to offer counselling students and new graduates an understanding, compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore any struggles and find tailored, beneficial solutions.
Whether you're grappling with coursework overload, battling self-doubt, feeling daunted by the prospect of managing client sessions or striving to overcome personal issues, for example, I'll help you take
achievable steps towards personal and professional growth and confidence.​​​
​​
​​​​It's the guiding aim of my services to create a collaborative, empowering and client-centred environment where we can take
small, self-paced steps to address your concerns, develop your
skills, and identify the supports you need to
learn, grow, heal and thrive.​
​
​You don't have to navigate your early-career path alone – choosing to work with me means having a compassionate, dedicated ally to listen, guide and support you every step of the way.​
​
Let's work together to ensure you're at your best personally, so that you're at your best professionally as a counsellor for your clients.
​​
- Small Steps, Big Breakthroughs -
Why Choose Small Steps Counselling?
At Small Steps the support you receive is:
​
Individually tailored to your specific needs
Centred on your overall growth and wellbeing
Integrative, eclectic and collaborative in approach
Nonjudgemental, inclusive, neuro-affirming and trauma-informed
Welcoming, affirming and safe for LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse individuals
Delivered by a qualified, registered and experienced counsellor
Support Areas may include...
Exploring Triggers
Addressing lived experience or vicarious trauma
Boundary setting
Self-reflection and insight
Developing your self-awareness & confidence
Processing countertransference
Minimising Stress, Tension & overwhelm
self-care & burnout prevention
Enhancing your competence & resilience
Perfectionism or fear of failure
Isolation or lack of support
Identity or diversity issues
coping skill & Strategy building
Ethical dilemmas or professional conduct
Client Stories...
(For privacy and confidentiality reasons - names, ages and client stories are fictionalised examples of real cases)