top of page

About Me...

Hi there, I'm Kristy. A little bit about me...

​

I chose the name 'Small Steps Counselling' very deliberately, because that's how I believe we effectively process and heal - one small step at a time. It's a philosophy for me, not just a catchy business name. What I've learned personally throughout my life, as well as during my career, is that breaking down overwhelming challenges into more manageable pieces is not simply a strategy – it's a consistent, intentional way of creating sustainable, lasting change. For me, every step you take towards healing, matters. Regardless the direction of the steps - whether forward, sideways, backwards or zig-zagged - movement equals progress and progress leads to healing.

​

My Personality and Approach

My clients and colleagues would probably describe me as quiet, thoughtful, patient, knowledgeable, open-minded and down-to-earth. These attributes tend to mean I bring a relaxed, calm, caring and understanding presence to my practice. Whilst personally I would also add funny to the list, I save my humour in sessions for only when it's appropriate! The rapport and relationship that builds between my clients and I is a priority. At all times during our work together, my aim is that clients feel truly heard, accepted and understood.

 

My Area of Therapeutic Interest

I have two main areas of interest when it comes to counselling-

  1. I help counselling clients work through their struggles while also looking at the bigger picture — like the thought patterns or self-beliefs that might be holding them back and/or the habits or behaviours that could use a shift. I tend to take a 'whole person' approach to counselling because challenges don’t exist in isolation; often, there are ripple effects that impact other areas of life in ways that clients don’t always realise.

  2. I help fellow mental health therapists to process the emotions and challenges that come up in their personal life, so they can show up fully present, attuned and confident in their client sessions. I've walked this path myself, so I deeply understand that while working with and holding space for others, it's also crucial to have a space for your own personal growth and emotional and mental wellbeing.

 

​Through my own therapeutic journey, and my work with fellow therapists, I've experienced and seen how personal challenges, stress, overwhelm and life's difficult happenings can impact our emotional landscape, and at times bleed through to client work. Whether you're dealing with study pressures, personal relationships, anxiety, past trauma or uncertain life transitions, having dedicated support for your own mental health is essential – not just for your wellbeing, but to ensure you can be fully available and capable for your clients. â€‹My approach recognises that to be an effective counsellor, you need to first take care of yourself.

 

I provide a trusting, confidential, judgement-free space - where you can explore your own personal experiences, emotions and challenges - that is completely separate from your personal or professional environment.

 

Therapy for Therapists

My interest in supporting other mental health practitioners grew from my own experiences during my counselling education. I quite often noticed that while students and new practitioners were intently focused on developing their professional skills and knowledge, many weren't getting the personal emotional support they needed for themselves.

​

From both my own journey and through supporting others, I've seen that counsellors need:

  • A discreet, nonjudgemental place to process their own life experiences and emotions

  • Assistance with managing the emotional weight of holding client stories

  • Support in managing personal stress and preventing burnout

  • Help in maintaining healthy boundaries between their personal life and therapeutic work

  • Guidance in processing their own trauma or triggers that may arise during or post session

  • A compassionate space to process personal grief or loss while supporting others through similar experiences

  • A place where they can be the client and focus solely on their own wellbeing

 

This insight led me to create this specialised counselling practice where new, emerging or experienced practising therapists can receive the personal support they desire and deserve. Just as you provide a safe space for your clients, I'm here to provide that same nurturing, understanding environment for you.

 

My Promise to You

I work predominantly with issues such as; anxiety, stress, overwhelm, depression, loss, burnout, grief, trauma (vicarious or lived experience), as these are challenges I have experienced personally, throughout my life. For this reason, I refer to myself as a Lived-Experience Counsellor, who also has ample academic training.

 

I won't simply tell you what worked for me in the past though and assume that will also work for you also – Instead, I'll draw on my academic training and my professional and lived experiences to help you discover your own path forward.

 

Whether you're a counsellor, psychologist social worker, or one of my general counselling clients, I'm here to be your confidant, ally and biggest cheerleader as you navigate both your personal growth and your professional journey.

​

Ready to take those first Small Steps together?

Book your Intake Counselling Session today!

Selfie-photo of counsellor sitting on lounge wearing a maroon t-shirt and blue reading glasses
Image of cement stairs leading upwards surrounded by greenery

My Counselling Approach...

Just as every person is unique, I believe that therapy should be tailored to fit you – not the other way around. That's why I use an Integrative, Eclectic counselling approach - combining different therapeutic methods to create a treatment style that works specifically for you.

 

What This Means for You

Think of Integrative therapy as like having access to a stacked-full toolbox, rather than just a single tool.   

​

Depending on your needs, we might, for example:

  • Use Cognitive-Behavioural techniques to understand patterns or habits in your thoughts and emotions

  • Explore the stories that shape your self-beliefs through Narrative therapy

  • Practice Mindfulness to help you manage challenging thoughts and feelings

  • Apply Trauma-Informed Care to ensure we're addressing root causes, not just presenting symptoms

  • Incorporate Body-Based (somatic) strategies to help you manage stress and tension physically

  • Develop Self-Compassion practices to build your resilience and prevent burnout

 

I'm All About Flexible and Responsive Care

Your needs might change from session to session, and that's okay. Sometimes you might need practical strategies and exercises. Other times, you might just need a space to talk while I listen attentively and help you make sense of your experiences. We'll work together and adjust our approach based on what feels most helpful for you in the moment.

 

Starting Our Work Together

Not sure exactly what you need or want to work on? That's completely okay and actually quite normal. In our first session, we'll start right where you are - focusing on what's happening for you right now.

From there, we'll collaborate and develop a therapy plan that:

  • Moves at a pace you're comfortable with

  • Addresses your immediate concerns

  • Identifies your longer-term goals

  • Adapts as your needs change

  • Builds on your existing strengths, resilience and resources

 

Our Partnership

We're in this together!

You'll bring your expertise about you, your life and your experiences.

I'll bring my expertise about therapeutic approaches and techniques.

And together, we'll create a path forward that feels manageable and meaningful for you.

Industry registrations...

Australian Counselling Association (ACA) - Level 2 [member no. 24081]
Certified Practicing Counsellors Australia (CPCA)

Aerial View of a Field with a wooden boardwalk zig zagging through it

Qualifications, Accreditations, Certifications...

- Masters in Counselling, University of Canberra

Qualifications -

- Graduate Diploma in Counselling, University of Canberra

- Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling), Southern Cross University

- Level 1 and 2 Certificates in Wellness Coaching for the Health and
Fitness Professional, Wellness Coaching Australia

- Diploma in Holistic Human Development (Counselling) and Meditation Teaching, IVHHD School of Meditation & Alternate Therapies

- Certificate in Meditation for the Management of Anxiety and
Depression, IVHHD School of Meditation & Alternate Therapies

- Certificate in Meditation for Children, IVHHD School of Meditation & Alternate Therapies

- Diploma of Education Support, TAFE Qld

Accreditations (assessment-based short-course / training) - Assisted Suicide Intervention Skills training [ASIST] (x2); Lifeline / Youth Line Telephone Counselling [course]; Gay & Lesbian Welfare Association Peer Telephone Counselling [course]; Trauma-Informed Certificate for Coaches; Polyvagal Theory in Practice; Somatic Therapy for Complex Trauma; Grief Treatment; CBT; DBT; Private Practice Management; Community Coach Training Program (x2); Literacy Professional Development; 

Certifications (non-assessed course / training) -
working with trauma; CBT; DBT; ACT; grief & loss; understanding traumatised children's behaviour; working alongside gender diverse clients; working with clients with autism spectrum disorders (neuro-divergence), cultural counselling therapy, and other relevant professional development trainings.

Contact Me...

  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
small image displaying the words verified by Psychology Today

Thanks for submitting!

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

​Accessibility Statement

© 2024 by Small Steps Counselling. Powered and secured by Wix

I acknowledge and honour the Turrbal and Jagera people as Traditional Owners and Custodians of Meanjin, the land on which I was born, live and work. I offer respect for country and the traditional peoples who have and do reside here, and pay my respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging. 

Small Steps Counselling is notcrisis counselling service.

If you are in need of emergency support, please call 000.

​

Other supports include:

Lifeline (24-hour crisis line) - 13 11 14

Women's Crisis Line - 1800 811 811

1800 Respect National Helpline - 1800 737 732

13 YARN - 13 92 76

QLife - 1800 184 527

Member no.

24081

Small vector image of the Australian Counselling Association logo
Logo tile stating Certified Private Practice
bottom of page