Healing Starts Here
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” bell hooks
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or aware that something in your life isn’t quite right, you don’t have to navigate it on your own.
Sometimes the experience is clear - stress, anxiety, low mood, or a difficult life transition. At other times, it can feel like something harder to name: a sense of disconnection, of being unsettled or out of alignment, maybe a quiet inner signal - a soul cry - asking for attention, care, and understanding.
You’re welcome to come as you are. I have particular interest areas in supporting women, members of the queer community, and 20 and 30 somethings. Together we can begin to understand what is happening in your life and what meaningful change might look like for you. This space is an invitation to begin just there.
How I Can Help
You might be seeking support if you are:
feeling emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your direction
moving through a significant life transition
coping with grief or loss
experiencing burnout
living with low self-worth or persistent self-criticism
struggling in relationships with partners, family, or friends
experiencing loneliness, isolation, or a lack of belonging
exploring questions of sexuality or gender identity
navigating a crisis of faith or spiritual uncertainty
Counselling is a collaborative process; together we gently explore the experiences, patterns, and challenges that may be causing distress or limiting your sense of freedom and wellbeing.
Creating a respectful, affirming space where these experiences can be explored openly is central to my work.
Through therapy, many people find they feel more grounded, clearer in their choices, and more able to meet life with a greater sense of steadiness and self-understanding.
"The doors to the world of the wild Self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door. If you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door."
Clarissa Pinkola Estés
My Approach
My hope is that counselling with me feels like a place where you can speak openly, without fear of judgement. I offer warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care, alongside thoughtful reflection and gentle challenge where it may be helpful. Even during life’s tougher seasons, it is important to me that there is room for moments of lightness and laughter.
My approach is primarily person-centred and informed by psychodynamic thinking. This means we begin with your experience - your story, your pace - while also exploring how past experiences may continue to shape your present.
I also draw from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, and Mindfulness, depending on what feels most helpful for you.
While these approaches can be valuable, research consistently shows that meaningful change happens within a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, trusting, and respectful. This relationship sits at the heart of my work.
This is not hurried work. Often, the most lasting change unfolds slowly over time, with care.
“Soon you will be home in a new rhythm for your soul senses the world that awaits you.”
John O’Donohue
What To Expect
If you are starting therapy, it is natural for it to feel unfamiliar. Beginning counselling, whether for the first time or with a new therapist, can feel like a big step.
In our first session, we will talk about what has brought you here and what you hope might feel different in your life. We will also cover practical details such as confidentiality and session structure, and there will be space for any questions you may have.
From there, we move at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy offers a place to slow down and reflect. As we develop a deeper understanding of your emotions, patterns, and experiences, it often becomes easier to navigate life with greater clarity and ease.
Your uniqueness matters - your challenges, your strengths, and the many intersecting parts of your identity, including culture, race, religion, gender, sexuality, age, neurodivergence, and ability.
All parts of you are welcome here. And you are guaranteed a warm hello from this little creature.
About Me
Outside of my work, I find grounding in the ocean, in bushland walks, and in slow, meandering time in green spaces with my people-loving Moodle, who also spends time in the therapy room. I cannot imagine a life without good music, good food, good books, or a good morning coffee.
My background is in education, originally teaching languages to secondary school students before moving into leadership roles focused on wellbeing, character education, and pastoral care. Counselling feels like a natural continuation of that path.
I see therapy as closely connected to the spirit of education - both are concerned with growth and transformation, supporting people in their becoming. This is a very privileged position to hold; it is work that I approach with humility, care, and deep respect for the courage it takes to engage in the journey.
“To greet sorrow today does not mean that sorrow will be there tomorrow. Happiness comes too, and grief, and tiredness, disappointment, surprise and energy. Chaos and fulfillment will be named as well as delight and despair. This is the truth of being here, wherever here is today.”
Pádraig Ó Tuama
Qualifications
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, ACAP University College
Certificate in Memoir Writing, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Master of Educational Leadership, University of New South Wales
Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, Catholic Education Office
Master of Education (Curriculum), University of Sydney
Bachelor of Education (Hons I), University of Sydney
Professional Membership
Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Registration Number 33320
Availability & Fees
Availability
Fridays only (currently)
Fees
$150 per session
Sessions
50 minutes
In-person or online (Zoom/Phone)
Your Next Step - Be In Touch
You are welcome to send an email to arrange an initial session or to ask any questions. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.
Email: sophie@sophiekearnscounselling.com.au
Phone: 0415 710 751