Growth Minded Psychology provides individual counselling for adults (18+) at our Werribee (Wyndham) clinic in Melbourne’s west. Counselling can be a helpful starting point when you want support, perspective and practical next steps—whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship strain, grief, or a major life change.
Session fee: $165 (50 mins)
Medicare rebate (Better Access): $98.95 (with a valid GP Mental Health Treatment Plan)
Phone: 03 9123 1266
Email: enquiries@growthminded.com.au
Address: 267 Princes Highway, Werribee VIC 3030
If you prefer online appointments, telehealth is also available for many concerns. You can read more here: Telehealth Psychologist (Online Counselling & Psychotherapy).
Enquire about counselling
When counselling may be a good fit
People seek counselling for many different reasons. You don’t need to be “at breaking point” to benefit from talking with a professional.
Counselling may be a good fit if you’re:
- feeling stressed, overwhelmed or stuck
- navigating a life transition (work, study, separation, moving, identity shifts)
- dealing with grief or loss (bereavement, relationship loss, health changes, role changes)
- wanting support with workplace issues (confidence, conflict, burnout, decision-making)
- experiencing relationship strain and wanting clarity about boundaries and communication
- not sure what you need yet, but you know things aren’t working as they are
If it becomes clear that a more structured psychotherapy approach is likely to help, we can discuss options and next steps.
Who you’ll see
Your sessions are with Julian O’Sullivan (Psychologist). Julian provides a calm, practical space to slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and work toward goals that fit your situation.
You can read more here: Julian O’Sullivan (Psychologist).
Counselling vs psychotherapy (what’s the difference?)
People often use the words “counselling” and “psychotherapy” interchangeably. In practice, there’s overlap—but the focus is often different.
Counselling tends to focus on:
- current stressors and circumstances
- emotional support and stabilisation
- problem-solving and decision-making
- building coping strategies and a workable plan
Psychotherapy may be more appropriate when:
- patterns feel longstanding or hard to shift
- difficulties are more complex, pervasive, or repeatedly affecting relationships/work
- you want deeper work on underlying themes, attachment, self-concept, or trauma responses
If you’re deciding between the two, you can also read: Psychotherapy (Adults 18+).
What counselling sessions can look like
Counselling is designed to be collaborative, respectful and practical.
In sessions, we may focus on:
- clarifying what’s happening (and what’s maintaining it)
- identifying your goals (even if they’re initially uncertain)
- exploring thoughts, emotions and patterns in a grounded way
- building strategies you can use between sessions
- reviewing progress and adjusting the focus over time
Some people come for a short block of sessions around a specific issue; others use counselling as a stepping stone into longer-term therapy. Either is okay.
Common counselling themes
Grief and loss counselling
Grief can follow a death, but also other losses—relationships, roles, identity, health, work, or future plans. Counselling can provide support and structure while you process what’s changed and what you need now.
Work, study and performance pressures
Counselling can help with motivation, confidence, procrastination, burnout patterns, decision paralysis, and workplace stress. It can also support you to plan next steps when things feel uncertain.
Men’s counselling
Some men prefer counselling that is practical, direct, and focused on what to do next—especially when stress builds up, emotions feel hard to name, or it’s impacting relationships, work or health. Counselling can help you identify patterns, build coping strategies, and improve communication without needing to “have the perfect words” from the start.
Adjustment to parenting
Becoming a parent (or navigating a new stage of parenting) can bring big changes in identity, sleep, roles, relationships and priorities. Counselling can help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, irritable, disconnected, guilty, anxious, or unsure how to balance your needs with your responsibilities. It can also support you to have clearer conversations with your partner about workload, expectations and support.
Life transitions and relationship stress
When relationships or circumstances shift, it’s common to feel unsettled, reactive, or unsure what you want. Counselling can help you slow things down, clarify boundaries, and make values-aligned decisions.
In-person counselling in Werribee + telehealth options
Most clients attend sessions at our Werribee clinic. Telehealth is also available for many presenting concerns, particularly when travel, work schedules or family commitments make in-person sessions difficult.
If telehealth is your preference, start here: Telehealth Psychologist (Online Counselling & Psychotherapy).
Fees, rebates and referrals
Session fee: $165 (50 mins)
Medicare rebate (Better Access): $98.95 (with a valid GP Mental Health Treatment Plan)
A GP referral isn’t required to book an appointment. If you are exploring Medicare rebates, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan is typically needed—please contact reception and we can help you understand what applies.
For full details, see: Fees, rebates and funding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a diagnosis to access counselling?
No. Many people come to counselling for support with life events, stress, decision-making, relationships or grief—without any diagnosis.
How do I know if I should choose counselling or psychotherapy?
If you’re seeking support with a current stressor, counselling can be a good starting point. If difficulties feel longstanding, complex, or keep repeating, psychotherapy may be more suitable. If you’re unsure, we can discuss this when you enquire.
Is counselling available via telehealth?
Yes, telehealth is available for many concerns. If you prefer online appointments, see our telehealth page for details (or ask when you contact us).
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your goals and what you’re working through. Some people attend for a short period around a specific issue; others benefit from a longer approach. We can review this as we go.
Can I book if I’m not in Werribee?
Yes. We see clients in-person in Werribee and also offer telehealth options for clients across Victoria and Australia where appropriate.
Enquire about counselling
To enquire about counselling (adults 18+), contact:
Growth Minded Psychology (Werribee)
Phone: 03 9123 1266
Email: enquiries@growthminded.com.au
Address: 267 Princes Highway, Werribee VIC 3030
Enquire about counselling