Autism Counselling

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

Meet James - Our student counsellor.
Sessions with James are FREE until his Placement ends.

Qualifications:
Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling
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Student Placement Completing Master of Counselling Monash University
Counselling Placement Therapist Student session are FREE Student Member, Australian Counselling Association.

James holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling, and is currently completing his Master of Counselling through Monash University. He is undertaking his final placement with Autism Counselling and maintains a student membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Before moving into counselling, James worked as a personal trainer, an experience that deepened his appreciation for the connection between physical wellbeing and mental health. He brings lived insight into the autistic experience through long-standing friendships and is gaining clinical experience supporting neurodiverse clients across the lifespan. James’s therapeutic approach is warm, normalising, and non-judgemental.
He focuses on psychoeducation and fostering self-understanding, with particular interests in men’s mental health and the role of creativity and play in emotional growth. As he continues to develop his practice, James is committed to cultivating a space of courageous playfulness, curiosity, and deep empathy.

10/02/2026

Meet our new team member - Neeyah

Neeyah is a psychotherapist who works primarily from a psychodynamic framework, bringing creativity, playfulness, and deep curiosity to her work with clients. She offers a compassionate space where individuals can explore their inner world, express their emotions, and reflect on the relationship they hold with themselves. Her approach is collaborative and insight‑oriented. Neeyah supports clients in exploring the meaning, origin, and function of challenging symptoms or patterns of behaviour. By understanding the narratives that shape both past and present experiences, she helps clients set achievable aims that foster clarity, emotional integration, and meaningful change. Within this safe and contained therapeutic space, clients can develop greater emotional awareness, experience relief from symptoms, and cultivate a stronger sense of freedom and connection — both internally and in their relationships with others. Neeyah works with children, adolescents, adults, and couples from all backgrounds. She has a particular interest in how spiritual, religious, and cultural experiences shape identity and human potential, and she brings this awareness into her therapeutic work and ongoing research. She also speaks Arabic. Her background includes studies in Anthropology, Narrative Therapy, Clinical Spiritual Care, and a Master of Counselling. She is currently undertaking training in Psychodrama.
Areas of interest include:
• Experiential nature therapy
• Grief and loss
• Academic and occupational difficulties
• Adjustment issues and adjustment disorder
• Anger management
• Anxiety
• Burnout
• Depression
• Relationship and marital concerns
• Intimacy difficulties
• Spiritual sense‑making
• Generalised anxiety
• Insomnia
• Midlife conflict
• Complex PTSD
• Borderline and bipolar disorders
• Self‑esteem
• Work‑related stress
• Perfectionism
• Panic attacks
• ADHD management
• Recovery from narcissistic abuse

05/02/2026

Meet Kalen

Masters of Social Work

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Registered Social Worker with (AASW)

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Kalen is a qualified counsellor and accredited social worker with a Master of Social Work and postgraduate training in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems and Clay Field Therapy.
Kalen offers a warm, creative, and respectful space for individuals seeking support with:
• Managing stress and emotional overwhelm
• Understanding and shifting unhelpful relationship patterns
• Healing from shame, insecurity, and complex/relational trauma
• Navigating the impacts of childhood abuse, neglect, or family violence
As a social worker, Kalen also provides:
• Holistic assessments and referrals
• Advocacy and practical support to untangle complex life circumstances affecting wellbeing
Kalen’s practice is grounded in a non-pathologising, intersectionality-informed approach that honours both adversity and individual strength. Each person is met with tailored support that reflects their unique experiences and goals.
With extensive experience supporting people from marginalised communities, including those exploring neurodiversity, and individuals within the LGBTIQA+, polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous, and kink communities. Kalen brings empathy, humour, and resilience to every therapeutic relationship.

04/02/2026

Would you be interested in learning more about your child’s autism diagnosis?
Understanding autism can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our 6-week parenting course is designed to support you with practical strategies, clearer understanding, and a safe space to ask questions.
The course focuses on helping you better understand your child’s needs, strengths, and ways of communicating, while building confidence in your parenting journey.

03/02/2026

02/02/2026

You Are Not Alone — Support Is Here

Caring for someone with Autism or supporting a loved one with mental health challenges can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Remember support is available for you too. Carers Gateway can help organise supports, including counselling through services like Autism Counselling, to help you take care of your own wellbeing.

To explore supports and get help tailored to your situation, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, they can help you organise services and supports that suit your needs

Free Victorian Mental Health Support Contacts:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
24/7 crisis support and su***de prevention

• Su***de Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Free 24/7 phone and online counselling if you’re struggling or worried about someone.

• Su***deLine Victoria – 1300 651 251
Free professional phone & online counselling available 24/7 for people in Victoria.

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Support for anxiety, depression, and mental wellbeing.

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Free counselling for ages 5–25 (phone & online).

• MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
Support for men’s mental health

In an emergency or if there is immediate risk of harm: call 000 right away.

01/02/2026

Support is available. You are not alone.

Caring for someone with Autism can be both deeply meaningful and emotionally demanding. It’s okay to need support, and you don’t have to manage everything on your own.
Carer Gateway can help carers organise supports, including counselling services such as Autism Counselling, to provide understanding, guidance, and space for you to care for your own wellbeing too

Contact Carer Gateway 1800 422 737

28/01/2026

Starting high school can be scary. Everything is new, and it’s normal to feel nervous when you don’t know what to expect yet.

27/01/2026

Its meet one of our team day.

Introducing Matt.

Matt is a skilled psychotherapist with over five years of experience supporting neurodiverse individuals and those navigating complex mental health concerns. His work spans a variety of settings, including residential services, high schools, and private practice where he has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic, client-centred care.
Matt’s therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, emotional focus, and person-centred care. He tailors each session to meet the unique needs of his clients, past, present, and future, and creates a safe, affirming space for growth and healing.
He is trained in:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Gottman Method Couples Counselling
• Integrated Attachment Family Therapy
Matt offers support across a wide range of areas, including:
• Depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation
• Self-esteem and confidence building
• Relationship and family counselling
• Support for carers of individuals with mental or physical health challenges
• Motivation and personal goal setting
Matt works with clients across the lifespan, from young children and teenagers to adults and older adults. His practice is neurodiversity-affirming, inclusive, and designed to be non-judgemental, accepting, and deeply supportive.