Counsellor in Cairns • In-Person & Online Australia-Wide

Sometimes You Just Need Somewhere to Talk

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or dealing with something difficult? I provide calm, practical counselling to help you talk things through, understand what is happening and work out what to do next. In-person counselling in Cairns City or online Australia-wide.

Private & NDIS counselling • $110 per 50-minute session • No referral needed

Prefer to text? Text Allan: 0423 763 712
Ages 12+ After-Hours Available
Allan Bunyan, counsellor in Cairns

Meet your counsellor

Counselling with someone who listens first

Hi, I’m Allan. I’m a certified counsellor based in Cairns. My approach is straightforward: you bring what is happening in your life, and we start there.

I am not here to lecture you, rush you or tell you how you should feel. Counselling is a space to slow things down, talk honestly and work out what may help you move forward.

I have used a wheelchair since I was ten and also live with an upper limb difference. That experience has shaped how I understand independence, assumptions, disability and difficult systems. It does not mean I know your experience — but it does influence the way I listen.

Qualifications & professional training

  • Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015)
  • Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
  • Certificate IV training in Mental Health & Disability
  • Certificate III in Individual Support
  • Bachelor of Counselling — currently completing

My counselling approach is also informed by ongoing professional development and study in contemporary counselling practice.

CPCA Certified Counsellor
CPCA Member #47516
Professional indemnity insured
Current Blue Card
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Private & NDIS counselling
Book a Free 15-Minute Chat

What people have said

Sometimes it helps to hear from people who have already reached out

Choosing a counsellor can feel personal. These public Google reviews may help give you a sense of what speaking with me can feel like.

5.0 ★★★★★

So easy to talk to, very understanding, and I felt absolutely no judgement at all.

Public Google review

Easy to talk to and didn't make it awkward. He listened, didn't rush me, and helped me sort things out.

Public Google review

Getting started

Starting counselling can be simple

You do not need to explain everything before you contact me. Start with a message or a free 15-minute chat and we can take it from there.

1

Reach out

Send a text, book online or get in touch through the website. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

2

Talk with Allan

We can have a free 15-minute chat so you can ask questions, talk briefly about what is happening and see whether I may be a good fit.

3

Book when you’re ready

If you would like to continue, we can arrange a 60-minute session in Cairns City or online anywhere in Australia.

Book a Free 15-Minute Chat

No referral needed • No obligation

Is counselling with Allan right for me?

You do not need to fit into a box

You do not need a diagnosis, a referral or a perfectly clear reason for reaching out. If something in your life is weighing on you, that is enough to start a conversation.

Counselling may be a good fit if...

  • You feel overwhelmed, stressed or stuck.
  • Something has changed and you are finding it hard to adjust.
  • You keep thinking about the same problem without getting anywhere.
  • You want somewhere private to talk without being judged.
  • You are not sure what is wrong, but something does not feel right.

You do not need to...

  • Have a mental health diagnosis.
  • Get a GP referral.
  • Know exactly what you want to talk about.
  • Have everything figured out before your first session.
  • Commit to ongoing counselling before you know whether it feels right.

If you are unsure whether counselling is the right next step, a free 15-minute chat gives you a chance to ask questions before deciding anything.

Book a Free 15-Minute Chat

Local counselling support

Face-to-face counselling in Cairns City

Prefer to sit down and talk in person? Face-to-face counselling appointments are available in Cairns City, with online sessions available across Australia.

Cairns counselling appointments

Face-to-face

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment.

Online counselling

Telehealth appointments are available throughout the week for people in Cairns and across Australia.

Cost

Private and NDIS counselling is $110 per 50-minute session.

Referral

No GP referral is needed to make an appointment.

Supporting people from Cairns and surrounding areas

Cairns City • Earlville • Woree • Manunda • Manoora • Mooroobool • Edmonton • Bentley Park • Mount Sheridan • Gordonvale • Redlynch • Smithfield • Edge Hill • Westcourt • Bungalow

Questions about counselling

A few things you might want to know before reaching out

You do not need to know everything about counselling before you start. Here are straightforward answers to some of the most common questions.

How much does counselling cost?

Private and NDIS counselling is $110 per 60-minute session. You can also start with a free 15-minute chat before deciding whether you would like to book.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can contact me directly without a GP referral or diagnosis.

Where are face-to-face sessions held?

Face-to-face counselling is available at 129A Lake Street, Cairns City QLD 4870 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment.

Can I have counselling online?

Yes. Online counselling is available across Australia. Depending on what suits you, sessions may be available by video, phone or text where appropriate.

Can I use my NDIS funding?

Yes, counselling is available for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. If you are unsure whether your funding can be used, you are welcome to ask before booking.

What happens in the first counselling session?

The first session is a chance to talk about what has been happening, what you would like help with and what you hope may be different. You do not need to prepare a speech or know exactly where to start. We can work that out together.

What if I am not sure counselling is right for me?

That is completely fine. You can book a free 15-minute chat first, ask questions and get a feel for whether working together seems right before committing to a full session.

Still unsure about something? You can ask before you book.

Book a Free 15-Minute Chat

Ready when you are

You don't have to keep handling it on your own

If something has been building up, you can start with a conversation. Face-to-face counselling is available in Cairns City, with online counselling available Australia-wide.

Private & NDIS counselling • $110 per 60-minute session • No referral needed

No pressure. Ask a question first if you need to.