Private and NDIS counselling • In person, phone, video or text
Counsellor in Cairns and Online Across Australia
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's happening and work out what to do next.
Prefer to text? Text Allan: 0423 763 712
Meet your counsellor
Counselling with someone who listens first
Hi, I'm Allan. I'm a certified counsellor based in Cairns.
I have used a wheelchair since I was ten and I also live with an upper limb difference. That has shaped how I understand independence, other people's assumptions, disability and systems that don't work the way they should. It doesn't mean I know your experience. It does change the way I listen.
Before counselling, I worked as an NDIS support coordinator, and I still do. So if the NDIS is part of what's weighing on you, I understand how it works from the inside.
My approach is simple. You bring what's happening in your life and we start there. I'm not going to lecture you, rush you or tell you how you should feel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Book when you’re ready
If you would like to continue, we can arrange a 50-minute session in Cairns City or online anywhere in Australia.
No referral needed • No obligation
Counselling in Cairns
What would you like some help working through?
You do not need to know exactly what type of counselling you need. Start with what has been happening in your life, and we can work from there.
Anxiety & overwhelm
When your mind won't switch off
Support with worry, stress, panic, overthinking, burnout or feeling constantly on edge.
Anxiety counselling in Cairns →Grief, loss & change
When life isn't what it was
A place to work through bereavement, separation, illness, disability, changing relationships or other significant losses.
Grief counselling in Cairns →Men's counselling
When you're carrying more than you say
Straightforward support with pressure, relationships, anger, emotional shutdown, identity or simply feeling stuck.
Men's counselling in Cairns →NDIS counselling
Support that understands disability
Counselling for plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants dealing with emotional stress, adjustment, grief, anxiety or change.
NDIS counselling in Cairns →You can also learn more about:
Not sure which one sounds like you? You do not need to choose a category before getting in touch.
Talk to Allan FirstIs 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 ChatLocal 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
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment.
Telehealth appointments are available throughout the week for people in Cairns and across Australia.
Private and NDIS counselling is $110 per 50-minute session.
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.
What's the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
Both are trained to help people with what they're going through. The main differences are in how they work and how you pay.
A psychologist can assess and diagnose mental health conditions. If you see one with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare covers part of the cost for a set number of sessions each year. You often still pay a gap fee on top.
A counsellor focuses on talking things through with you and working out what might help. You don't need a diagnosis or a GP referral, and you can book straight away. Counselling isn't covered by Medicare.
Some people see a counsellor because they don't want a diagnosis, don't want to go through a GP first, or don't want to wait. Some people see both. If you're not sure which suits you, ask me in the free 15-minute chat and I'll give you a straight answer, even if that answer is someone else.
Can I claim counselling on Medicare?
No. Medicare doesn't cover counselling with a counsellor. Sessions are $110 for 50 minutes. If you have NDIS funding and are self-managed or plan-managed, you may be able to use that instead.
Can I claim counselling on my private health insurance?
No. I'm not registered with any private health funds, so you can't claim a rebate on my sessions. The cost is $110 for a 50-minute session. If you have NDIS funding and are self-managed or plan-managed, you may be able to use that instead.
How much does counselling cost?
Private and NDIS counselling is $110 per 50-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 ChatReady 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 50-minute session • No referral needed
No pressure. Ask a question first if you need to.