Individual Counselling Cairns
One-on-one counselling for adults and young people 14 and over, in Cairns and online across Australia.
Sometimes things build up to the point where you can't keep managing on your own. It might be a diagnosis that's changed everything. Grief that won't shift. Anxiety that's getting in the way of your day. Stress that keeps compounding. Or just a feeling that something isn't right that you haven't been able to name yet.
Individual counselling gives you a space to work out what's actually going on, without having to explain yourself to someone who already knows you.
Whatever's been going on, you don't have to keep carrying it on your own.
Maybe something has shifted and you're still trying to work out what that means. Maybe you've been holding things together for a long time and it's getting harder. Maybe something happened that changed things, and you haven't had anywhere to put it yet.
Counselling gives you that space. Somewhere to slow down, make sense of what's going on, and start to feel like yourself again.
I'm Allan Bunyan, a certified counsellor based in Cairns. I work with people going through some of the harder parts of life. Anxiety. Grief. A diagnosis that's changed things. Stress that's been building for too long. I bring my own lived experience to that work, and I understand what it's like when life shifts in ways you didn't choose.
People usually leave sessions with more understanding than they came in with. That's the goal.
Individual Counselling
What I can help with
What I can help with
Anxiety and worry that won't switch off. Grief and loss. A new diagnosis or significant health change. Major life transitions. Stress and burnout. Relationship difficulties. Identity and self-worth. Trauma. Depression. Adjusting to disability or changed circumstances.
If you're not sure whether what you're dealing with fits, just get in touch. You don't need to have it figured out before you call.
I also offer specific support for NDIS participants in Cairns and across Australia. [See the NDIS Counselling page.] If you're a man looking for somewhere to talk without having to over-explain yourself, the [Men's Counselling page] covers that. If a diagnosis or major change has shifted things significantly, the [Major Life Changes page] is worth a read.
What happens in a session
The first session is a conversation. We talk about what's been going on, what you're hoping to get out of counselling, and what would actually help. There's no pressure to have things figured out before you come.
From there, sessions are built around you. What works for one person won't always work for another. I draw on different approaches depending on what's going on, and I'll always explain what I'm doing and why. Some people need to make sense of what's happened. Some need practical tools for getting through the day. Most need a bit of both.
Over time, most people find they're managing better, thinking more clearly, and feeling less alone with what they've been carrying.
Sessions are 60 minutes. In person at my Cairns practice or via video or phone anywhere in Australia.
What's the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist in Cairns?
Both can help with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and most everyday mental health concerns. Psychologists tend to use formal assessment and structured clinical approaches. Counselling is more conversational, focusing on what's going on in your life right now and helping you work through it.
I'm a certified counsellor registered with the CPCA. You don't need a referral or a Mental Health Care Plan to see me. You can just reach out directly.
Can I use Medicare?
No Medicare rebate is available for counselling. Sessions are $95 for 60 minutes, which is in line with the gap fee most people pay when seeing a psychologist or social worker under Medicare anyway.
If you're an NDIS participant who is self-managed or plan-managed, I work at NDIS pricing. [See the NDIS Counselling page.]
Practical details
Sessions: $95 for 60 minutes.
In person: Cairns and surrounding areas including Smithfield, Gordonvale, Mareeba, Mossman, and Innisfail.
Online: Video or phone anywhere in Australia.
Hours: Monday to Friday until 8pm. Sundays 1pm to 5pm.
No referral needed.
Talk to Someone Who Gets It
If things have been building up, you do not have to keep handling it on your own.
Sessions are available in person in Cairns and via telehealth across Australia. After-hours and weekend appointments are available.
Call: 0423 763 712 Or use the form below to send a message.
Contact me
What I Can Help With
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Individual Counselling
One-on-one counselling in Cairns for adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Sessions are practical, confidential, and focused on what matters to you.
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NDIS Counselling
Counselling support for NDIS participants in Cairns and across Australia via telehealth. I work with you and your support network to deliver therapeutic support that fits your plan.
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Men’s Counselling
A straightforward space for men to talk through what's going on. Whether it's work stress, relationships, identity, or something you haven't been able to put into words yet, you don't have to figure it out alone.
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Major Life Changes Counselling
A new diagnosis changes things. Your relationships, your routines, your sense of who you are. Counselling can help you make sense of what's shifted and work out where to go from there.
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Anxiety Counselling
Anxiety can show up in a lot of ways. Constant worry, trouble sleeping, avoiding things you used to manage fine, or just a feeling that something is wrong you cannot quite name. Counselling can help you understand what is driving it and start to get some relief.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If things have been building up, you don’t have to keep handling it on your own.
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No. If you're self-managed or plan-managed you can contact me directly. You don't need your GP or support coordinator to refer you, although they're welcome to.
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Counselling typically sits under Improved Daily Living (CB_Daily_Activity) in your NDIS plan. If you're not sure whether your plan includes it, check with your support coordinator or LAC before booking.
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No. I work with self-managed and plan-managed participants only. If you're agency-managed I'm not able to accept your booking at this stage.
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Yes. Telehealth sessions are available to participants anywhere in Australia. If you're in Cairns you're also welcome to come in person.
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That depends on what you're working on. We'll talk about that in your first session once I have a better understanding of your situation and what you're hoping to get from counselling.
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Counselling typically sits under Improved Daily Living in your NDIS plan. If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you can contact me directly to book. You don't need a referral from your GP or support coordinator, though they're welcome to be involved. If you're not sure what your plan covers, your LAC or support coordinator can check that for you before your first session.