Men’s Counselling in Cairns and Across Australia

Counselling support for Men

A confidential space to talk through what's going on. No pressure, no judgment. Just a straightforward conversation with a professional who works with men every day.

Most men who come to counselling in Cairns say they've been putting it off for a while. Not because things aren't bad enough, but because they weren't sure it would actually help.

It's a fair question. Counselling works when it's practical and direct. You talk about what's actually happening, figure out what's driving it, and work out what to do differently. That's it.

Men come in for all kinds of reasons. Work pressure, relationship problems, feeling stuck or angry, grief, anxiety, or just a general sense that something's off. You don't need a label or a diagnosis to book an appointment.

Common reasons men seek counselling

  • Stress & burnout

    Work pressure that doesn't let up. Feeling like you're running on empty and can't switch off.

  • Relationship breakdown

    Communication problems, conflict, separation, or just a relationship that's stopped working.

  • Anger management

    Losing your temper in ways you don't want to. Understanding what's behind it and how to handle it.

  • Anxiety & worry

    Constant overthinking, dread, or avoiding situations because of what might go wrong.

  • Description Low mood & depression

    Feeling flat, disconnected, or like you're just going through the motions. goes here

  • Grief & loss

    The death of someone close, the end of a relationship, or losing something that mattered.ere

  • Trauma

    Past events that still affect how you feel or react, even when you don't expect them to.

  • Life transitions

    Becoming a father, changing careers, getting older. Big shifts that are harder to process than expected.

Allan Bunyan Cairns counsellor approachable and relaxed

A lot of men find standard therapy doesn't suit them. It can feel vague, slow, or like it's asking them to perform emotions rather than actually deal with anything.

This practice works specifically with men. Sessions are direct and practical. You won't be pushed toward anything that doesn't feel right. The goal is to understand what's going on and do something useful with that.

If you've tried counselling before and it didn't click, that's worth saying in the first session. The approach can be adjusted based on what actually helps you.

An approach that works for men

Man sitting on couch looking stressed, representing anxiety and mental health support

WHAT WE CAN WORK ON

What we can work on

Most men I see are dealing with one or more of the following:

  • Stress, burnout, or a job that's taking more than it's giving

  • Anger that comes out in ways you don't want it to

  • Anxiety, low mood, or feeling like you're just going through the motions

  • A relationship that's broken down or isn't working the way it should

  • Grief or loss whether that's a person, a relationship, or an earlier version of your life

  • Figuring out who you are now and what you actually want

If what you're dealing with isn't on that list, get in touch anyway. That list isn't exhaustive.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your first session is a conversation. We'll talk about what's been going on, what you're hoping to get from counselling, and whether the way I work is a good fit for you.

From there, sessions are regular and focused. I don't work through a fixed program. What we focus on comes from what's actually going on for you.

I draw on CBT, solution-focused therapy, Gestalt, and emotionally focused approaches, and I work from a trauma-informed base. In practice that means I pay attention to the whole picture, not just the presenting issue. I'm not a Medicare provider, so a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan won't apply here. My fee is set at the Medicare gap rate, which means you're paying roughly what you'd pay out of pocket with a rebated psychologist anyway.

Online sessions are available to men anywhere in Australia at the same rate. If you have questions about cost before booking, get in touch and I'll give you a straight answer.

ONLINE SESSIONS

If getting to Cairns doesn't suit you, online sessions work just as well. A lot of men prefer it. You're at home, there's no travel, and it's easier to fit around work.

Sessions run via video call. You'll need a quiet space and a reasonable internet connection. That's it. The conversation is the same as it would be in person.

Online counselling is available to men across Australia who don't have easy access to services locally.

What I Can Help With

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 find your footing again.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If things have been building up, you don’t have to keep handling it on your own.

  • No. You can book directly without a referral or Mental Health Care Plan.

  • Neither Medicare nor private health rebates are available for these sessions. My fee is set at the Medicare gap rate, so the out-of-pocket cost is comparable to seeing a rebated psychologist.

  • Yes. What you say stays private. There are a small number of legal exceptions, which I'll explain clearly in the first session.

  • Yes. Telehealth sessions are available to participants anywhere in Australia. If you're in Cairns you're also welcome to come in person.

  • 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.

  • Most men who come in haven't. You don't need to know what to say or how to do it. Just show up and we'll work out the rest from there.

  • No. This practice works with men individually. If you're looking for couples counselling, I can point you toward someone who does that work.

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

If things have been building up, talking to someone can help. Sessions available in Cairns and online across Australia.