Counselling

We’ll listen to you with empathy and treat you with kindness and respect.

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Free, confidential support to help you manage life’s challenges

At Holstep Health, you can talk to our qualified, caring counsellors about anything that is worrying you. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress or family conflict, our counsellors offer a safe and respectful space to work through what’s on your mind. We’ll listen to you with empathy and treat you with kindness and respect.

Our short to medium-term counselling is focused on your goals and designed to help you develop coping skills, explore new perspectives, and feel more in control. Our counsellors use a range of techniques to help you build good mental health, emotional wellbeing and healthy relationships.

We can organise an interpreter if you speak another language. Our counsellors can also refer you to other services that might be helpful for you.

Our free counselling services include family violence and grief counselling.

Holstep Health also offers specialised counselling, see our financial counselling, gambling counselling or drug and alcohol counselling to find out more.

Our counsellors can offer:

emotional and mental health support – for issues like anxiety, depression, grief and loss, emotional distress, or the impact of family violence or trauma
guidance with relationships and parenting – including couple or family conflict, children’s behavioural or emotional concerns, and support for parenting strategies
therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based approaches
help to manage stress, understand your emotions, and explore options for change
support to help you live a satisfying life based on values that are most important to you
care that is compassionate, culturally respectful and empowering
recommendations for groups you might like to join, such as our family violence support group for women, mindfulness group, gambling support group, or chronic pain group
referrals to other services you might need – such as mental health, alcohol and other drugs, gambling support, social work, financial counselling, GP, physiotherapy.

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What to expect when you visit

Here’s what to expect when you get started with our Melbourne counselling services.

After you call to make a booking, we’ll put you on the counselling waitlist. A counsellor will contact you to schedule your first appointment. On your first visit, we will meet with you to discuss your concerns, thoughts and general health.

This helps us understand what support may be best for you so we can choose the right treatment approach. You only have to share as much as you feel comfortable. You and your counsellor will then talk about treatment options and develop counselling goals and a treatment plan. Our team of experienced psychologists, social workers, and family therapists work together to find the most effective way of supporting you.

Sessions are about 50 minutes long, but your first appointment may go a little longer.

Who is this for?

Coburg, Brunswick, Fawkner or Glenroy: anyone over 12 years of age.

West Heidelberg or Greensborough: anyone over 16 years of age. You can contact our Mental Health services for those aged over 12 years.

What do I need to do?

You can refer yourself to our counselling service. You do not need to have a mental health care plan. We also take referrals from health professionals.

Our counselling service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Call 9450 2000 to make a booking at West Heidelberg or Greensborough.

Call 1300 637 744 to make a booking at Coburg, Brunswick, Fawkner or Glenroy.

How much will it cost?

It’s free.