ABOUT DAVE
Life can be hard. But it’s still beautiful in the hard.
I’ve had an interest in psychology since my teenage years. I would borrow textbooks from a psych and read them at waterski training camps when I was a teen. I sometimes wish I’d studied it when I left school, but I think I would have missed out on so much life if I’d done that. I spent 20 years in business and then studied which was hard because I was supporting a family. I really believe that this is the work I was always meant to do so I was extremely committed to making the change.
FREE CHAT
If you’d like to have a quick informal chat, I offer a free 15 minute phone consult. That way you get to know me and my approach before committing to an appointment. We can also discuss your needs or goals for counselling.
15 minute free chat
see if we click
MY STORY
Get to know me
ABOUT DAVE:
I’m an immigrant to Australia with life experience both good and hard. I grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe and went to boarding school from age 5. Us kids had many opportunities as youngsters but going through a political upheaval which ended in us being evicted from the country was an extraordinarily difficult thing to get through. Starting over has its challenges and the violence and trauma our family experienced was significant. This resulted in depression and anxiety and although I could still function most of the time, much of my energy went into trying to be ok and appearing normal!
I was married for 6 years and had two great young lads but then went through divorce / court / kids moving away etc. I remarried an amazing woman (we met age 5 at school in Zimbabwe) and we have two more great kids together. I’m very close with all four children but I had to work for it. If you have a blended family, you know what I mean!
I’m thankful I found counselling. Unfortunately, not all the experiences I’ve had in therapy have been good – I clicked with some people/approaches and not with others. Once I found someone I could work with who was a true advocate for me, a profound change happened over a period of time. I went from feeling like “the most broken person I know” to being really “Ok” in myself.
My own journey in mental health was both wonderful and difficult at times. I’m so glad that I went down this road and I’m really proud of the growth that came through it. Hard things definitely make us grow in ways that can be good. I highly value the life experience that comes through overcoming suffering. I look around and see that many of the people I respect have overcome their own significant challenges. I respect them for that.
Life can be hard but it’s still beautiful in the hard. We are never without hope. I’ll keep reminding you!
EXPERIENCE
My Background
Childhood
1980ish - 2001
Grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe
Got kicked off that farm by the government! Family fled to Australia (Thank you Australia!)
1 Year
2001 - 2002
Professional Waterskier
(Coach) in England
1 Year
2002 - 2003
Professional Sailor
(Yachting instructor) England
1 Year
2003 - 2004
Mountain Guide/Instructor
Scotland
School of Teamwork / Communication / Leadership
3 years
2004 - 2006
Fitter & Turner Apprentice
Moved to Mackay, Australia
Quickly turned to a chippy apprenticeship.
6 Years
2006 - 2010
Leaf Logic
Mackay - Self-Employed
Started my own landscaping business with my ex
2010
Divorce
The kids were pre-school. It was messy!
2 years
2010 - 2011
Real Estate Agent
Ray White Mackay
2 years
2011 - 2012
Sales
Snap-on Tools Moranbah
Worked for Moranbah Snap On franchisee
11 years
2012 - 2021
Franchisee
Snap-on Tools
Bought the Snap-on Tools Franchise in Moranbah
2013: Became the #1 International Franchisee
4 years
2020 - 2024
Counselling
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
Began working part-time in my business to focus on my counselling education.
2 years
2022 - 2024
SALES
Snap on tools Paget
Sold my Snap-on Tools Franchise in order to pursue a career change into counselling.
Worked for Snap-on Tools Paget while I finished studying.
CURRENT
2024 +
Counsellor
Dave Walters Counselling
Started counselling full-time
My MOTIVATIONS
Live a life you can be proud of
My motivation to be a counsellor and my passion to help others comes from two things :-
- Bad experiences – having a “not helpful” or even damaging experience with a psychologist or counsellor was super hard to deal with because I was so vulnerable. I never want anyone to experience less than fantastic help when they walk in the door.
- Good experiences – Talk therapy has been profoundly helpful in my life. It was simply life changing for me and I’d like to help others in the same way I was helped. It truly set me free to be myself and live a life I’m proud of.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to help as many people as I can so I am being as transparent as I can. These are common questions i receive about my services and how I help my clients.
General Questions
Teens & Family
Personal Counselling
Appointment Info
Payment Questions
What if I need help right now?
Call 000 if it’s an emergency.
If you would like to chat to me then call or text me. If I miss you I’ll call you back asap.
Can I call on the phone rather than come in person?
YES!
Many of my male clients appreciate being able to call. They might call while driving or during a break at work.
- Only pay for time used so a 15 min call costs $38 (pro-rata).
- Call or SMS me or ask me to call you back when I’m free.
- I try to make counselling feel as much like normal life as possible.
What services do I provide?
- Personal counselling in person or by phone or video link
- Walking and talking in nature either at the beach or Botanic Garden
- Couples Counselling
- Teen counselling
Why connect with Dave?
My approach is really affirming and encouraging. It’s forward looking and supportive as opposed to deconstructing the past and being problem focussed.
I’m a licensed counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and I have a working with children clearance (Blue Card).
I know how hard counselling can be and I make sure I do my best to ensure you’re feeling more empowered when you leave than when you came!
Can I connect confidentially?
Yes! Counselling is confidential
- Risk of Harm – If you are in danger of harming yourself or others, I may need to inform authorities or family members.
- Abuse or Neglect – If there is evidence of child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable person, I am legally required to report it.
- Court Orders – In some cases, a court may require a counselor to provide records or testify.
Please talk to me if you are concerned that seeking counselling might affect your career or credibility in court.
I do understand that it’s an issue in certain professions.
Are the online sessions secure?
Yes - It’s an encrypted Zoom link that is hosted by an industry leading CRM platform. Just make sure you are in a quiet, private space.
Do you work with NDIS clients?
Yes. I work with Plan and Self Managed NDIS clients.
In future I will have my own NDIS provider number.
How does the teen counselling work? Are the parents in the loop?
Good question!
I make sure the teen feels like they can tell me things in confidence if they need to. Their confidentiality is respected but I’m a massive advocate for communication within families so if it’s something the parents need to know about, I’ll encourage the teen to chat to the parents so that it can be worked through.
If my teen comes for counselling, will I be a part of it?
If you’d like to be a part of it then come along. Normally I chat to the teen and then the parents and if it’s appropriate then I might suggest that we all chat together so that I can facilitate a genuine and honouring conversation between the teen and parent(s).
Couples - It’s hard to organise with kids!
It’s very hard to get two busy people to an appointment at the same time as well as organise child care. If you can manage it, great - but if an evening appointment would suit you better then book one of those and let me know you’d like me to come to you (Mackay). We can also do it via zoom so that you’re at home with the kids in bed.
Couples - My partner is less keen to go for counselling
Come on your own initially. It can be enormously helpful and as you bring new value and insight into the home, hopefully they will become interested too.
If you partner feels respected and honoured in their absence, it will be apparent to them that it’s a safe place as they chat to you. I’ll make them feel most welcome and valued if they reach out.
I’m an advocate for both parties and the relationship so hopefully nobody will feel like they are being told off or copping blame.
What if I can’t keep a 1 on 1 appointment I have made?
We can reschedule it. Just let me know or reschedule it in the booking app.
If you forget - you owe me a beer!
Can we chat on the phone to see if we click?
Yes!
We can talk “about” counselling and your needs / my approach. It’s free and I encourage it if you’d like to.
Send me a text or use the booking link to book the free slot.
How do I connect for my appointment?
If you prefer video over call then I’ll send you a secure link before we chat.
If you come in person (the old fashioned way!) then I’ll make you a cuppa!
Can I call on the phone rather than come in person?
YES!
Many of my male clients appreciate being able to call. They might call while driving or during a break at work.
- Only pay for time used so a 15 min call costs $38 (pro-rata).
- Call or SMS me or ask me to call you back when I’m free.
- I try to make counselling feel as much like normal life as possible.
Can I connect confidentially?
Yes! Counselling is confidential
- Risk of Harm – If you are in danger of harming yourself or others, I may need to inform authorities or family members.
- Abuse or Neglect – If there is evidence of child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable person, I am legally required to report it.
- Court Orders – In some cases, a court may require a counselor to provide records or testify.
Please talk to me if you are concerned that seeking counselling might affect your career or credibility in court.
I do understand that it’s an issue in certain professions.
Are the online sessions secure?
Yes - It’s an encrypted Zoom link that is hosted by an industry leading CRM platform. Just make sure you are in a quiet, private space.
Do you work with NDIS clients?
Yes. I work with Self Managed NDIS clients.
In future I will have my own NDIS provider number.
What time schedule are the online appointments?
I’m based in Mackay, Qld. Australian Eastern Standard Time
How do I connect for my appointment?
If you prefer video over call then I’ll send you a secure link before we chat.
If you come in person (the old fashioned way!) then I’ll make you a cuppa!
What if I can’t keep a 1 on 1 appointment I have made?
We can reschedule it. Just let me know or reschedule it in the booking app.
If you forget - you owe me a beer
Do you work with NDIS clients?
Yes. I work with Self Managed NDIS clients.
In future I will have my own NDIS provider number.
Can I obtain a rebate when attending Dave Walters Counselling?
Medicare does not offer rebates but some private health organisations do. Best to check yours.
When is payment required?
Within 7 days. An invoice will be sent out for you to pay or you can use your card when you see me.