family COUNSELLING
real support for real family life
Family life can be deeply rewarding—but it can also be challenging, especially when communication breaks down or life changes create pressure at home. Family counselling provides a supportive, neutral space where each person can be heard, understood, and respected.
Together, we work to improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships so your home feels safer, calmer, and more connected. Whether you’re navigating behavioural challenges, parenting differences, or simply feeling stuck as a family, counselling helps you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and unity.
Counselling Services Details:
Family Counselling
I’m a father to 4 children. I’ve been married, divorced and remarried! My older 2 children live with their mum in another town and visit me. I’ve been through family court, have parenting orders in place and am always trying to make it all work.
Relationships with growing children
Family Dynamics
a Happy home is priceless
Counselling Services Details
family Counselling
Choosing to focus on your family relationships is not always easy—but it is incredibly meaningful. It reflects a willingness to show up, to work through challenges, and to create something stronger together. You’re making a conscious decision to move toward connection, understanding, and growth rather than staying stuck in patterns that don’t serve your family. That takes intention, and it matters.
So… where do we start?
It’s important that I meet with key family members individually first (where appropriate).
This allows me to:
• Hear each person’s experience and perspective
• Understand individual needs, roles, and family dynamics
• Get to know each person within the family system
• Give everyone the opportunity to feel heard and comfortable with the process
Once I’ve had the chance to meet with individuals, we can begin working together as a family.
Short Form or Long Form (Intensive) Family Therapy?
You have flexibility in how we approach this:
• Traditional Sessions – 1–2 hour appointments, weekly or fortnightly
• Intensive Sessions – Longer, focused blocks designed to create meaningful progress in a shorter period
Both approaches are effective. You can start with one and adjust as needed—whatever suits your family best.
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What are we working toward? (My objectives)
Understanding each family member and the dynamics at play
Creating emotional safety—ensuring each person feels respected, heard, and valued
Strengthening communication—moving away from conflict, shutdown, or miscommunication toward open and healthy dialogue
Supporting connection—helping family members rebuild trust, improve relationships, and work as a more unified team
Exploring deeper influences where needed—family roles, life transitions, parenting challenges, and past experiences
How do we begin?
Step 1 – Individual Sessions (where appropriate)
Each family member (or key members) attends an individual session.You can book all appointments through one person’s name. When booking, there’s an option for notes — just include who the session is for.
This provides a safe space to share openly and helps build a clear understanding of the family system.
Step 2 – Choose Your Approach
Decide what structure suits your family:
• Weekly or fortnightly sessions – allows time to apply strategies at home and fits around busy schedules
• Intensive sessions – ideal for families wanting faster progress and focused time together
Step 3 – Family Sessions
We begin working together as a family, focusing on communication, understanding, and practical strategies that can be used in everyday life.
Step 4 – Ongoing Growth
From there, the focus is on strengthening relationships, building connection, and creating a family environment that feels supportive, stable, and healthy for everyone.
You’re choosing a stronger direction for your family—and that matters.
Life is hard, but still beautiful.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need help right now?
Call 000 if it’s an emergency.
Can I call on the phone rather than come in person?
YES! It is a personal preference and whatever suits you.
What services do I provide?
- Personal counselling in person or by phone or video link
- Couples Counselling
- Family 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!
What can I expect from a chat?
I know it can be scary to start the process. I am extremely honouring and respectful of the brave people who reach out. I try to remove any perceived power imbalance between us so that we can relate as equals. I listen and draw out your story without jumping in and telling you what to do or offering advice. I never judge or criticise and I have faith that my clients know how to live their lives much better than I do. Change happens through being listened to and understood by someone who is an advocate and respects you. I will gently bring ideas and insight into the chat if I think it is helpful, encouraging or inspiring.
Can I connect confidentially?
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.
Confidentiality is your legal right. I take care to protect your confidentiality. Nobody will know you’re seeing me unless you tell them. What happens between us remains private.
Counsellors do have to breach confidentiality if:
- You are a serious risk to yourself or someone else
- If a child is at serious risk
- If a significant crime has been committed
- If records are requested by a court of law
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.
What time schedule are the online appointments?
I’m based in Mackay, Qld. Australian Eastern Standard Tim
What is your cancellation policy?
With 48 hours notice, we can refund the deposit you paid to book your appointment. If appointment is cancelled within 24 hours the full fee of the appointment is charged.
When is payment required?
A deposit is paid at the time of booking your appointment. The remaining amount is paid on the day of the appointment.
Where are you located?
In the Century 21 building. I am in office 7A, which is upstairs at 68 Sydney St.
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.
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