Services
COUNSELLING SERVICES
MISSION
My mission is to provide, counselling, couple counselling and family
counselling, in person and via Zoom.
VISION
My passion is to work with with
individuals to help them draw out their values and aspirations, to help them be the person they’d like to be.
GOAL
My goal is to be a strong and genuine
advocate for my clients. I will focus on their strengths to help them get the best results from our sessions.
On this page:
Counselling Services
My Approach
DAVE WALTERS
COUNSELLING SERVICES
Personal Counselling
Form a therapeutic relationship with a genuine advocate who respects “your way” of doing life and sees your strengths and positive attitudes.
Family Counselling
Every person in the family is a unique and whole person who has boundaries, preferences, goals and needs. We work together to develop a culture of respect and honouring while having meaningful and powerful conversations.
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling provides a supportive space for partners to navigate challenges, life transitions, and relationship pressures. Within this environment, both partners can feel heard and understood while developing healthier communication and rebuilding connection in a way that is genuine and harmonious.
My Approach
Looking back vs. looking ahead
Traditional therapy methods are primarily seeking to understand “how you got here” and are therefore somewhat backward facing in an effort to gain understanding.
Since then, more forward looking approaches have been developed that seek to “get you where you’d like to go” and don’t require a deconstruction of your past or trawling through old stories. Although there is some benefit in understating your past, I find the more modern approaches to be efficient, empowering and inspiring.
The underlining ethos of what is known as Person Centred Therapy is that we all have the desire and capacity to thrive if we have the right conditions to do so (like being in a supportive psychological environment.)
Key principles
- Unconditional Positive Regard – I accept and value my client regardless of what they share and I have a high degree of personal respect for them. I seek to remove any perceived power imbalance in the room.
- Empathy – I strive to deeply understand the client point of view.
- Authenticity – I try to describe how I’m experiencing the client and what they are saying in a way that’s valuing and respectful because it provides insight and connection.
- Self Actualisation – I have a strong belief and faith that my clients have an innate strength and capacity to work life out when they feel seen, heard and connected to an advocate.
- Client Autonomy – You are the expert in your own life. I can’t tell you what to do but I can support you as you take ownership of your story, your choices, your challenges and your goals. I respect you and your way of doing life.
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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