Support for individuals, young people, and families—creating space for clarity, growth, and meaningful change.
Words of Wisdom
Healing happens when you feel supported, understood, and not alone.
I work alongside you with care and consistency—helping you explore your story, strengthen your wellbeing, and build self-awareness.
About Mary-Sue
I’m a clinical counsellor registered with ARCAP and PACFA, with over a decade of experience supporting young people, individuals, and families through life’s more challenging moments.
My work is grounded in compassion, cultural awareness, and a strong belief in each person’s capacity for growth and change.
Experience
I’ve worked across individual, youth, and family counselling, including with culturally diverse communities, trauma, and family conflict.
This has shaped a steady, thoughtful approach to complex and high-risk situations.
How I Work
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I draw on evidence-based therapies including:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
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Trauma-informed approaches
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Radical Exposure Tapping
I support clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, behavioural challenges, and relationship difficulties.
Young People & Families
I work closely with adolescents and families, supporting challenges around identity, emotional regulation, relationships, and school pressures.
I also help parents and caregivers strengthen communication and build more supportive home environments.
Approach
My work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and focused on creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and respected.
What to Expect
Clients often describe me as approachable, honest, and deeply committed.
My goal is to help you feel heard and supported as you work through challenges or move toward a clearer understanding of yourself.
Areas I Support
Anxiety
Support for managing persistent worry, overwhelm, and physical symptoms of anxiety. Together, we’ll build practical tools to help you feel more grounded and in control.
Depression
A space to work through low mood, loss of motivation, and emotional heaviness. We’ll move at your pace to reconnect with meaning, energy, and a sense of direction.
Trauma
Gentle, trauma-informed support to process past experiences safely. The focus is on building stability, reducing distress, and helping you feel more secure in yourself and your environment.
Family Conflict
Support to navigate tension, communication breakdowns, and ongoing conflict within families. We’ll work toward healthier patterns, clearer understanding, and stronger relationships.
Relationships
Support for navigating relationship challenges, whether with partners, family, or others. We’ll focus on communication, boundaries, and building more connected, supportive relationships.
Refugee & Migrant Support
Culturally sensitive support for individuals and families adjusting to new environments, identities, and experiences. This includes navigating stress, loss, and resettlement challenges with care and respect.
Young People
A supportive space for adolescents to explore identity, emotions, relationships, and life pressures. Sessions are tailored to help young people feel heard, understood, and better equipped to cope.
Group Faciliation
Structured, evidence-based programs for individuals and families.
Build skills, strengthen relationships, and manage challenges together.
Family Counselling
Support to improve communication and navigate family challenges.
Create stronger understanding, connection, and healthier dynamics.
Individual Counselling
A safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts and experiences.
Build insight, coping skills, and meaningful, lasting change.
Online and Telephone Counselling
Flexible, confidential support from the comfort of your own space.
Delivered with the same care and effectiveness as in-person sessions.
Services
Fees
Initial consultation $220 (60 - minutes)
$170 per 50-minute session
Eligible clients may be able to claim counselling sessions through their private health insurance provider, depending on their level of cover and their insurer.
Mary-Sue Sarkis
Clinical Counsellor
ARCAP and PACFA
For appointments or enquiries, please get in touch:
Phone: 0426 975 985
Email: ms.standbymecounselling@gmail.com