Deciding to see a counsellor is often the easy part. Finding the right one — someone who feels like a genuine fit, is available at a time that works for you, and is actually located nearby — can feel surprisingly overwhelming.
If you’re based in Perth’s northern suburbs and looking for support, this guide is designed to make that process a little simpler.
Why Location Still Matters Even in an Online World
Online counselling has made professional support more accessible than ever — and it’s a genuinely good option for many people. But for plenty of others, there’s something about physically leaving the house, driving to a dedicated space, and sitting in a room with another person that makes counselling feel more real and more contained.
If that resonates with you, finding a counsellor who is actually local matters.
Perth’s northern suburbs — sometimes referred to as NOR — cover a broad stretch of residential communities north of the river, including Warwick, Greenwood, Kingsley, Duncraig, Hamersley, Padbury, Woodvale, Hillarys, Joondalup, Craigie, Edgewater, Beldon, Ocean Reef, and Mullaloo, among others.
Despite being one of Perth’s most populated corridors, the NOR area has fewer private counselling practices per capita than the inner city. That means knowing where to look — and what to look for — matters.
What to Look for in a Counsellor
1. Qualifications and Registration
In Australia, the title “counsellor” is not legally protected in the same way that “psychologist” is — which means it’s worth checking that any counsellor you’re considering holds a recognised qualification and is a registered member of a professional body.
The two main professional associations for counsellors in Australia are:
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Membership of either body means the counsellor has met minimum qualification standards, holds professional indemnity insurance, and is bound by a code of ethics. When you visit a counsellor’s profile or website, look for their membership details — a reputable counsellor will display these clearly.
2. Specialisation That Matches What You’re Going Through
Counsellors often have areas they specialise in — and finding someone whose experience aligns with what you’re navigating can make a real difference.
Common reasons people in Perth’s northern suburbs seek counselling include:
- Anxiety, stress, and burnout — the pressure of busy family and work life in suburban Perth is real
- Relationship difficulties — communication breakdowns, conflict, or reconnecting with a partner
- Life transitions — career changes, separation, becoming a parent, retirement
- Perinatal mental health — pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional complexity of early motherhood
- Men’s mental health — stress, identity, fatherhood, and the pressure of modern life
- Grief and loss — bereavement, pregnancy loss, or the end of significant relationships
- Women’s health and wellbeing — emotional wellbeing across all stages of a woman’s life
If you’re not sure what category your experience falls into, that’s completely fine — a good counsellor will help you make sense of that in your first session.
3. Availability That Fits Your Life
One of the most common practical barriers to counselling is availability. Standard business hours don’t work for everyone — particularly if you’re working full time, managing school pickups, or navigating the demands of early parenthood.
When searching for a counsellor in Perth’s northern suburbs, it’s worth asking:
- Do they offer evening appointments?
- Are Saturday sessions available?
- Can you access online sessions if in-person doesn’t work for a particular week?
Flexibility matters — not just for your first appointment, but for maintaining consistent support over time.
4. A Approach That Feels Right for You
Different counsellors use different therapeutic approaches. You don’t need to know what these mean in depth, but it’s worth knowing they exist:
- Person-centred counselling — focuses on your experience, at your pace, without judgement
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — practical, skills-based approach often used for anxiety and stress
- Narrative therapy — helps you understand and reframe your story
- Strengths-based counselling — builds on what you’re already doing well
- Motivational interviewing — supports change when you’re feeling ambivalent or stuck
Most counsellors draw on a blend of approaches depending on what each person needs. If you’re unsure what might suit you, ask during your initial call.
5. Someone You Feel Comfortable With
This one is harder to quantify but arguably the most important. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between a client and counsellor — often called the therapeutic alliance — is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in counselling.
You don’t need to feel completely at ease in the first session. Counselling is inherently vulnerable and it takes time to build trust. But you should feel like the person across from you is genuinely present, non-judgmental, and interested in understanding your experience.
Most counsellors offer a free introductory call — usually 15 minutes — specifically for this reason. Use it. It’s not a commitment to anything. It’s simply a chance to ask a few questions and get a sense of whether the fit feels right.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
When you make that initial enquiry or free call, here are some useful questions to have in mind:
- What are your qualifications and professional memberships?
- Do you have experience working with [your specific concern]?
- What does a typical session look like with you?
- What are your fees, and do you offer any concession rates?
- Do I need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan?
- How do you handle confidentiality?
A good counsellor will answer these openly and without making you feel like you’re being difficult for asking.
Do You Need a Referral?
No — in most cases you do not need a GP referral to see a counsellor in Perth’s northern suburbs. Unlike psychologists under a Mental Health Care Plan, private counsellors can be accessed directly without going through your GP first.
This means you can book an appointment as soon as you feel ready, without navigating the healthcare system or waiting for a referral to come through. For many people this removes a significant barrier to getting started.
It’s worth noting that private counselling is generally not covered by Medicare, though some private health insurance policies do provide a rebate for counselling sessions. It’s worth checking your policy if cost is a consideration.
Counselling in Warwick and Perth’s Northern Suburbs
As You Are Counselling is a small, private practice based in Warwick WA 6024, within Perth’s northern suburbs. We offer counselling for individuals and couples on a range of concerns — including anxiety, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, perinatal mental health, and women’s health and wellbeing.
Our counsellors are Brendan and Esther English — both registered members of the Australian Counselling Association. Brendan specialises in anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and men’s mental health. Esther specialises in perinatal mental health, women’s health, and the emotional complexity of pregnancy and early motherhood.
We are located at the Wellness Zone, Unit 3, 8 Dugdale Street, Warwick WA 6024 — conveniently accessible for clients from Greenwood, Kingsley, Duncraig, Hamersley, Padbury, Woodvale, Hillarys, Joondalup, Craigie, Edgewater, Beldon, Ocean Reef, and surrounding northern suburbs.
In-person and online appointments are available. Evening and weekend sessions are offered with both Brendan and Esther — including Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings.
No GP referral required.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been thinking about seeing a counsellor in Perth’s northern suburbs and you’re not sure where to start, we’d love to hear from you.
You can book a session directly or start with a free 15-minute Fit & Next-Steps Call — a no-obligation conversation to talk about what’s been going on and whether As You Are Counselling feels like the right fit.
There’s no pressure and no commitment. Just a conversation.
Book a Session | Free 15-Min Call
As You Are Counselling · Warwick WA 6024 · Perth’s Northern Suburbs · Individual & Couples Counselling · In-Person & Online
