Our Services
At Brighter Balance, we provide compassionate, evidence-based counselling services for children, adolescents, and adults. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here to support you on your journey toward greater wellbeing and balance.
Who We Support
Children & Adolescents
The younger years can be filled with unique challenges—from navigating school pressures and social dynamics to managing big emotions and developmental changes. We provide age-appropriate support that helps young people build resilience, confidence, and healthy coping strategies.
We work collaboratively with children, adolescents, and their families to address concerns including anxiety, low mood, behavioural difficulties, school-related stress, friendship issues, self-esteem, identity exploration, and family transitions.
Adults
Life doesn’t come with a manual, and sometimes we all need support navigating its complexities. We work with adults facing a wide range of challenges, from everyday stress and relationship difficulties to more significant mental health concerns and major life transitions.
Our approach is tailored to your unique circumstances, goals, and pace, ensuring therapy feels relevant and meaningful to your life.
Families
We understand that challenges often affect the whole family, not just one person. We offer family-focused support to help strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and build healthier patterns of relating. We work alongside parents navigating the complexities of raising children and adolescents in today’s world.
What We Can Help With
We support clients experiencing a wide range of concerns, including:
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Anxiety disorders and excessive worry
Depression and low mood
Trauma and PTSD
Stress and burnout
Panic attacks
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Life Challenges & Transitions
Relationship difficulties and breakups
Grief and loss
Major life changes and adjustments
Work-related stress and career concerns
School pressures and academic stress
Identity exploration and self-discovery
Personal Development
Self-esteem and confidence issues
Building resilience and coping skills
Communication and assertiveness
Setting boundaries
Managing emotions effectively
Personal growth and self-awareness
Specific Concerns
LGBTQI+ identity and experiences
Cultural identity and belonging
Parenting challenges
Family conflict and dynamics
Sleep difficulties
Body image concerns
If you’re not sure whether counselling can help with what you’re experiencing, please reach out. We’re happy to have a conversation about your needs.
Our Therapeutic Approach
We draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to create a personalized approach that works for you:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Helping you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that keep you stuck.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Building skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Developing psychological flexibility and learning to move toward what matters while accepting difficult thoughts and feelings.
Motivational Interviewing Exploring ambivalence and building intrinsic motivation for positive change.
Narrative Therapy Re-authoring your story and separating yourself from problems to discover new possibilities.
Trauma-Informed Practice Working sensitively with past experiences in a way that promotes safety, trust, and empowerment.
We tailor our approach to suit your individual needs, preferences, and goals, ensuring therapy feels right for you.
Session Information
Session Length
All counselling sessions are 50 minutes in duration, providing sufficient time to explore concerns meaningfully while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries.
Appointment Options
In-Person Sessions Meet face-to-face at our comfortable, private practice located in Sydney. Our welcoming space is designed to help you feel at ease.
Online Counselling Access support from anywhere via secure video sessions. Online counselling offers the same quality of care with added flexibility and convenience—ideal if you have mobility concerns, live outside the area, have a busy schedule, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space.
We believe that quality mental health care should be accessible. That’s why we’re registered providers under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative.
Medicare Rebates Available
Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
If you’re eligible, you may be able to access Medicare rebates for counselling sessions through the Better Access scheme. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
How It Works:
Visit Your GP – Book an appointment with your regular GP to discuss your mental health concerns
Receive a Mental Health Care Plan – If appropriate, your GP will develop a Mental Health Care Plan and provide you with a referral to a psychologist or mental health professional
Book Your Appointment – Contact us with your referral to schedule your first session
Claim Your Rebate – You can claim your Medicare rebate for eligible sessions, receiving [amount] back per session
What You’re Eligible For:
Under the Better Access scheme, you may be eligible for up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year. In some circumstances, your GP may approve additional sessions if clinically necessary.
The Referral Process
Step 1: See Your GP Book a longer appointment with your GP (not a brief consultation) to discuss your mental health concerns. Be open and honest about what you’re experiencing.
Step 2: Mental Health Assessment Your GP will conduct a mental health assessment and determine whether a Mental Health Care Plan is appropriate for your needs.
Step 3: Receive Your Referral If eligible, your GP will create a Mental Health Care Plan and provide you with a referral. This referral is valid for 12 months.
Step 4: Book With Us Contact Brighter Balance to schedule your first appointment. Bring your referral to your initial session.
Step 5: Ongoing Care We’ll work collaboratively with your GP throughout your treatment, providing updates on your progress (with your consent) to ensure coordinated care.
Private Sessions
If you don’t have a Mental Health Care Plan or prefer not to use Medicare, you’re welcome to book private sessions. Private sessions offer complete flexibility and don’t require a GP referral.
What to Expect
Your First Session
Your initial appointment is an opportunity to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to counselling. We’ll explore your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. There’s no pressure to share anything you’re not comfortable with—we’ll move at your pace.
We’ll also discuss practical matters like session frequency, confidentiality, and how we’ll work together moving forward.
Ongoing Sessions
After your first session, we’ll typically meet weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs and preferences. As you progress, we may space sessions out further. The frequency and duration of therapy varies for each person—some people benefit from short-term focused work, while others prefer longer-term support.
Confidentiality
Everything you share in sessions is confidential and protected by professional and legal obligations. The only exceptions are if there’s a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, if there are child protection concerns, or if we receive a court subpoena. We’ll always discuss these boundaries openly with you.
Getting Started
Taking the first step toward support is often the hardest part. We’re here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
For Medicare-Rebated Sessions:
Book an appointment with your GP to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan
Bring your referral when you contact us to book
Schedule your first session at a time that suits you
For Private Sessions: Simply get in touch to book your first appointment—no referral needed.
Ready to begin? Contact us today to book your appointment or to ask any questions about our services.
Make a booking here
Email: hello@brighterbalance.com.au
We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward brighter balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mental health care plan to see you? No, you can book private sessions without a referral. However, if you’d like to access Medicare rebates, you’ll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
How long does therapy take? This varies for each person. Some people find relief in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll work together to determine what’s right for you.
Can I choose between in-person and online sessions? Absolutely. You can choose whichever option works best for you, and you can switch between formats if your needs change.
Is therapy confidential? Yes, with very limited exceptions related to safety and legal requirements. We’ll discuss confidentiality in detail during your first session.
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help.