Counselling
Madeleine offers Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strengths-Based Counselling, and Life Coaching to pre-teens, teenagers and adults from all walks of life. Working with people experiencing a range of conditions, her areas of expertise include:
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Young people (aged 10-25)
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The LGBTIQ+ community and their families
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Anxiety and stress
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Relationship issues
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Confidence and self-worth
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Counselling is offered in person or online, via zoom.
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There is a common myth that counselling is only for people who have experienced significant loss or trauma in their lives, or for those who have a mental illness. But the truth is that almost everyone can benefit from counselling at some point in their lives.
Clients come to see Madeleine for all sorts of reasons. Some may be feeling mild anxiety related to their home, work or school life; others may be experiencing high stress situations, or a significant loss or trauma; and then there are those that simply want to feel more balanced and vital in their life, or improve their relationships with their partner, friends or family.
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What ever the reason for coming, Madeleine works with each person to set achievable goals that clients can work on in-between sessions. Whilst supporting her clients to work through their issues or dilemmas, Madeleine holds them as nothing less than the amazingness they are, thus allowing each client to also feel their own amazingness and Inner Spark.
Why have counselling?
Counselling for LGBTIQ+ young people and their families
Over the past 20+ years, Madeleine has worked with hundreds of LGBTIQ+ young people and their families - as a teacher and counsellor, and as a facilitator of social/support groups for LGBTIQ+ young people. She has also facilitated support groups for parents of trans and gender diverse young people.
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In more recent years, Madeleine has noticed a particular call for support from trans and gender diverse young people and their families. Supporting these young people to be who they truly are in a world that tells them they can't be who they are is an absolute strength of hers.
Similarly, Madeleine understands the range of emotions that may come with being a parent or carer of a trans or gender diverse child or young person, and she has an enormous amount of compassion and experience working with these families.
FAQs
How long is your wait list?
We can currently see you within 1 - 2 weeks.
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How much is a counselling session?
Sessions are $120 for 50 minutes.
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Can I get a medicare rebate?
No, unfortunately medicare rebates are only available for sessions with psychologists. Madeleine’s prices are comparable to out-of-pocket costs with a psychologist.
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What qualifications do you have to practice counselling?
Madeleine holds both a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) from RMIT University. She has also completed extensive training in the Strengths-based approach and ACT.
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Are you a part of any association or regulatory body?
Yes, Madeleine is an accredited and registered member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
What techniques and approaches do you draw on in a counselling session?
Madeleine draws on a range of counselling approaches and techniques depending on the situation and needs each client presents with, however she predominantly works with ACT and Strengths-based approaches.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy (and coaching model) that supports clients to live in the present moment and accept what is going on for them in their lives, regardless of if they like it or not. Clients are supported to develop psychological skills to deal more effectively with difficult thoughts and feelings, ultimately reducing their impact and influence over the client. Through acceptance of themselves and their situation, ACT aims to support clients to find meaning and settlement, and to live a full, rich life.​
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Strengths-based Counselling: Strengths-based counselling separates the person from the problem. This means that the counsellor sees the client for who they truly are - their inner spark - rather than the sum of their presenting issues or concerns. Similarly, strengths-based counselling supports the client to see themselves from their strengths and qualities, rather than their perceived shortcomings.
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Please note: Inner Spark Counselling and Consulting is not a crisis counselling service. If you are in need of urgent care you can contact a 24hr helpline such as Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. In an emergency call 000.
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