Who we are
Meet Maria — Counsellor
My work is shaped by over a decade as a primary school educator, immersed in children’s real, everyday worlds. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how anxiety and emotional overwhelm show up in practical, observable ways, and strongly informs how I build rapport, trust, and emotional safety with children.
I support children whose emotions become overwhelming and affect their ability to engage at school, at home, and in relationships. My focus is on creating a calm, emotionally safe space where children feel understood and supported.
I believe that helping children understand their emotions early, before difficulties become entrenched, supports the development of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience that can positively influence wellbeing across the lifespan.
My approach is child-centred, strengths-based, and collaborative. I am a qualified counsellor and registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). When it benefits the child, I work alongside my therapy dog, Winnie, whose calm presence helps create a welcoming and emotionally safe environment during sessions.
Meet Winnie 🐾 — Therapy Dog
Winnie is a 5-year-old Cavoodle (King Charles Cavalier x Poodle) and a certified therapy dog through Lead the Way Institute Australia. She has a calm, gentle temperament and helps many children feel more relaxed, safe, and at ease during counselling sessions.
Winnie offers quiet companionship and emotional support, helping to reduce anxiety and create a welcoming and emotionally safe environment. For some children, her presence makes the counselling space feel less intimidating and more comfortable.
Winnie’s involvement in sessions is always guided by each child’s needs and comfort. Therapy dog–assisted support is offered thoughtfully and only when it is in the child’s best interests, with Winnie’s wellbeing carefully monitored at all times.
