In person & online

Whatever you're carrying, you don't have to carry it alone.

I'm Paul. I'll listen properly, help you work out what's actually going on, and help you deal with it. No judgement, no rush, no script.

Have a chat with Paul Other ways to reach me
PACFA Reg. 26769 CCAA Reg. 200865 Private & confidential
Suite 14, Eton Arcade 754–756 Old Princes Hwy. Sutherland NSW 2232
A calm, light-filled counselling room: a leather couch with cushions beside large windows looking out onto trees.
A note from me

Reaching out is the hardest part. You've nearly done it.

If you've found your way here, chances are something's been weighing on you for a while — and you're tired of carrying it on your own. That's okay. You don't need the right words, or to have it all worked out. You just need to start.

My job isn't to judge you or tell you what to do. It's to help you make sense of what's going on and work out where to go from here — at a pace that suits you. Whatever brings you in, it stays between us.

Paul Counsellor · PACFA & CCAA Registered
What I help with

Whatever's going on, it's worth talking about.

Some people come with a clear reason. Others just know something's off. Either way is fine — here's some of what we work through together.

Anxiety & stress

When your head won't switch off and worry's running the show, we'll work on getting it back under control.

Low mood & depression

When everything feels flat and heavy, we'll look at what's driving it and how to get your footing back.

Grief & loss

There's no timetable for grief. We'll work through it at the pace it actually takes — no pressure to "move on".

Relationships & marriage

Whether it's a partner, family or friendships, we'll work on the patterns that keep getting in the way.

Life transitions

New job, new baby, separation, retirement — big change can leave you unmoored. We'll help you land well.

Faith, meaning & purpose

If your faith matters to you, it's part of the conversation. If it doesn't, that's no problem at all.

What happens next

Starting is simpler than it feels.

No hoops, no fuss. Three straightforward steps, at your pace.

First

You get in touch

A call or a message, whenever you're ready. No obligation, no commitment — just a first hello.

Then

We talk

A first conversation to work out what's going on and what you want from it. Nothing's locked in.

From there

We get to work

Regular sessions, in person or online, for as long as they're useful. You set the pace.

Trained, registered, and accountable — so you know who you're dealing with.

Counselling asks a lot of trust. I take that seriously. I hold full registration with two professional bodies and work within their codes of ethics — and everything you share stays in the room.

PACFA Registration
26769
Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia
CCAA Registration
200865
Christian Counsellors Association of Australia
When you're ready

When you're ready, let's talk.

Call, text, or email — whatever's easiest. I read every message myself, and I'll get back to you.

Your enquiry opens in your email app, ready to send. Private and confidential.

Prefer to reach out directly? Call 0403 125 251 or email paulsmithcounselling@gmail.com.

Suite 14, Eton Arcade 754–756 Old Princes Hwy. Sutherland NSW 2232
Paul Smith
About Me

A counsellor who genuinely listens.

PACFA Registered · CCAA Registered · Person-Centred Approach

I have a special interest in positive psychology and strength identification, which has led to working with adults and young people facilitating individual and group strength coaching sessions in the education system and in private practice individual counselling.

This role seeks to empower people towards positive self-esteem and confidence enabling them to be the best version of themselves.

I work from a Person-Centred framework, whilst integrating techniques from Cognitive Behavioural, Narrative, Reality, Gestalt, Solution Focused and Positive Psychology therapies including mindfulness strategies that can assist in the negotiation of psychological distress.

My passion and desire is to help people achieve awareness, hope and positive change to enable people to flourish and thrive. I use evidence based approaches for people of all ages to improve coping during stressful life situations, to truly hear your story and to work towards increasing resources to deal with relationship distress, trauma, grief and loss and to manage addictions and related anxiety and depression. The psychological distress related to chronic pain or health conditions have become an interest in my work and the link between mind and body is certainly something encouraged for exploration in session.

There is a lot of talk about anxiety and depression that can have significant personal and relational impact. What does it mean if your doctor, school counsellor or friend suggests to you that you may need some help? For most of us, it's a daunting idea to talk to a counsellor and there's still some stigma around the idea of seeking help. I understand this daunting first step and will endeavour to alleviate these emotions by offering a flexible and collaborative approach to counselling.

How I work

A flexible approach built around you.

No single therapy fits every person. I draw on a range of evidence-based frameworks to tailor each session to what you need.

Person-Centred

You set the pace. My role is to follow your lead — not to judge or direct, but to genuinely hear you.

Cognitive Behavioural

Practical tools to identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier ways of thinking.

Narrative Therapy

Exploring the stories you tell about yourself — and rewriting the ones that no longer serve you.

Positive Psychology

Identifying your strengths and building on them to move towards flourishing, not just coping.

Solution Focused

Keeping an eye on where you want to go, not just where you've been — practical, forward-looking work.

Mindfulness

Grounding strategies that help regulate distress and bring you back to the present moment.

Qualifications & Registration

Trained, registered and accountable.

I hold full registration with two professional bodies and works within their codes of ethics. Everything you share stays in the room.

PACFA Registration
26769
Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia
CCAA Registration
200865
Christian Counsellors Association of Australia
Location
Flexible sessions to suit your circumstances
Suite 14, Eton Arcade 754–756 Old Princes Hwy. Sutherland NSW 2232
Rebates
NDIS Registered
NDIS funding accepted — speak to me about your plan

Areas of practice

Individual Counselling
AddictionsAnger ManagementAnxietyChildhood AbuseDepressionEmotional & Physical AbuseEmotional CrisisGrief & LossTraumaHealthy BoundariesLife TransitionsRelationshipsSelf EsteemSexual IssuesStress Management
Couples & Marriage
AffairsTrust IssuesEmotional CrisisFamily ConflictGeneral
Family Counselling
AdolescentsChildrenCommunicationConflictMediationParenting

Ready to take the first step?

You don't need the right words or to have it all worked out. Just reach out and I'll take it from there.

Get in touch Back to home