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Personalised, thoughtful counselling - I provide quality mental health care in a space that is non-judgmental, compassionate and respectful.

Read previous client testimonials here.

Welcome to Thought Tree

My counselling is thoughtful and person-centred, meaning that you are actively involved in the process.

 

People come to therapy for a wide variety of reasons.

Perhaps you’ve not been feeling yourself or have been feeling sad or worried for some time. Maybe you are questioning the value of a relationship, or feeling stuck and missing a sense of meaning in your life. Maybe you just need someone to really listen. I provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space that allows for self-awareness, perspective and growth.

Therapy can help you handle difficult emotions or life change. It can help you replace unhelpful strategies with helpful ones. I support clients in developing self-awareness so that you can learn to identify thinking patterns to assist in changing feelings and behaviour. Together we work on strategies that will become a part of your toolbox for life.

It is common to feel nervous about speaking to a therapist and the relationship between the Counsellor and client is very important. If you would like to have a quick chat before making an appointment then I am happy to talk to you about the counselling process and what I offer.

Please feel free to contact me via phone or email and I will call you as soon as I am able.

“My counselling is thoughtful and person-centred, meaning that you are actively involved in the process.”

 

About Allison

Allison has extensive experience in counselling children, teenagers, families and couples. She is a clinical member of PACFA and a member of the College of Counsellors.

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Allison Garing

Counsellor | Psychotherapist
B.Ed, Master of Counselling,
Clinical Registration with PACFA

I am a Sydney-based registered Counsellor/Psychotherapist with a background working with adults and young people, both here and overseas. As a counsellor, mother, partner and former teacher I have gained valuable experience in all areas of life and its transitions.

My clients benefit from a collaborative, person-centred approach and my aim is to empower you with tools and coping strategies to improve daily functioning and general wellbeing beyond the Counselling process.

I am passionate about Cognitive Behavioural and Acceptance Commitment Therapy approaches, as well as Mindfulness-based approaches. I also draw from Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment Science, Family Systems and Solution Focused Therapy. Other modalities include Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology and Compassion Focused Therapy. I also have an art background and enjoy using creative processes in therapy.

I have experience working with adults and young people in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, gambling addiction, emotion regulation, workplace stress and relationship issues. In particular I have an interest in life transition issues, including moving, changing careers, relationship issues, separation and divorce, and creating a new meaningful life after change.

I have worked with children and their families to support them with developmental and behavioural issues. I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 of the world’s leading couple’s therapy training with the Gottman Institute. I am an accredited Mental Health First Aider and a nationally-accredited problem gambling counsellor.

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About Thought Tree

In my practice I use evidence-based approaches that support you in making changes to create more meaning and joy in your life.

At Thought Tree, I provide a space that is non-judgmental, compassionate and respectful. My counselling is person-centred and collaborative, meaning that you guide the process. My aim is to encourage self-awareness so that you can adopt new coping strategies and become more confident in using your strengths.

At Thought Tree, I provide thoughtful counselling.

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I look forward to supporting you in making a difference in your life.

Here are some reasons people come to counselling

 

  • Couple and family counselling

  • Working through relationship issues

  • Conflict and repair strategies

  • Communication skills

  • Re-connecting with your partner

  • Thinking about separation or Divorce

  • Postitive parenting support

  • Supporting children through a family breakdown

  • Commitment Issues

  • Thinking about re-partnering

  • Family of origin work

  • Thinking about attachment

  • Relationships with step-children

  • Parenting Support

  • Supporting your adolescent with school and HSC Stress

  • School refusal

  • Separation anxiety in children

  • Social skills

  • Behavioural issues with children

  • Stress

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted

  • Needing help with setting boundaries

  • Dealing with difficult personalities

  • How to deal with a narcissist

  • Work stress - burnout.

  • Gambling addiction

  • Value work - Finding meaning in your world.

  • Goal setting

  • Wellbeing and mindfulness

  • Making positive change.

I have thoughtful counselling spaces located in specialist rooms in Hornsby and Thornleigh, NSW.

I also use tele-health to provide easier access for clients. This can be via Zoom or phone and confidentiality is assured.

My counselling rates are in line with industry standards. Please contact me for further information.