soft circle

INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN (5+), ADOLESCENTS, AND ADULTS

Individual therapy with Emily

My name is Emily Byrne and I am a registered counsellor, psychotherapist, and clinical art therapist. I work with kids, adolescents, and adults. My therapy sessions offer a gentle space to explore, process, and make meaning of life’s challenges. In sessions, we might do therapy through talking, art making, playing, or moving - we can find what feels most helpful for you or your child. I specialise in working with children and young people, people who are neurodiverse, and people who have experienced trauma.

I used an integrated approach, incorporating creative modalities, somatic approaches, and talk therapy. In recognising that each individual’s experience with mental health is unique, I am always non-judgemental, neuro-affirming, and person-centred.

My hope is that therapy sessions are a safe space for connection, exploration, self-understanding, emotional expression, and processing.

I am offer sessions in Thirroul on Tuesdays, and Wollongong on Thursdays. I also offer online sessions on both days.

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Emily Byrne, counsellor, psychotherapist and clinical art therapist

Who I work with

I work with both young people (5+) and adults who are experiencing:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression and low mood
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Self esteem issues
  • Trauma
  • Identity issues
  • Challenges with neurodivergence
  • Substance use
  • Life transitions and changes
  • Nervous system issues
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • cPTSD
  • Grief and loss

I also support children and young people with:

  • School refusal
  • Bullying
  • Parental separation

Qualifications and registration

  • Masters in Mental Health (art therapy)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting and Drawing) / Arts (English and Creative Writing)
  • Diploma of Counselling
  • Master of Mental Health - Art Therapy
  • 200hr Yoga Teacher Training
  • 50-hour Yoga for Trauma, Mental Health and Body Image
  • 50-hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training

Professional registrations

  • Australian Counselling Association (ACA) — Level 2
  • Australian and New Zealand Art Therapy Association (ANZACATA) — Professional Member

Therapeutic approaches

I am trained in various therapeutic approaches. In my sessions, I incorporate:

  • Humanistic Art Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Somatic and movement-based practices
  • Synergetic Play Therapy

PRICING

Fees, payment and rebates

Session fees

  • Intake call: ~15 minutes, no charge.
  • Individual session: ~50 minutes, $170.
  • Concessions are available for First Nations people and those experiencing financial hardship. Please discuss this during your intake call.

Rebates and funding

  • NDIS: Individual and group therapy may be covered for plan-managed or self-managed participants. Individual sessions: 15_610_0128_1_3 (Art Therapist) and 15_043_0128_1_3 (Counsellor). Groups: Improved Daily Living — Community Engagement Assistance 15_045_0128_1_3.
  • Private health insurance: Soft Circle is an ACA registered counselling provider accepted by some insurers. Cover depends on your policy — please check with your fund.
  • Medicare: Counselling and art therapy are not currently covered by Medicare. Fees are kept comparable to out-of-pocket costs when seeing a private psychologist.

Ready to begin?

You can book online, or send an email if you would prefer to talk first.

Book onlineEmail Emily