Meet The Therapists
Matt
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology
Graduate Diploma of Counselling
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Gottman Couples Therapy
(Level 1)
Certificate of Integrated Attachment Family Therapy​
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Registered Clinical Counsellor (PACFA)
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Kalen
Qualifications:
Masters of Social Work
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Registered Social Worker with (AASW)
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Cath H
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing)
Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy
Master of Counselling
Gottman Couples Training
Level 1 & Level 2
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Registered Counsellor (ACA)
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Teresa S
Qualifications:
Diploma of Counselling
Advanced Diploma of Childhood and Youth Studies
Currently completing Bachelors of Counselling
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Registered Counsellor (ACA)
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James P
Matt is a skilled psychotherapist with over five years of experience supporting neurodiverse individuals and those navigating complex mental health concerns. His work spans a variety of settings, including residential services, high schools, and private practice where he has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic, client-centred care.
Matt’s therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, emotional focus, and person-centred care. He tailors each session to meet the unique needs of his clients, past, present, and future, and creates a safe, affirming space for growth and healing.
He is trained in:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Gottman Method Couples Counselling
• Integrated Attachment Family Therapy
Matt offers support across a wide range of areas, including:
• Depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation
• Self-esteem and confidence building
• Relationship and family counselling
• Support for carers of individuals with mental or physical health challenges
• Motivation and personal goal setting
Matt works with clients across the lifespan, from young children and teenagers to adults and older adults. His practice is neurodiversity-affirming, inclusive, and designed to be non-judgemental, accepting, and deeply supportive.
Cath is a compassionate and experienced counsellor with a strong focus on supporting neurodivergent clients. She brings both professional training and lived experience, as a mother of autistic and AUDHD teens, and as an adult with AUDHD herself, which deeply informs her understanding and approach.
With a background in nursing and clinical hypnotherapy, Cath offers a holistic and grounded perspective in her work. She draws on a range of evidence-based modalities, including:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Person-Centred approaches
Cath is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where clients feel supported and empowered. She offers guidance through life transitions and provides therapeutic support for:
• Anxiety and depression
• Disordered eating
• Relationship challenges
Cath also has a passion for working with couples and holds training in a variety of couples therapy approaches. Her work is inclusive, empathetic, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual or partnership she supports.
Kalen is a qualified counsellor and accredited social worker with a Master of Social Work and postgraduate training in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems and Clay Field Therapy.
Kalen offers a warm, creative, and respectful space for individuals seeking support with:
• Managing stress and emotional overwhelm
• Understanding and shifting unhelpful relationship patterns
• Healing from shame, insecurity, and complex/relational trauma
• Navigating the impacts of childhood abuse, neglect, or family violence
As a social worker, Kalen also provides:
• Holistic assessments and referrals
• Advocacy and practical support to untangle complex life circumstances affecting wellbeing
Kalen’s practice is grounded in a non-pathologising, intersectionality-informed approach that honours both adversity and individual strength. Each person is met with tailored support that reflects their unique experiences and goals.
With extensive experience supporting people from marginalised communities, including those exploring neurodiversity, and individuals within the LGBTIQA+, polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous, and kink communities. Kalen brings empathy, humour, and resilience to every therapeutic relationship.
Teresa brings over 20 years of experience supporting children and young people across residential and educational settings. Her warm, compassionate approach has helped countless neurodivergent children thrive, building confidence, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of self.
With many years spent working in primary schools, Teresa has supported children with diverse learning needs, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. For the past three years, she has worked as a school counsellor, offering therapeutic support to children navigating challenges such as:
• Anxiety and emotional distress
• Trauma and grief
• Parental separation and family changes
• Friendship difficulties and social skill development
Teresa also helps children build essential life skills, including emotional regulation, coping strategies, and self-awareness.
Her counselling approach is person-centred and tailored to each child’s unique needs. She draws on a range of evidence-based modalities, including:
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Strengths-based practices
As part of the Autism Counselling team, Teresa is excited to offer support in a dedicated therapeutic setting, providing a safe, nurturing space where children and young people feel heard, understood, and empowered to flourish
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling
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Student Placement Completing Master of Counselling Monash University
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Counselling Placement Therapist - Student session are FREE
Student Member, Australian Counselling Association
James holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling, and is currently completing his Master of Counselling through Monash University. He is undertaking his final placement with Autism Counselling and maintains a student membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Before moving into counselling, James worked as a personal trainer, an experience that deepened his appreciation for the connection between physical wellbeing and mental health. He brings lived insight into the autistic experience through long-standing friendships and is gaining clinical experience supporting neurodiverse clients across the lifespan.
James’s therapeutic approach is warm, normalising, and non-judgemental. He focuses on psychoeducation and fostering self-understanding, with particular interests in men’s mental health and the role of creativity and play in emotional growth. As he continues to develop his practice, James is committed to cultivating a space of courageous playfulness, curiosity, and deep empathy.
Our Therapists
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The therapists at Autism Counselling are highly trained, particularly in working with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
They are passionate and dedicated to their work.
Each therapist is able to work in many different therapy modes including EFT, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT and more.
Each therapist uses therapeutic approaches to help you explore and make meaning of your life and your experiences in a supportive and non-judgmental environment that helps promote greater self acceptance.
All therapists work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults as well as neuro-diverse couples.
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Bookings:
To make a booking with one of our therapists, please contact our Practice Manager on:
Email: office.autismcounselling@gmail.com
Phone: 0414 487 509