Philosophy & Vision
I offer online counselling for women navigating change, loss, grief and questions about identity. These experiences can affect how we see ourselves, our relationships and what matters to us.
My approach is person-centred, thoughtful and collaborative. I listen, ask questions and work alongside you to explore what's happening and what might be helpful. I don't assume that everyone experiences difficulties in the same way, or that we need to find something positive in what has happened.
I hold a Master of Counselling and bring more than 30 years of experience across education, wellbeing and mental health support. My perspective is also informed by my own experiences of breast cancer, early sibling loss and caring responsibilities. I recognise that your experiences may be very different from mine.
You don't need to have everything worked out or know exactly where to begin. We can start with whatever feels
Background
I bring more than 30 years of experience across education, student wellbeing and mental health support. My professional background also includes teaching, fine art and design.
I hold a Master of Counselling from Monash University, a Certificate IV in Mental Health from Swinburne University, a Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Fine Art. I am also a registered teacher.
My own experience of breast cancer informs my perspective on illness, change, loss and identity, while recognising that everyone's circumstances and responses are different.
Services
I offer individual counselling by video call for women aged 18 and over across Australia.
Counselling can be a place to talk about change, loss, grief and questions of identity, including experiences related to illness, caring responsibilities and life transitions.
My approach is person-centred and collaborative. We'll explore what's happening, consider different perspectives and talk about what might be helpful, with respect for your circumstances, values and choices.
Quality Provision
I am committed to ethical, person-centred counselling that respects each woman's circumstances, values and choices. I work within my professional scope, maintain confidentiality in accordance with my obligations, and engage in ongoing professional development and clinical supervision to support safe, thoughtful practice.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Counselling - 2020 - Monash University
- Certificate IV in Mental Health - 2021 - Swinburne University
Modalities
CBT - Person Centred - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My approach is person-centred and collaborative. I listen, ask questions and work alongside you to explore what you're experiencing and what might be helpful.
I bring professional knowledge and experience to our conversations, but I don't assume I know what your experiences mean for you. Depending on what you need, we might spend time reflecting, exploring different perspectives or considering practical strategies.
There is room for uncertainty, difficult feelings and questions that don't have straightforward answers. We can talk about how we're working together as we go, including whether counselling is meeting your needs.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 2
Appointments
Online counselling appointments are generally available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturday mornings, 9 am to 11 am.
I also offer a free 15-minute introductory video call, with no obligation to book a counselling session.
Fees & Insurance
Individual online counselling: $95 AUD per 50-minute session.
Free 15-minute introductory video call, with no obligation to book.
Private health fund rebates may be available through selected funds, depending on your cover.
Payment Options
Payment is required at the time of booking. Secure online payments are processed through Stripe using major credit and debit cards.
Contact Simone
Book a free 15-minute introductory video call
A conversation with Simone Waddington
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My background is in education, wellbeing and mental health support. Across those roles, I valued the moments when people had space to talk, reflect and work out what mattered to them. Over time, I wanted to make more room for that kind of work. Counselling brings together my experience, curiosity about people's lives and respect for each person's own way forward.
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I’m influenced by person-centred practice and the belief that people are the experts in their own lives. I value listening without judgement, being curious about each person’s experience, and working alongside them to explore what matters and what might help.
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I’m interested in identity and how we make sense of ourselves through change, loss and grief. Illness, changing roles and life transitions can affect how we see ourselves and what matters to us. I’m curious about how people find their own way through these experiences, without assuming there is one right way.
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I use a person-centred approach, with conversation and reflection at the heart of our work. Depending on what might be helpful, we can explore different perspectives, practical strategies informed by CBT, or writing as a way of exploring thoughts and experiences. We can talk about what feels useful and adjust our approach as we go.
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It's difficult to put a timeframe on progress because everyone comes to counselling with different experiences and needs. Some people notice changes quite early, while others need more time.
We'll check in regularly about how things are going, what's been helpful and whether counselling is meeting your needs. We can adjust how we work together as we go.
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I've found counselling helpful at different times and stages of my life, particularly when facing challenges or difficult changes. Having somewhere confidential to speak freely, without feeling judged, has made a real difference.
I've returned to counselling when I've needed it, sometimes during particularly difficult periods and sometimes simply to check in and work through things.
One of the most important things I've learnt is how much the relationship matters. Qualifications and therapeutic approaches have their place, but if I don't feel heard, respected or comfortable with the person I'm talking to, it's difficult to do meaningful work together.
Finding someone who feels like a good fit, and being able to adjust the support I receive as my needs change, matters to me. It's also why I often encourage people to consider counselling. Sometimes having someone to talk things through with can be valuable in itself.
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Counselling suits my quiet, reflective nature and my curiosity about people. I value the trust involved when someone feels comfortable enough to talk openly about their experiences, and the opportunity to listen, ask questions and work alongside them.
I also enjoy the way counselling connects with my interests in writing, creativity and understanding how people make sense of their lives.
For me, it's work that brings together several things I value, while giving me opportunities to keep learning. -
I don't really think about my hair! But of course I have days when things don't go to plan, I'm tired or something is bothering me. Sometimes I need a bit of quiet, a walk or time to think things through. Other times, a good conversation or a sense of humour helps. I'm human, just like everyone else.
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One of my concerns is how much emphasis we place on individual success, personal interests and looking after ourselves, sometimes at the expense of others and the wider community.
I think we've lost some of our sense of collective responsibility. Our lives are connected, and the choices we make affect other people. I value fairness, cooperation and the idea that we have responsibilities to one another, not just ourselves.
I don't think there's a simple answer, but I'd like to see more emphasis on what we can do together, rather than just what's best for us individually. -
The film *My Life as a Dog* has stayed with me for its honest portrayal of how people make sense of difficult experiences. I also admire David Hockney's curiosity and the way he notices colour and beauty in everyday life.
I enjoy the music of Ólafur Arnalds and the books from The School of Life. They're quite different, but each gives me something to think about, whether it's how we see the world, understand ourselves or relate to other people.