- Brené Brown
Philosophy & Vision
I offer counselling for women navigating change, loss, grief and questions of 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 work alongside you to explore what you're experiencing, what feels important and what might help. There is no expectation that you have everything worked out or need to find a positive meaning 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 own experiences of significant illness and change also inform my perspective, while I recognise that everyone's circumstances are different.
Counselling offers time to pause, reflect and consider what comes next, at a pace that suits you.
You don't need to have the right words. We'll begin where you are.
Background
I have more than 30 years’ experience across education, student wellbeing and mental health support. I hold a Master of Counselling from Monash University, a Certificate IV in Mental Health and postgraduate qualifications in education. I am also a registered teacher. My personal experience of breast cancer and my background in fine art and design inform my perspective on identity, change and loss.
Services
I offer online individual counselling for women across Australia. My practice focuses on identity, change, loss and grief, including the challenges that can arise through illness and significant life transitions. Sessions offer time to explore what you're experiencing, what matters to you and what might help. My approach is collaborative and person-centred, with respect for your individual 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
Person Centred
Therapy Approach
My approach is person-centred and collaborative. I work alongside women to explore what they are experiencing, what matters to them and what might help. I listen with curiosity and respect, without assuming I know what their experiences mean or what they need. We work at a pace that suits the individual, making room for uncertainty, difficult feelings and questions about identity, change and loss. I aim to offer space for reflection and a clearer understanding of their own experiences, choices and next steps.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 2
Appointments
Online appointments are available by arrangement, Monday to Friday. Limited evening and Saturday appointments may also be available. A free 15-minute introductory call is available to discuss whether we may be a good fit.
Fees & Insurance
Free 15-minute introductory call. Online individual counselling for women: $95 per 50-minute session.
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
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Simone Waddington
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
I use a person-centred approach, with conversation and reflection at the heart of our work. Where helpful, we may explore practical strategies or use writing to help make sense of thoughts and experiences. What we do depends on what feels useful to you.
-
Progress looks different for everyone. We’ll check in regularly to see what is changing and what is helping. At agreed points, we’ll review your progress together using simple assessment tools and your own reflections. This helps us recognise changes, consider what you need and plan what comes next.
-
Therapy has strengthened my curiosity about people and how we make sense of our lives. I’m fascinated by how differently we experience the world, what shapes us and how we understand ourselves. That curiosity continues to influence both my personal life and my work.
-
Counselling suits my quiet, reflective nature and my curiosity about people. I value the trust involved in sharing someone's journey and the opportunity to work alongside them. It also connects with my interests in writing and creative ways of exploring thoughts and experiences. For me, it's purposeful work that brings together several things I value.
-
I don't really think about my hair! But there are days when life feels challenging. Those are the days to be kind to ourselves, keep things simple and take one small step at a time.
-
I try to keep things simple and focus on what’s within my reach. Small acts of kindness, taking care of ourselves and being there for the people around us matter. We don’t have to solve everything to make a difference.
-
The film My Life as a Dog has stayed with me for its honest portrayal of how we make sense of difficult experiences. I’m also inspired by David Hockney’s way of noticing beauty in everyday life, the music of Ólafur Arnalds, and the books from The School of Life. Each, in its own way, offers a different perspective on being human and understanding ourselves.