Compassionate Counselling in Canberra

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The Real Affect is an existential-humanistic counselling service in Woden, Canberra providing trauma-responsive, compassionate care.   

We embrace a person-centred, relational approach, as we believe you possess untapped capacities to resolve your own challenges and experience emotional healing. This is possible when you engage with a warm, empathic, accepting, and understanding listener.  

Humans are naturally designed to heal; all we need are the right conditions. A compassionate counselling context that fosters safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and respect can help you reclaim your sense of agency and rediscover the joy in life!  

We do not seek to 'treat' or 'fix' you.  

Instead, we invite you into a genuine relationship.  

We are not the experts in white lab coats, nor do we believe that something is wrong with you; rather, we are curious about your experiences and aim to provide what you need in this moment.  

Everyone seeks relief from suffering and desires resources for coping with life—especially hope!  

Alison's relatable and authentic counselling style is rooted in emotional connection and practical support:  

Mindfulness—by focusing your attention non-judgmentally on the present, you become a curious observer, significantly enhancing your awareness and choice, thereby transforming your inner experience.  

Compassion—imagine relating to your pain and suffering with care and genuine kindness, just as you would with a good friend, which helps loosen the grip of shame and enhances your sense of well-being and motivation to act.  

Somatic awareness practices—befriend your emotions and bodily sensations using breathwork and body scanning for emotional regulation and relaxation; inner child work can empower you to become your own best parent.  

Narrative Therapy—reframe and re-author problematic stories to expand your self-concept and life choices.