Hi, I’m Anne and thanks for reading my bio and for taking steps to find support. It’s really important to start out feeling confident that you will have a good fit with your therapist which is why you’re here.

From the commencement of counselling, all people need to feel welcomed, comfortable and informed about what happens in sessions and that starts here with me describing what counselling is and what I bring in terms of my approach and expertise. The main focus of my career across the past 15+ years has been to work therapeutically with people – mostly individually.

In our initial assessment and therapy session we will commence with a discussion about your rights to confidentiality and privacy and my professional and ethical responsibilities toward you. We will explore what brings you to counselling and the context of your life – family, health and wellbeing, relationships, interests, work/study/life focus and the stresses and strengths across those areas. Our first session will cover what you are expecting from counselling and how I think I can be of assistance. It is important to me that you feel the ability to open up and feel cared for and that I am genuine and compassionate in my responses.

All people who seek counselling do so for different reasons. I have consciously diversified my skills and frameworks of practice across the past 15+ years to ensure that I can meet the needs of people who come to see me – as opposed to imposing a particular therapy on a person. I am trained in Narrative Therapy, ACT, CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy, EFT and Somatic techniques, Resource Therapy, Grief and Loss/Bereavement counselling, Domestic Violence counselling and Flash Technique for reprocessing of disturbing memories. All of these therapeutic models are delivered from a Trauma Informed/Response based practice framework. Whist I don’t offer couples counselling, I am a Level 1 trained Gottman Couples Therapist as this framework is important for working individually with people in relationships – as we are all in the midst of relationships all the time. I also have a special interest in carer support in the field of dementia care and have been trained in the facilitation of Living with Memory Loss groups by Alzheimer’s Australia.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I draw on evidence-based frameworks of practice (psychological, philosophical, anthropological and social theories) that include a deep understanding of how people are impacted by broader structures and systems such as family, friendships, workplaces, legal/justice/health systems and social/cultural norms. A social work view is to understand a person’s individual psychological well being in the context of these environments and the nuances of how this is for you personally and what might assist you. My goal is to meet your specific or changing needs and that our process evolves to fit for you as we go.

You are able to see me under a variety of programs as I provide counselling via the Medicare program (Mental Health Care Plan), I am an approved trauma specialist counsellor for the NSW Victim of Crime Program, I offer EAP counselling, am approved to provide Open Arms counselling for Defence Force Veterans and family members and I also work with clients by private arrangement.

I love the opportunity to provide professional supervision to other social workers, allied health or welfare workers, and my clinical experience in a therapeutic setting, in Hospitals, with Dementia/Memory Loss & Carers, Family and Community Work and as a social work academic, informs and supports this work.

I currently work in rooms Tuesday and Friday at New Lambton and via tele/videohealth on Thursdays.

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Anne Walker | Bachelor of Social Work (Hons & University Medal), University of Newcastle 2007 | Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (Medicare Provider) | Member Australian Association of Social Workers | Victim of Crime Specialist Counsellor | Open Arms Outreach Program Counsellor & Supervisor

I have over 20 years experience as a Social Worker, providing counselling for individuals. My commitment to social justice and compassion drew me to Social Work and I delight in assisting people to achieve their therapeutic goals. I am sensitive to the uniqueness of each person and situation. My approach is non-judgemental, creative, compassionate, and holistic. I am trained in Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Resource Therapy, Grief and Loss/Bereavement counselling, Domestic Violence counselling and Trauma Informed/Response based practice.

I graduated from the University of Sydney Social Work Program in 2002 with Honours. Since then, I have worked in private practice (establishing The Orchard Counselling Service with Anne Walker), for Centrelink, as a counsellor for Community Health, on call for sexual assault services and for the University of Newcastle.

I have co-authored an article published in the 'International Journal of Narrative Therapy' and provide supervision for social workers, social work students and other professionals. I have provided training in utilising Narrative Therapy in visual ways and have facilitated groups for men and women who have experienced trauma.

I have experience in providing counselling for people across all age groups struggling with change, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, relationship or work issues and body image. I am particularly interested in combining counselling with physical activity and the natural environment. I offer some nature based and walking sessions.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker I provide services via several different programs including; Mental Health Care Plans, Open Arms Counselling Program, NSW Victim of Crime Program, private arrangement and Employment Assistance Programs.

Offering face to face appointments at New Lambton on Tuesdays and Nelson Bay Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. There are always options for tele/videohealth as needed.

From a very young age I have had a passion for connecting with people. Post school this translated into working in the welfare sector as a youth worker. I then moved into working with families at East Lakes Family Support and from there established the first Adolescent & Family Counselling Service in Newcastle based at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre. During this time I started my Social Work degree at Newcastle University and also began working in private practice, providing clinical work, supervision to other practitioners and as an educator at TAFE and at University. I then spent many years working for Community Health as a Clinical Social Worker providing counselling services to the people living in the Greater Newcastle Area.

I am committed to supporting young people, families and adults to bring positive growth and vitality into their lives, and to help them feel willing and able to take on the ups and downs and challenges that life inevitably presents. This means that I use my knowledge and training to tailor counselling sessions to suit individuals, couples or the families I am working with.

In our first session I will spend time getting to know you, what has brought you to counselling, and how we can work together towards your dreams and goals for the future? I am here to listen, to walk alongside and support you, rather than judge you or tell you what I think you should do. I strongly believe that you have the strength and solutions, and through empowerment and perhaps learning some new skills and ways to do things, you can be the person you want to be in the life you want to live.

My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental and holistic, and grounded in principals of Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused Therapy and Family Systems Therapy. My therapeutic passion is utilising experiential and creative modalities such as Play, Art, Mindfulness, use of personal stories and generally a combination of the above. I apply mindfulness as a technique in the majority of sessions I conduct, as well as in my personal and professional approach. I work with an intention to stay present with the person (or people) I am working with, and invite them to become mindful in their own lives.

I have provided counselling and psychological support for individuals of all ages with a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, family and relationship challenges, domestic violence, personality difficulties, anger issues, chronic illness, bullying, grief and loss, body image and the inevitable struggles of life stage transitions.

I currently work Tuesday - Thursday at my home office in Mayfield and via tele/videohealth if needed.

I graduated as a social worker from Latrobe University in 1992 and have spent the time since then providing counselling to people in a wide variety of settings. I have a passion for helping people find and connect to their inner power. I find that people have their own answers to the challenges they face, they just sometimes need help to shine a light on these. I find it a great privilege to work closely with people in a therapeutic setting, and I never cease to be inspired by people’s resilience, strength and courage.

I have worked in the community mental health field for many years, as well as in private counselling, in general hospitals and recently at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital. I work from a strengths and trauma-informed perspective, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Compassion-Focussed Therapy, Forgiveness Therapy and Solution-Focussed Therapy. I value creating a safe space that allows the person to lead in their own growth and change.

I provide counselling for young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, family and relationship challenges, domestic violence, addictions, grief and loss or chronic health conditions. I also specialise in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ communities and have done so for many years.

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker through Medicare, an approved counsellor for the NSW Victims of Crime Program, and I also provide counselling to clients through private arrangements. I have taught at the University of Newcastle for several years as a tutor and provided supervision to students on placement. I have also provided supervision to other social workers throughout my career. Given this I am also very happy to provide supervision to social workers and other clinicians.

I am available Wednesday and Thursday in rooms at New Lambton.

I completed my Social Work degree in 2010, I have worked as a Social Worker in both Australia and the UK. I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and approved Victims Services Counsellor.  I provide counselling services tailored to the unique needs of children, adolescents, and adults.

With over 10 years of experience as a Social Worker in varying government and non-government roles, I have specific expertise working with children and young people. In particular children and young people who have complex trauma backgrounds, who have experienced grief and loss, and are experiencing behavioural challenges. I am approachable, empathetic, a good listener, and believe in creating a safe therapeutic space for all. When working with young people I also engage with the family, providing valuable psycho-education to support the therapy process.  I am passionate about supporting children and young people to reach their full potential. 

As a Social Worker I take a holistic approach to ensure the appropriate therapeutic care is implemented. I work collaboratively viewing the client as the “expert” in their story. Working from a person-centred and strength-based approach, I provide my clients with practical strategies and supports, alongside talk therapy. I am trained in evidence based psychological strategies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Relaxation Strategies and Interpersonal Therapy. 

I support clients from a trauma informed lens, to support them to improve their mental wellbeing, regain a sense of safety and shape the next chapter of their lives. We all need help at times, no matter our circumstances, and I bring my knowledge and skills to facilitate change and growth for my clients. My focus is to provide the client with hope and to empower them to see a way forward. 

I am available in rooms at New Lambton on Monday and Wednesday - Friday.