Gaia Mainini

About

When life feels too much, or not enough, or both at the same time.

I'm Gaia, an ACA Level 2 registered counsellor with a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology from Italy, a Master of Counselling from Australia, and over 15 years of experience working with people across mental health, disability, youth and family services, and community wellbeing.

My journey has taken me from studying human behaviour and psychological theories to supporting people through the realities of everyday life. I've worked alongside autistic people, people with ADHD, NDIS participants, young people navigating identity and belonging, families facing complex challenges, and adults experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and significant life transitions.

These experiences have taught me that people are far more complex, interesting and capable than any diagnosis or label can capture. They have also taught me that what works beautifully for one person might make absolutely no sense to another.

I approach counselling with curiosity, warmth, honesty and a genuine interest in understanding how you experience the world. I don't expect everyone to communicate, process emotions, build relationships or respond to therapy in the same way. Instead, we explore what makes sense for you, including your strengths, difficulties, environment and the patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

My practice is person-centred, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming. I integrate approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT skills, mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy, using practical strategies when helpful while also making space for reflection, emotional exploration and meaningful change.

I work with adults, young people and couples, including neurodivergent individuals, people living with disability and those navigating unconventional relationships or life circumstances. Having lived and worked across different cultures, I also understand how language, identity and belonging can shape our experiences.

I offer counselling in English and Italian, in person in Leichhardt, Sydney's Inner West, and online across Australia. Selected home visits are also available for NDIS participants and older adults.

You don't need to fit a particular mould to find a place in counselling. We can start with who you are, where you are, and what matters to you.

What a first session looks like

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what has brought you to counselling. We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing, what feels important to you and what you hope might change. There’s no pressure to share everything straight away. I’ll explain how I work, answer your questions and we can begin identifying what support might be helpful. Most importantly, it’s a chance to see whether you feel comfortable working together.

In Gaia's own words.

Works with

Approach

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Somatic approaches

Qualifications

Bachelor degree in clinical psychology, Master of Counselling