Karene Phillips
Counsellor or psychotherapist (ACA, PACFA or CPCA)
About
I’m a warm, down-to-earth counsellor with experience supporting neurodivergent children, young people and adults, including clients with ADHD and autism, as well as people who are exploring their neurodivergence.
My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed and person-centred. I recognise that behaviour, overwhelm, anxiety, shutdown, emotional dysregulation and difficulties with relationships, school or work often make much more sense when we understand what a person has experienced and how their individual nervous system responds to the world around them.
I have experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety, family and relationship difficulties, school avoidance, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties and significant life stress. I aim to create a space where people feel safe, understood and accepted rather than judged or expected to “fit” a particular way of doing therapy.
I also understand that traditional sit-down-and-talk counselling isn’t right for everyone. Sessions can be flexible, practical and creative, and I draw on approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT-informed strategies, motivational interviewing and narrative therapy, adapting them to the individual.
I’m also an experienced Animal Assisted and Equine Therapist and regularly incorporate horses, ponies and therapy dogs into my work. For some neurodivergent and trauma-affected clients, working alongside animals can make therapy feel safer, more natural and less clinical.
Above all, I want therapy to be a place where you can be yourself. We work together at your pace, focusing on what matters to you and finding strategies that genuinely fit your life.
Works with
Approach
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Schema therapy
- Somatic approaches
- Family and relationship work
Qualifications
Diploma in Counselling, Graduate Certificate in Counselling, Equine Assisted Learning Certification, Therapy Dog Team Certification
Fees
$180 a session, set by the practitioner. No GP plan needed. Not Medicare rebatable.
Where and how
Video sessions (telehealth) for clients anywhere in Australia.
Not taking new clients right now.
We introduce you and you agree a first session time with Karene.
Membership
Member, ACA Level 2.
Membership checked by Inner Help on 17/10/2026 and re-checked yearly. This confirms the membership; it is not an assessment of the quality of care.
No ratings or testimonials, in line with Australian advertising rules for health services. Listings are alphabetical, never ranked or paid for. Profile written by the practitioner, last updated 17/10/2026.