Counselling 

Do you go to the gym, see a physio, get your nails done, go out for dinner and drinks, have massages or the like? We do many things for our health and self-care. Seeing a counsellor is another way to help you improve your quality of life. I believe that everyone can benefit from counselling conversations involving joint reflections, reframing problems and exploring options and new strategies.

Resolve bigger issues with a few sessions in a row or have one-off sessions here and there when you need a chat. Tackling small issues early can prevent them from becoming big problems down the road.

Philosophy

Engaging in counselling is a way for us to improve our emotional intelligence. Enhanced emotional intelligence has an impact on all aspects of our lives – our mental and physical health, our relationships, our work performance and everyday experiences. Body and mind are closely connected; I believe it is just as important to flex and stretch your brain muscles as it is to exercise your body. 

Services

Strong Minds offers confidential counselling with a non-pathologising approach. Modes include phone calls, telehealth or walk-and-talk sessions on the Nightcliff or Rapid Creek foreshore (bring your furry friend if you wish).  In-home sessions can be held under specific circumstances. 

We can discuss issues related to mental wellbeing, stress, crises, trauma, CPTSD, loss and grief, change, relationships, family, fertility, parenting, separation, domestic violence, communication, retirement, isolation, FIFO, relocation, migration, gender, sexual identity, addictive behaviours, illness and injury, pain, fatigue, insomnia, emotion regulation, hopelessness, self-worth, body image, sensitivity, time and energy, career, work challenges, personal growth, ... and whatever else is on you mind.

Approach

I use a holistic, integrative approach and adapt therapy to your unique needs. Depending on your goals and circumstances, I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including: 

CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy

Dialectal Behaviour Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy

Existential therapy

Interpersonal psychotherapy

Solution-focused therapy

Narrative therapy

Humanistic approaches and client-centered therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Systemic approaches

Gottman-informed principles

attachment-informed approaches 

Fees

Reach out for a phone call to explore your options and test the water.

Book a one-off individual get-to-know session for $45. 

Subsequent individual sessions are $90 for 50 minutes and $120 for 80 minutes.

The fee for couples or family sessions is $160 for 80 minutes.

Unfortunately, these fees cannot be claimed through medicare.

Payments can be made via bank transfer prior to each booked session or via eftpos, visa or mastercard at the start of the session.

About Strong Minds

Strong Minds is a Darwin-based professional, supportive and non-judgemental counselling service offered by Laura Quahl. Laura holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling (High Distinction) and a Master’s degree in Education. She believes that everyone is doing the best they can with the resources they have available and that everyone has the capacity for positive change, healing, growth and empowerment. Laura is a passionate listener and lifelong learner who seeks to meet her clients’ needs in the most effective way possible.