Anxiety Counselling in the Sutherland Shire
EVOLVING MINDS COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOLOGY
COPING IS NOT THE SAME AS BEING OK.
When worry, overthinking, panic or avoidance begins affecting everyday life, the right support can help make sense of what is happening and provide practical ways forward.
Evolving Minds provides anxiety counselling for adults, teenagers and children across the Sutherland Shire, with in-person and online appointments available.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY AND OUR CLIENT CARE TEAM WILL REACH OUT
AM I BAD ENOUGH TO SEE SOMEONE?
You do not have to wait until everything falls apart.
It is common to wonder whether what is happening is serious enough to speak with someone.
Life may still look functional from the outside.
Work gets done.
The children get to school.
Messages are answered.
Plans are kept, or cancelled with a believable reason.
But keeping everything going can come at a cost.
It might be the constant noise inside your head. The exhaustion of always holding it together. The plans that keep getting declined. The short fuse with the people you love. Or the feeling that your life has slowly become smaller without you noticing when it happened.
For a parent, it may be a child who has stopped wanting to go to school, see friends or participate in activities they once enjoyed. It may be another difficult morning, another call from a teacher or another “I’m fine” through a closed bedroom door.
Support is not reserved for a crisis.
Sometimes the reason to reach out is simply that something does not feel right, and managing it alone is becoming harder.
Support that fits the person, not just the label.
Evolving Minds is a multidisciplinary counselling and psychology practice supporting children, adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire.
Our team includes registered psychologists, accredited mental health social workers, psychotherapists and qualified mental health clinicians with experience across anxiety, panic, social anxiety, school avoidance, perfectionism, life transitions, trauma and neurodivergence.
You do not need to know which therapy or clinician you need.
Our Client Care Team will listen to what has been happening and help identify a clinician whose experience, approach and availability may suit your needs.
Therapy is tailored to what is actually happening.
Depending on the individual and what they would like support with, clinicians may draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills, Exposure and Response Prevention, EMDR, interpersonal therapy and play or art-based approaches.
Sessions move at a manageable pace.
There is no expectation to explain everything immediately. Your clinician will guide the conversation and work with what feels appropriate to discuss.
Support can adapt as needs change.
Having a multidisciplinary team in one practice means there are different areas of experience, therapy approaches and support options available.
Professional registrations, accreditations and memberships across the Evolving Minds team include:
Anxiety does not look the same on everyone.
Some people recognise anxiety immediately.
Others simply know they are exhausted, avoiding more things or no longer feeling like themselves.
For children and teenagers, anxiety may show up through behaviour, physical complaints, withdrawal or repeated reassurance-seeking rather than the words “I feel anxious.”
Here are some of the ways it can appear in everyday life.
It is 2:45 am again.
The body is tired, but the mind is still replaying conversations, planning tomorrow and moving from one worry to the next. Even when one problem is resolved, another quickly takes its place.
The pre-emptive “no.”
An invitation arrives and the answer is already no.
Not because there is no desire to go, however because the days of worrying beforehand feel harder than missing out.
Over time, people stop asking, and the world quietly becomes smaller.
The body keeps sounding the alarm.
A racing heart, tight chest, dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath can arrive suddenly, sometimes without an obvious explanation.
The fear can then become not only about the physical sensation, but about when it might happen again.
The reassurance never lasts.
A headache, unusual sensation or new symptom immediately leads to the worst possible conclusion.
A medical appointment or clear result may provide temporary relief, but soon another worry takes its place.
The school morning takes 90 minutes.
There may be tears, anger, a sore stomach, repeated trips to the bathroom or a refusal to get dressed.
What looks like defiance or difficult behaviour may be a child or teenager struggling to communicate how overwhelming school, separation or social situations feel.
“I’m fine” comes through a closed bedroom door.
A teenager may become quieter, more irritable or increasingly withdrawn.
They might stop seeing friends, lose interest in activities, struggle to sleep or insist nothing is wrong, while their parent senses that something has changed.
Everything has to be done perfectly.
Good grades, careful preparation and high standards can look like confidence from the outside.
Underneath, there may be intense fear of failure, difficulty starting tasks, sleepless nights before an exam or the feeling that nothing they do is ever good enough.
A change has unsettled everything.
A new school, job, relationship change, relocation, loss or shift in family life can make familiar routines and emotions feel harder to manage.
Even changes that were wanted or expected can bring uncertainty and anxiety.
Becoming a parent brought more worry than expected.
A new school, job, relationship change, relocation, loss or shift in family life can make familiar routines and emotions feel harder to manage.
Even changes that were wanted or expected can bring uncertainty and anxiety.
Anxiety can look different for every person.
There is no need to know what type of anxiety it is before reaching out.
The first step is simply explaining what has been happening.
You're not becoming someone new. You are finding your way back to what feels like you.
Therapy is not about never experiencing worry or uncertainty again.
It is about better understanding what is happening, recognising the patterns that keep anxiety going and developing practical ways to respond differently.
Over time, this may mean working towards:
A QUIETER MIND AT NIGHT
Being able to rest without mentally rehearsing tomorrow, replaying yesterday or preparing for everything that could go wrong.
TRUSTING YOUR BODY AGAIN
Recognising physical anxiety responses and developing ways to respond without allowing fear to organise every decision.
BEING IN THE ROOM
Listening to what your child, partner or friend is saying without simultaneously being three days ahead in your mind.
HAVING MORE CAPACITY
Feeling less exhausted by holding everything together and having more left for the people and parts of life that matter.
SAYING YES WITH LESS OF THE RUN UP
Going to dinner, attending the event or taking the opportunity without anxiety consuming the days beforehand.
FEELING MORE LIKE YOURSELF
Becoming less governed by worry, avoidance or the pressure to appear fine.
FOR PARENTS, HAVING A CLEARER WAY FORWARD
Better understanding what may be sitting underneath a child or teenager’s behaviour, how parents can respond and what type of support may be appropriate.
The goal is not a perfect, worry-free life.
It is having more freedom to make choices based on what matters,
rather than what anxiety will allow.
Starting therapy can feel uncertain. Here is what to expect...
Some people recognise anxiety immediately.
Others simply know they are exhausted, avoiding more things or no longer feeling like themselves.
For children and teenagers, anxiety may show up through behaviour, physical complaints, withdrawal or repeated reassurance-seeking rather than the words “I feel anxious.”
Here are some of the ways it can appear in everyday life.
Step 1: Reach out
Complete the appointment request form or call our Client Care Team on 02 8519 4197.
You do not need to know which clinician or therapy approach you need. Simply tell us who you are seeking support for and what has led you to reach out.
STEP 2: We help find a suitable clinician
Our Client Care Team considers factors including age, what support is being sought, preferred appointment format, clinician experience and current availability.
They can also answer practical questions about appointments, fees, referrals and rebates.
STEP 3: ATTEND THE FIRST APPOINTMENT
The first session focuses on understanding what has been happening, how it is affecting everyday life and what you or your family would like to be different.
There is no expectation to share everything immediately or arrive knowing exactly what to say. Your clinician will guide the conversation.
STEP 4: DEVELOP A WAY FORWARD TOGETHER
Your clinician will discuss what may be helpful and work with you to develop an individual approach.
This may include understanding patterns of worry and avoidance, responding differently to physical anxiety symptoms, building practical strategies or gradually approaching situations that have become difficult.
The number and frequency of sessions will depend on individual needs and goals. Many people begin with weekly appointments and review the frequency with their clinician over time.
What happens when support is for a child or teenager?
For younger children, parents are often involved more directly so that strategies can be supported consistently at home.
For adolescents, sessions are usually a confidential space of their own, with parent appointments or check-ins where appropriate.
Your clinician will explain how parent involvement and confidentiality will work before therapy begin
Meet the people you'll be working with
A team with experience across different ages and anxiety presentations.
You do not have to choose a clinician alone. Our Client Care Team will help identify who may suit your needs based on age, presentation, preferred approach and availability.
Vanessa Allen
Director, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Psychotherapist
Vanessa has more than 18 years of experience supporting children, adolescents and adults. Her areas of interest include anxiety, emotional regulation, life transitions, perinatal mental health, trauma and neurodivergence.
Brandon Colagossi
Registered Psychologist
Brandon works with adolescents aged 15 and over and adults. He supports people experiencing anxiety, panic, phobias, social anxiety, OCD and patterns of worry or avoidance. He is particularly mindful of people who may feel hesitant about beginning therapy.
Mary Bahram
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Psychotherapist
Mary works with children, adolescents and adults. Her areas of experience include anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, autism and neurodivergence, using trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approaches.
Katelyn Mannix
Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar
Katelyn works with children, adolescents and adults. Her areas of interest include anxiety, OCD, school refusal, academic stress, emotional regulation, life transitions and perinatal mental health
Nicole Wallace
Registered Psychologist
Nicole works with children, adolescents and adults, with a particular interest in adolescents and young adults. She supports anxiety, perfectionism, stress, emotional regulation, school pressure and neurodivergence using a relaxed and collaborative approach.
Christina Gilto
Registered Psychologist
Christina works with adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, trauma, workplace stress and ADHD. She has a particular interest in women’s mental health, including perimenopause, menopause and the perinatal period, using a calm, collaborative and practical approac
Jaina Jogia
Registered Psychologist
Jaina works with children, adolescents and adults. Her areas of experience include anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, body image concerns and neurodivergence. She offers a calm and compassionate approach, helping clients feel comfortable while developing insight and practical coping strategie
Catherine Roberts
Mental Health Nurse
Catherine has more than 28 years of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents and adults, as well as couples and families. Her areas of interest include anxiety, perinatal mental health, trauma, family relationships and neurodivergence. Her approach is calm, relational and focused on practical strategies.
Ember
Practice Dog
Ember sometimes joins Nicole during appointments when this has been requested and agreed upon. Her friendly and affectionate presence can help the therapy room feel more relaxed, particularly for young people who may feel unsure about beginning therapy. Dog-free appointments are always available.
A practice environment designed to feel welcoming
For some young people, having something else in the room can make starting a conversation feel less daunting. Nicole may be joined by Ember, the practice dog, when this has been requested and agreed upon in advance. Appointments are always available without a dog present.
Fees, rates and availability
Clear answers before you book.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Most appointments can be offered within the week, depending on the clinician, service required and preferred appointment time.
Our Client Care Team will explain the current options when they contact you.
How much does an appointment cost?
Fees vary depending on the service and clinician.
Our Client Care Team will explain the applicable fee and any available rebate before an appointment is confirmed, so you can make an informed decision.
Are Medicare rebates available?
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year.
Rebate eligibility and amounts depend on the clinician, service and referral.
Can I use private health insurance?
Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim a rebate for psychology or eligible allied health services through your private health insurer.
Medicare and private health rebates cannot both be claimed for the same appointment.
Does Evolving Minds bulk bill?
Evolving Minds is not a bulk-billing practice. Low-income options may be available for eligible Health Care Card holders. Please speak with our Client Care Team about the options available.
How long is an appointment?
Individual appointments are generally 50 minutes.
Where are appointments held?
In-person appointments are available at:
Suite 7
62-70 Allison Crescent
Menai NSW 2234
Secure online appointments are also available across Australia where appropriate.
Where are appointments held?
In-person appointments are available at:
Suite 7
62-70 Allison Crescent
Menai NSW 2234
Secure online appointments are also available across Australia where appropriate.
COPING is not the same as being ok.
Things do not have to fall apart before something is allowed to change
Maybe daily life is still getting done.
Maybe nobody else can see how much effort it takes.
Maybe a child or teenager keeps saying they are fine, but something feels different.
Or maybe the same worries, physical sensations and patterns of avoidance have been present for so long that they have started to feel normal.
You do not need the right label, the perfect explanation or certainty about what type of support is needed.
You only need somewhere to begin.
Our Client Care Team can listen, answer your questions and help identify a clinician who may suit you or your family.
FIND THE RIGHT SUPPORT AND BOOK BELOW
IMPORTANT HEALTH AND CRISIS INFORMATION
Evolving Minds is not a crisis service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero on 000 or attend the nearest hospital emergency department.
For 24-hour support:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline, ages 5 to 25: 1800 55 1800
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness or a racing heart can have causes other than anxiety. Please speak with a GP about new or concerning physical symptoms. For severe, worsening or prolonged chest pain or breathing difficulties, call 000.
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