FAQ

Woods Counselling is a private counselling practice based in North Brisbane, Queensland. I offer individual counselling for adolescents, young people, and families, with a focus on trauma-informed, attachment based, and evidence driven approaches.

Sessions are available both in-person and online, so you can access support in the way that works best for you.

I primarily work with adolescents, young people and their families. If you are a teenager struggling with anxiety, school pressure, or relationship difficultues, or a parent concerned about your child's wellbeing, Woods Counselling may be a good fit.

I also work with young adults navigating life transitions, identity, and mental health challenges.

Josh is a qualified counsellor and guidance officer with professional membership through Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association (QGCA) and the Certified Practising Counsellors Association (CPCA). 

His practice draws on training in trauma informed practices, attachment theory, cognitive behaviour theory (CBT) and strength based approaches to working with young people.

Yes. Woods Counselling offers both in-person sessions in North Brisbane and online sessions via a secure video platform. Online counselling is available to clients anywhere in Queensland.

Both formats follow the same professional and confidential standards.

The first session is an opportunity to get to know each other and understand what has brought you (or your child) to counselling. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with.

We will talk about what you are hoping to achieve, discuss how we might work together, and answer any questions you have about the process. The goal is for you to leave feeling heard and clear on next steps.

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Longer sessions may be available on request. Please get in touch to discuss your needs.

This varies from person to person. Some people find that a handful of focused sessions is enough to address a specific concern. Others benefit from longer term support as they work through more complex challenges.

We wil regularly review your progress together so that the number of sessions always reflects what is actually helpful for you.

Yes. Working with adolescents is a core part of my practice. I work with teenagers experienceing anxiety, depression, school difficulties, friendship and relationship issues, identity questions, and the effects of trauma or difficult family situations.

I take a young persons centred approach, which means the sessions are led by what the young person needs, not just what adults around them are concerned about.

This depends on the age of the young person and what they are comfortable with, as well as if they are deemed compentent enough to make decisions about their own wellbeing. For younger adolescents, some parental involvement is helpful. For older teenagers, sessions are generally confidential, though I may include parents or carers with the young person's agreement.

I will discuss how we approach this with you at the start of the process so everyone is clear about what to expect.

Trauma informed counselling means that the way I work takes into account how past experiences (including difficult or overwhelming events) can affect a person's thoughts, feelings, behaviour and relationships. It means that the environment and pace of sessions reflects the clients needs.

It does not mean every session focuses on trauma directly.

Attachment theory looks at how our early relationships shape the way we relate to others and ourselves through our lives. For young people especially this can help address patterns that feel confusing or stuck.

Yes. CBT is one of the appraoches I draw on, particularly for anxiety, low mood, and unhelpful thinking patterns. CBT helps people identify the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and develop practical strategies to manage them.

I use CBT alongside other approaches depending on what is most helpful for each person. I don't believe there is a one size fits all model for counselling.

Please visit the Fees page or get in touch directly for current fee information. I am happy to discuss payment and fee options workable for your situation.

Counsellors are not currently eligible to provide services under the Medicare Better Access scheme in Australia; this scheme only applies to registered psychologists and other specific medical practitioners.

There are other options available, depending on your situation.

I am happy to see clients through NDIS and through the Foster system and Child Safety.

I am interested in working with EAP clients.

Please get in touch to discuss whether your EAP provider is one I am currently registered with, or to explore options.

Please contact me directly to discuss NDIS options, as eligibility and funding arrangements can vary depending on your plan and funding category.

Yes. Everything you share in sessions is confidential. I will not share informations about you with anyone without your consent.

There are a small number of exceptions required by law. 

• If there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person

• Disclosures of abuse by a person under 18

• If a court orders the disclosure of record

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel unsafe, please contact emergency services (000) or Lifeline (13 11 14) immediately. These services are available 24 hours a day. 

Counselling is not a crisis service, but if you are struggling between sessions, please reach out so we can talk about additional support options.

You can get in touch via the contact form to enquire about availability and book an initial session.

No referral is needed to book an appointment with Woods Counselling. You can contact me directly. If your GP has suggested counselling as part of a broader support plan, that is also welcome and we can work collaboratively with other health professionals if helpful.

Woods Counselling is based in North Brisbane, Queensland. Josh prefers to travel and meet in the clients home, or a place chosen by the client, so that you are more comfortable and feel safe (do not worry about making cleaning before I arrive, I too have children). However, counselling location is available if needed. 

Online sessions are available to clients throught Queensland.