Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling is about you—your story, your challenges, your growth. It’s a space where you can feel safe, understood, and free to express what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Many people find that simply being listened to with compassion—without judgment or expectation—brings a sense of relief. From there, counselling helps you gain clarity, explore your options, and uncover new ways of coping and moving forward.

It isn’t about being “fixed” or told what to do. It’s about discovering your own strengths, developing healthier patterns, and learning to support yourself with kindness and understanding.

Everything you share in counselling is private and confidential (with the only exception being if your safety or the safety of others is at risk, which will be explained to you upfront).

At its heart, counselling is a journey of self-awareness, healing, and growth—a chance to reconnect with yourself and create meaningful change in your life.

When speaking of “healing” I am not referring to medical or physical conditions, but rather an experience where the traumatized parts of the psyche & body are given a chance to integrate & release, which assists in the regulation of the nervous system which can ease or resolve symptoms.

Sessions with Brianna are not for the official diagnosis, prevention or cure of any condition or disease. This is something to talk to a GP or Psychiatrist about.

If you are suffering from Schizophrenia, BPD (borderline personality disorder), DID (dissociative identity disorder), or other forms of mental illness please note that sessions with Brianna are not equipped to treat these kinds of diagnosis and they should be treated by a medical professional. In these cases she has seen the information and techniques used to regulate the nervous system be helpful for those who are suffering with these diagnoses, though she does not work with these issues directly due to it being beyond her scope of practice.

Brianna will not give advice, nor is trained to give advice around medication. Any decision around your medication needs to be made with your GP, psychiatrist or prescribing professional.

Any life altering decision made from a client's interpretations of a discussion in session is a client's responsibility. If one is considering making a life altering decision based on a dialogue or insight that occurs in session, for example leaving one's partner or family, changing or coming off medication, leaving their job, trying psychedelic medicines or any other decision where there may be consequences, Brianna encourages every client to seek alternative opinions and support when making them.

The word somatic comes from the Greek soma, meaning “body.” In somatic therapy, we focus on how experiences feel in your body, not just on the story your mind tells about them.

We all have two main pieces of experience:

The cognitive story — what our mind says happened

The felt experience — how our body responds to it

Trauma — or undigested life experiences — doesn’t simply disappear when we suppress it. Instead, it stores in the body and builds over time, often showing up as anxiety, tension, numbness, or other symptoms.

How Talk Therapy Works

In traditional talk therapy, most of the focus is on the cognitive story. You discuss events, gain insight into patterns, and better understand why you feel the way you do. This can be extremely valuable — and for some people, it’s all they want or need.

How Somatic Therapy Works

Somatic therapy, on the other hand, focuses on the body’s response. Because we can’t think our way out of a feeling problem, we must feel it to heal it.

At first, somatic therapy may look a lot like talk therapy: you share your story, build rapport, and establish safety with your therapist. Over time, we begin noticing body cues — like restless legs, shallow breathing, avoiding eye contact, or shifts in tone when certain topics come up. These are signposts pointing to stored experiences in your nervous system.

Gently and at a pace that feels safe, we turn toward these sensations with curiosity and compassion, rather than avoidance or resentment. Using specific techniques, we give them space to move through you — as they’ve always needed to.

Many people fear that touching their wounded parts will be overwhelming, but with titrated, supported work, they discover the process is far more tolerable than they imagined. On the other side of an emotional release, clients often say, “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”

Emotions are simply energy in motion. They’re a part of you — but they’re not all of you. Once you truly realise this, they lose much of their power to intimidate you.

Why This Matters

In mainstream Western medicine, the focus is often on suppressing or numbing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. Somatic therapy does the opposite: we welcome emotions and work with them safely so that the stuck or frozen energy stored in the body can be released. Once that energy moves, symptoms often ease or resolve naturally.

Many people spend years in talk therapy and still feel stuck. That’s often because, while they’ve gained insight, they haven’t addressed the trapped physiological energy beneath the story. Somatic therapy works directly with these physiological and energetic aspects — which is why my preferred modality is Embodied Processing.

When I speak of “healing,” I’m not referring to medical or physical conditions, but to the integration and release of trauma stored in the psyche and body, which helps regulate the nervous system and supports emotional well-being.

The Embodied Process is the bottom-up approach to working with trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, addiction, depression and a myriad of other stress-related issues. 

This process was created based on years of lived experience, research, training and client sessions.

The creators have incorporated the best methods to help practitioners and clients deepen not only their ability to work with what was once unworkable with normal psychology, but also deepen into themselves and live a much more present and embodied life. 

With all the recent neuroscience on trauma, we are only just beginning to understand what our survival physiology is all about. The underground embodied movement sweeping through the western world is now starting to emerge and provide us with cutting edge knowledge to better understand survival physiology, allowing us the chance to make transformation happen from the ground up. Now we can work with the foundations of our human experience, rather than just playing around on the surface creating more & more enticing psychological concepts.

Within survival physiology lies the survival drive, located “below” the intellect. It is part of our body’s autonomic nervous system. Our culture is one that is based on survival and our collective physiology is one that is based on protection, threat and survival of the individual. As a result, this leaves us unable to experience true connection because our underlying physiology protects us from it. This survival drive has its roots deep within our unconscious and our body. To get to it requires us to move beyond the common psychological practices of the west and move downward, into our body, our nervous system and into the unprocessed pain that exists within our physicality.

The common state of human consciousness in the west is one that lives primarily in the intellect. Although the intellect has extreme benefits and has taken humanity further than we would have ever dreamed of a century ago, it also has its limitations and if not balanced by genuine embodiment can become problematic, keeping us cut off from direct experience and treating the symptom whilst ignoring the underlying drivers. 

Emotional distress, survival stress, trauma, anxiety, depression; all of this lives as unprocessed constrictions in our body. The Embodied Process is a technique used to safely meet and digest unprocessed life experiences, which then has the ability to lift us up to experiencing higher and higher levels of freedom within our physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological experience.

Without treating the cause we are destined to continue to trim the branches of a tree and watch them grow back, sometimes as worse, or unrecognizable behaviours/experiences. 

The cause is below the neck, it is in our physiology. We MUST learn as a culture to work with the body because our survival drive is stronger than our personal sense of willpower. 

If we do not work with this underlying survival drive then we are destined to continue to watch patterns recycle over and over again.

The above written by The Centre for Healing - Creators of Embodied Processing.

https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/blog/embodied-processing

What does an Embodied Processing session look like?

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyUl6hASTOc 

*When speaking of “healing” I am not referring to medical or physical conditions, but rather an experience where the traumatized parts of the psyche & body are given a chance to integrate & release, which assists in the regulation of the nervous system which can ease or resolve symptoms.

When looking for support, it can be confusing to know the difference between counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and life coaches. Each plays an important role, but their training, focus, and approach can vary. Here’s a breakdown to help you feel more confident in choosing the right fit for you.

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Counsellors / Psychotherapists / Therapists

These terms are often used interchangeably to describe professionals who offer therapeutic support for challenges related to behaviours, thoughts, feelings, and relationships.

Counsellors usually complete a Diploma, Bachelor, or Masters degree in counselling and train in a variety of approaches. Many register with professional associations such as PACFA (Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia) or ACA (Australian Counselling Association), which set standards of education and ethics.

The most important factor in counselling is not just qualifications—it’s the relationship. You should feel safe, understood, and able to trust your counsellor. Don’t hesitate to ask about their training or approach if you’re unsure. Every counsellor is unique, so finding the right fit matters more than their title.

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Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They complete at least ten years of training and, unlike counsellors or psychologists, can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists often work with people experiencing more severe or complex mental illnesses.

While they may offer counselling, their primary role is diagnosis, treatment planning, and medical management. Because of their expertise and medical training, they often work in hospitals, mental health teams, or private practice.

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Psychologists

Psychologists study human behaviour in depth and may work in clinical practice, research, education, or assessment. A registered psychologist completes at least six years of university study and/or supervised practice.

Some psychologists specialise in counselling, using evidence-based therapies to treat mental health conditions. Clinical psychologists complete additional postgraduate training (often a Masters or PhD) and focus more on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.

It’s worth noting that psychologists with a PhD may use the title “Doctor,” but they are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

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Social Workers

Social workers support individuals, families, and communities with a focus on social justice, human rights, and wellbeing. They often provide case management, advocacy, and counselling.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) complete a four-year social work degree and at least two years of supervised practice in mental health. Many AMHSWs work in private practice, offering counselling for a wide range of mental health concerns.

Like psychologists, they must be registered with a professional body (AASW in Australia) and adhere to ongoing training and ethical standards.

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Life Coaches

Life coaches work with clients to set and achieve personal, career, financial, or health goals. They focus on motivation, accountability, and strategy rather than therapy or mental health treatment.

Life coaching is currently an unregulated field, so coaches aren’t required to have specific qualifications. Many, however, complete training programs and earn certifications. While life coaching can be valuable for personal development, it’s not a substitute for professional mental health care when deeper therapeutic support is needed.

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Choosing What’s Right for You

Each professional has different strengths and areas of focus. What matters most is what you need right now—whether it’s a safe space to talk, strategies to cope, medical treatment, or guidance to move toward personal goals.

When in doubt, trust your instincts, ask questions, and remember: the relationship you build with your chosen professional is just as important as their qualifications.

I’m a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (#20374).

I hold a Diploma of Counselling (nationally accredited) with the ‘Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors.'

I am a certified Embodied Processing Practitioner & a certified Trauma-informed Coach through The Centre for Healing.

I am also a certified Integrated Attachment Theory Coach through The Personal Development School. 

I regularly undertake professional development & engage in my own personal development. I have my own ACA Counselling Supervisor which I have meetings with monthly to address any concerns & who ensures I'm working in an ethical manner. I also have my own therapist in order to maintain working on my inner self. This provides my clients with a therapist who is well rounded & who practices what she preaches. 

"People can only meet you, as deeply as they’ve met themselves. “ (by Matt Kahn) 

I personally love the self exploration journey, meeting deeper versions of myself & truly understanding all of my underlying working parts, where they originated & how to work through & heal different blocks. 

Please feel free to check out the "My approach" page for information on the therapies & techniques I use in practice. 

You can also find me listed on:

Psychology Today

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/counselling/light-the-way-counselling-creek-junction-vic/937064

Australian Counselling Association 

https://theaca.net.au/counsellors/brianna-king/

HealthShare

https://www.healthshare.com.au/profile/professional/457585-brianna-king/#overview

Embodied Processing Practitioner Directory

https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/practitioner-directory?overlay=0910892d-3fb1-4be0-9771-d3e0ad83207a

Sometimes, counselling sessions feel light and freeing — you leave with a sense of relief and clarity.

Other times, they can stir up deeper emotions. You might:

Feel temporarily worse before you feel better

Experience emotional triggers or frustration

Notice symptoms intensify for a short time

Need hours or even a couple of days to fully recover after a session

This is a normal part of the healing process. It doesn’t mean you’re “going backwards” — it means you’re touching the parts of yourself that need attention and care. Think of it like physical rehabilitation: sometimes the stretches that help most are the ones that feel a little tender at first.

Progress in therapy is often gradual — slow, steady steps rather than constant, dramatic breakthroughs. Every small shift matters, even if it’s not obvious in the moment.

If you’re ever concerned about what you’re experiencing, please talk to your counsellor. We’re here to listen, support you, and adjust the pace so you feel safe. And if you ever feel your counsellor isn’t a good fit, it’s okay to find someone new — the right therapeutic relationship is key to your growth.

When you begin integrating trauma and learning to regulate your nervous system, it’s normal to feel resistance. You might hesitate to book or attend sessions, or notice a part of you holding back. This is simply your protective parts doing their best to shield you from pain. The good news? Processing your wounded parts is almost never as overwhelming as your mind expects — especially when the work is gentle, paced, and supported.

We use a process called titration — approaching distress in small, manageable amounts — so your system can build resilience without becoming overwhelmed.

Healing happens step-by-step, session-by-session. Even on the days you feel challenged, showing up for yourself is powerful progress. You’re not alone in this — we’ll move through it together, at a pace that feels right for you.

I want to be upfront about what I do and don’t offer so expectations are clear. I don’t promise quick fixes or guaranteed results. Healing is a personal journey, and each person responds differently. The techniques I use have helped many clients (and myself) find relief from stress, release stored trauma, and build healthier patterns — but lasting change takes time, commitment, and consistent effort.

Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you — because you’re not broken. It’s about safely rewiring your nervous system from protection into connection, releasing unprocessed experiences, and building self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries. This process can be uncomfortable at times, but it’s also deeply transformative.

Progress happens when you engage with the work between sessions — practicing new tools, completing exercises, and applying insights in daily life. Without that, change will be slow, if at all. Think of our sessions as one part of a lifestyle of healing, not the whole thing.

We will go beyond just “talking about problems.” Many struggles come from unprocessed experiences held in the body, and true healing means feeling and integrating them — not just thinking about them. This is where trust, emotional safety, and the therapeutic relationship are key.

My approach may not be for everyone, and that’s okay. If you’re ready to do the deeper work with compassion, curiosity, and consistency, I’d be honoured to guide you.

When I speak about “healing,” I’m referring to the integration and release of trauma held in the psyche and body, which helps regulate the nervous system and create more peace, balance, and resilience.

For general therapy needs, you do not need a GP referral to access my services. Simply head over to the services/bookings page of this website to book a session. 

Circumstances where I do require a GP referral:

If you are seeking therapy from me while in the active stage of addiction using a high risk substance, I will need a GP referral for us to work together. This is to ensure that you have access to all the essential supports needed when detoxing etc.

I will also require a GP referral if you are in the active stages of self harm, domestic violence or have plans for suicide. This is to ensure you have access to all the essential supports during these kind of crisis.   

Before we begin counselling sessions together a Counselling Contract, a Privacy & Confidentiality Agreement & a Client Intake Form will need to be completed. They can be found under the 'Forms' button on this website. These can either be filled in on your device or printed out & signed. 

These forms are in place to protect both you & I in our work together. They are required for legal & ethical reasons. The information you share with me is completely confidential. 

The only exception to confidentiality is when: 

- You have explicitly given me permission to share information, such as informing your emergency contact of an emergency situation or when you have signed your permission for a referral. 

- I consider you to be at risk of harming yourself or someone else. 

- I consider a child to be at risk. 

- In some cases a significant crime may be or has been committed. 

- Your counselling records, or part thereof, have been requested by a court of law.

In any of these cases I will let you know before I proceed with anything.  

Everyone’s journey is unique, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” number of sessions. Some people find clarity in just one or two sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support. Together, we’ll regularly check in to see how you’re progressing and what feels right for you.

Therapy Frequency Guide

Solid Gains – Build momentum and work steadily toward your goals.

Recommended: One session per week or fortnight.

Moderate Support – Maintain progress and strengthen the changes you’ve made.

Recommended: One session every 2–3 weeks.

Maintenance – Stay on track, check in, and realign as needed.

Recommended: One session per month.

Check-ins – Flexible support during stressful times, big life changes, or challenging seasons.

Recommended: As needed.

I offer counselling sessions via Zoom to clients across Australia. Many people find online sessions just as effective as meeting in person, with the added benefit of convenience.

Zoom counselling can be especially helpful if you:

Live in a regional or remote area.

Want to save time or travel expenses.

Prefer the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Meeting online also allows me to keep my practice flexible and session costs lower, while still providing you with the same level of care, presence, and support.

Getting Started with Zoom Counselling

1. Book Your Session

Choose a time that works for you through my booking system. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.

2. Prepare Your Space

Find a quiet, private spot where you feel comfortable. Headphones can help with sound quality and privacy.

3. Join the Session

At your appointment time, simply click the Zoom link in your email. No account is required—just a device with internet access, a camera, and a microphone.

4. Begin Your Session

Once we’re connected, we’ll begin just as if you were sitting with me in person.

✨ Tip: Having a cup of tea, tissues nearby, and making sure your phone is on silent can help you feel more grounded and present during our time together.

Telehealth therapy simply means meeting with your counsellor online (through video or phone) rather than face-to-face in an office. It offers the same care and support, but with the flexibility to connect from wherever you are.

For many people, telehealth feels just as effective as in-person sessions — sometimes even more so, because it removes barriers that can get in the way of seeking help. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your own home, save time and travel expenses, and access support even if you live in a regional area or have physical limitations. Some people also find it easier to open up online, as it feels more private and approachable.

Of course, telehealth isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. Technology can occasionally be limiting, and in times of crisis it may be harder for your counsellor to respond as quickly as someone in the same room. Because body language isn’t always as visible online, you may also need to share more verbally about how you’re feeling.

What matters most is choosing the type of support that feels right for you. For some, that will be telehealth; for others, it may be in-person. Either way, the heart of counselling remains the same — a safe, confidential space to feel heard, understood, and supported.

I work from my home office. I am strictly telehealth. 

Registered Counsellors & Psychotherapists are not currently included in the Medicare Rebate scheme but often the session fees are less than registered Psychiatrists, Psychologists & Social Workers. In fact, you may find that the cost is not dissimilar to the out of pocket expenses you could pay with a Medicare rebate.

It is important to note that Counsellors & Psychotherapists do not assess an individual on mental health disorders through defined criteria. Rather, they see each individual as unique and aim to work within a clearly contracted relationship that enables individuals to obtain assistance in exploring and resolving issues.

The medical route (mental health care plan) for access to mental health services certainly has its advantages for you if:  

- You require a mental health disorder diagnosis.

- You need short-term mental health support.

- You are unable to pay for the full cost charged by a mental health service provider registered under the Medicare scheme. 

However, it is worth noting that:  

- Your mental health diagnosis with a mental health plan becomes part of your medical records forever & can be disclosed to third parties, such as life insurance companies (you may be deemed as a risk and pay a higher premium) or future employers (such as the police force or ambulance service which require a mental health evaluation).

- Your choice of mental health professional is likely to be based on a registered list of providers who often provide short term, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which might not suit your needs.

- There are often out of pocket expenses to pay, as the Medicare rebate may not fully cover the cost of the sessions. 

When we log into Zoom, I’ll begin by welcoming you and having a brief, relaxed chat so you can settle in. From there, we’ll go over the counselling contract together. Even though you’ll have already completed this (including privacy and confidentiality agreements), I like to briefly revisit it in the first session as a formality and to ensure you feel clear and comfortable.

After that, I’ll ask some gentle questions about what has brought you to counselling and what you’d like to focus on. From here, the session will naturally unfold.

This first appointment is really about giving you space to be heard, beginning to build trust and safety, and allowing you to ask any questions you may have. My intention is for you to leave feeling supported, understood, and safe. There is no judgement here — all of you is welcome. I approach sessions in a laid-back, authentic, and compassionate way.

Hints & Tips for Getting the Most Out of Telehealth

Choose a quiet, private space free from distractions.

Get physically comfortable (a supportive chair, blanket, or pillow can help).

Make sure your device is charged, with good speakers or headphones.

If you’re new to Zoom, download the free app beforehand and have a quick test run.

Keep essentials nearby (water, pen, notepad, etc.).

Check your internet connection. If we get disconnected, I’ll call you back immediately — and if I can’t reach you by phone, I’ll follow up by text or email.

✨ It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first session. We’ll take things at a pace that feels right for you.