Gentle, trauma-informed counselling in Canberra
Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma in healing from cPTSD
In the spirit of reconciliation, I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. I recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities, and I acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. I pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and to the ancient lineage of therapeutic healing, wisdom and dreaming held within these communities.
Welcome
Sometimes the things we’ve tried to hold together start to come undone.
Old beliefs surface: ‘It’s all my fault’, ‘I don’t matter’, ‘I’m not enough’, ‘I’m too much’.
We begin to crack under the weight of everyday life.
If you’re here, you might be looking for a safe place to land. A space where you don’t have to explain everything or be ‘fixed’, a space where you feel understood, seen, and supported to move forward.
Kate Lawson (She/Her)
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Member, Australian Association of Social Workers
I’m Kate, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker based in Deakin, ACT.
I offer counselling and trauma-informed therapy for adults, with a special interest in supporting women navigating the lasting impacts of early childhood trauma, neglect, family violence, and sexual abuse.
Entering my 20th year as a social worker, I appreciate that every individual has a unique story and ability to heal. Attuned to dynamics of power and control, narcissism and coercive/ abusive relationships, I bring language and human rights into the room so you can understand deeply – this is not your fault.
I certainly don’t have all the answers, nor will I advise you. I will treat you as the expert in your own life, and I will work hard to give you choice, transparency, and space.
Together, we’ll go at your pace with calm, care, and clarity.
Who I Help
I work with women from all walks of life, including young adults who want to develop healthier relationships, parents triggered by their children’s behaviour, individuals rebuilding their lives after experiencing family violence, and elders learning about their human rights for the first time.
Most often, women want space to make sense of attachment wounds that can show up in our lives as:
Emotional distress
Panic attacks
Somatic symptoms
Difficulties with trust
Sleep issues
Grief and loss
Confusion with boundaries
Relationship struggles
Burnout or chronic ‘busyness’
People-pleasing
Anger
Dissociation
Anxiety / Depression
Suicidal thoughts
Struggling to know if your relationship is abusive? Deciding whether to leave or stay? If this resonates, you’re not alone, and I am here to help you.
How Counselling Works
Therapy isn’t about fixing you, because you’re not broken. It’s about creating space to better understand what has happened and how aspects of the past are still showing up in your life.
As trauma healing is complex and layered, we’ll work slowly at updating your nervous system and supporting you to make shifts that are felt and embodied, both in and outside the therapy room.
Most often it is not necessary, or even helpful, to recount trauma details. The choice will be yours.
What you can expect
A calm, compassionate presence
Respect for your boundaries and defences
Cultural and community validation
Non-judgmental stance
Referral to alternate services if required
Therapeutic Styles
Attachment theories and understanding how we are hard-wired to form bonds for survival are the backbone of my approach. Attachment and compassion-focused trainings have provided me with a steady foundation for approaching therapy in a validating and attuned manner. Feminist frameworks bring relevance and structure to the context in which gendered abuse occurs in society. Neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology bring hope and inspiration that change and updating are possible.
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Core Self Reclamation Therapy (CSRT)
Experiential attachment-based nervous system psychotherapy to update core erroneous beliefs and schemas. Disempowering the past and empowering the present.
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The 'Shark Cage' Framework
The Shark Cage® is a human rights-based framework to reinforce and strengthen personal boundaries. Identifying and healing from repetitive abusive relationships.
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Triphasic Framework
Attending to initial stabilisation with grounding strategies, reducing crisis, and increasing emotional regulation. Addressing and attending to dissociation. Processing of trauma. Exploring ‘What is safety?’ Grieving. Raging. Reconnection with self and others.
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Breathwork
Reconnect to your body’s cues and establish a sense of calm and present moment awareness. Attend to your nervous system through Breathwork, Havening, Diaphragmatic and Polyvagal exercises.
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Somatic & Mindfulness Practices
Mind-body awareness practices that aim to increase your ability to stay present and respond to difficult states of mind, feelings and sensations. Developing tolerance for dual awareness, loss, ambiguity, hesitations and hopes.
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Family & Culture
Exploration and validation for your cultural background and intergenerational family narrative. Making space for difficult reflections on common issues of shame, trust, and identity.
Counselling is a place where your pain is seen, your experience honoured, and you are fully welcomed with care and understanding.
Availability and Fees
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Appointment Fees
Initial Appointment
75 minutes | $195Standard Appointments
60 minutes | $180Concessions may be available. Please enquire directly.
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My Availability
In-person | Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Telehealth | Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Telehealth sessions are available when suitable and appropriate.
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Referrals
Welcome: Self-referrals, GP referrals, and Victims Support Services ACT.
I don’t currently accept WorkCover, Comcare, CTP or NDIS referrals.
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Medicare Rebates
A Medicare Rebate of $87.25 per session may be available for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.
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How Many Sessions?
Some clients come for a handful of sessions. Others return over time. There is no right way; all healing and transformation takes time.
This is therapy and support at your pace.
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Cancellations
Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice or non-attendance for a scheduled appointment will incur session fees. Consideration will be given on compassionate grounds.
(Please note that Medicare and health fund rebates cannot be claimed on cancellation fees.)
Location and Access
You’ll find me at:
Deakin Therapy Collective
4/2 Phipps Close, Deakin ACT
Ground floor, wheelchair accessible
Quiet bushland surrounds
Comfortable and private waiting area
Restrooms, wheelchair accessible
Free parking nearby, public transport access
Get in touch
If you’d like to explore whether we’re a good fit, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute phone consultation.
You can also contact me by phone or email, or the enquiry form. Please note, I work part-time and only check emails intermittently during business hours.
info@katelawsoncounselling.com.au
CALL
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Kate Lawson Counselling is not a crisis service. If you need immediate assistance, please contact a crisis support service.
If you need crisis support:
Full Stop Australia — 1800 385 578
Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT — (02) 6280 0900
Canberra Rape Crisis Service — (02) 6247 2525
If you are worried about your mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts:
If there is danger to life, please dial 000.
Access Mental Health ACT — 1800 629 354