Service
Anxiety & Depression Counselling
A calm place to understand persistent worry, overwhelm, panic sensations, avoidance, exhaustion, or low mood—and choose practical next steps.
No GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan required to book
Anxiety and low mood can show up in thoughts, sleep, energy, concentration, relationships, work, parenting, and the things you begin avoiding. You may know exactly when it started, or only know that daily life has gradually become harder.
Counselling provides time to notice what is maintaining the strain, understand the context around it, and develop practical responses. Safe Refuge does not assume that one method or explanation fits every woman.
You can book Safe Refuge directly without a GP referral. If symptoms are persistent, significantly affecting daily life, or may need diagnosis, medication, or specialist treatment, a GP or another qualified mental health practitioner should also be involved.
In Session
Experiences You Can Bring
- Persistent worry, racing thoughts, or difficulty switching off
- Panic sensations or fear of another panic episode
- Avoidance, social withdrawal, or reduced confidence
- Health-related worry or repeated reassurance seeking
- Low mood, reduced motivation, or loss of interest
- Overwhelm, burnout, compassion fatigue, or depleted routines
- Perfectionism, harsh self-criticism, or fear of getting things wrong
- Sleep disruption connected with stress, worry, or low mood
What to Expect
How It Works
Step 01
Describe what is happening
Begin with what you notice in daily life—worry, avoidance, panic sensations, exhaustion, low motivation, sleep disruption, or a loss of interest—without needing to arrive with a label.
Step 02
Choose practical priorities
Together, identify a manageable focus such as understanding triggers, developing grounding skills, changing an unhelpful pattern, rebuilding routine, or asking for support.
Step 03
Review fit and progress
Regularly review what is helping, whether session frequency still fits, and whether a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other service should be involved.
Scope of Support
Counselling, Medical Care & Specialist Treatment
Safe Refuge offers counselling, not diagnostic assessment, medication management, or emergency care. Counselling may sit alongside support from your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or another specialist. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without speaking with the prescriber.
Australian health information recommends talking with a doctor or mental health professional when anxiety is affecting daily life. Read the current Healthdirect anxiety guidance or use its service finder if you need a different level of care.
Choosing a Format
In Person in Mount Barker or Online
In-person appointments may suit you if a separate physical space helps you focus or privacy is difficult at home. Online appointments can reduce travel and make attendance easier for some women. Suitability depends on privacy, technology, location, safety, and the support you need.
Our Approach
Practical Support Without Overpromising
Sessions focus on understanding your experience and identifying useful, realistic next steps. No outcome is guaranteed, and Aana will be clear when your needs call for medical assessment, specialist treatment, or urgent support.
A discovery call can help you decide whether Safe Refuge’s scope, format, and approach fit what you need now.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety & Depression Counselling
Do I need a diagnosis to discuss anxiety or low mood?
No diagnosis is required to contact or book Safe Refuge. Counselling can begin with the symptoms, experiences, and situations you want to understand. Safe Refuge does not provide medical or psychological diagnosis.
What can counselling for anxiety or low mood involve?
Sessions may involve identifying triggers and patterns, making sense of stressors, practising grounding or emotional-regulation skills, strengthening supportive routines, and considering boundaries or relationship changes. The approach is adapted to your goals and scope of need.
Can counselling replace care from my GP or psychologist?
No. Counselling can complement medical or psychological care but should not replace assessment, medication advice, or specialist treatment when those are needed. Aana can discuss working alongside or referring to other practitioners with your consent.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. Anxiety and low mood counselling is available in person in Mount Barker and online. Online work needs a private setting, a suitable device, and a reliable connection, and it may not be suitable for every level of need.
What should I do if I am in crisis or feel unsafe?
Safe Refuge is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger call 000. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support. You can also contact your GP, local emergency department, or a mental health crisis service.
Take the Next Step
Book Now
A short, free conversation to explore what is troubling you and whether Safe Refuge is the right next step. No GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan is required to book, and there is no pressure to continue.