A bit about me

Hi, I’m Shannon, the counsellor behind Steadfast Counselling. I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples.

My approach is straightforward. I aim to understand your situation clearly, meet you where you are, and provide practical, evidence-based support that is tailored to your needs and goals.

Professional Background

I completed a Bachelor of Social Work in 2008 and have worked across a range of settings including hospitals, schools, palliative care, correctional services, and disability.

Over this time, I’ve supported people through grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, mental health concerns, and significant life transitions. This breadth of experience informs a grounded and practical approach to counselling.

I am an accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and bring both clinical training and real-world experience into my work.

Counselling approach

Counselling is tailored to your situation rather than following a single model. Sessions are focused on understanding your concerns, clarifying goals, and working toward meaningful change in a practical way.

For couples counselling, approaches such as the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy may be used to address communication, conflict and connection.

For individual work, a range of evidence-based approaches are used depending on your needs. This includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), along with cognitive and other therapy approaches suited to your situation.

EMDR is offered as a specific approach for processing difficult experiences and reducing ongoing distress, where this is appropriate.

Personal Life

Outside of counselling, I spend time with my wife, Samantha, and our three children. We homeschool together, and family life is an important part of what keeps me grounded.

My wife is also a social worker, and we have spent many years balancing professional work with family life. This informs my understanding of the practical realities people are managing day to day.

Working together

Choosing a counsellor is an important decision. My role is to provide a professional, respectful space where you can work through difficulties in a clear and practical way.

If you are considering counselling, you are welcome to get in touch or book an appointment.