Counselling for adults · North Hobart & online
A quiet place to put things down for a while.
I'm Ruth. I offer unhurried, confidential counselling for people who are carrying a lot — grief, worry, burnout, big changes, or the feeling of not quite being yourself.
Before anything else
How are you arriving today?
Whatever you choose, the page will soften a little, and there's a one-minute grounding exercise if you'd like it.
If you're feeling unsafe right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — any time, day or night — or 000 in an emergency.
Grounding · step 1 of 5
Five, four, three, two, one. Take each step at your own pace.
- 5
Five things you can see
Let your eyes move slowly around you. A corner of the window, a colour, the texture of a wall.
- 4
Four things you can feel
Your feet on the floor, the weight of your hands, the air on your skin, the chair behind your back.
- 3
Three things you can hear
Near sounds and far ones — traffic, a fridge humming, your own breathing.
- 2
Two things you can smell
If nothing comes, remember a smell you like: rain on the footpath, toast, the sea.
- 1
One thing you can taste
Or take one slow sip of water. Then let your breath settle for a moment.
That's all five. Notice how you're sitting now — nothing needs to be different. You can come back to this whenever you like.
How I can help
You don't need to have the right words yet.
Most people arrive with something that's been building for a while. We can start wherever you are. I often work with:
- Anxiety and worry — the racing mind at 3am, or a low hum that never quite switches off.
- Grief and loss — of people, pets, health, work, or the life you'd planned.
- Stress and burnout — especially for carers, health workers and teachers.
- Big changes — moving to Tasmania, separating, retiring, becoming a parent.
- Relationships — with partners, family, or yourself.
- Low mood — when things have lost their colour and you're not sure why.
I work with adults, one to one. I'm not a crisis service — if you need help urgently, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.
What sessions are like
Fifty minutes that are entirely yours.
We talk, and you set the pace. Some weeks we'll look closely at one thing; other weeks we'll sit with how things are. I might suggest small practices to try between sessions, but there's no homework you can fail.
Sessions are in a quiet upstairs room with a window onto a garden, or by video or phone if that's easier. Most people come weekly or fortnightly to begin with.
In the room
- Tea, water and tissues within reach — no need to ask
- A few quiet minutes to arrive before we start talking
- Time at the end to wind down before you head back out
What you say stays between us, within the limits of the law — I'll explain exactly what that means in our first session.
Fees
Clear fees, and a few reduced places.
| First session60 minutes, in person or online | $150 |
|---|---|
| Ongoing sessions50 minutes | $140 |
| Reduced-fee placesFor students, pensioners and people on low incomes — just ask | $90 |
| Evening sessionsTuesdays and Thursdays until 8pm | $140 |
Sample prices. Counselling isn't usually covered by Medicare, but rebates may apply in some cases depending on the practitioner, the service and whether you have a referral. Some private health funds cover counselling as an extra. It's worth checking with Medicare or your fund before you book — this is general information only.
Your first session
A chance to see if we're a good fit.
- Before
You'll get a short email with directions, parking and a one-page form. Fill in only what you're comfortable with.
- During
We'll talk about what brings you here and what you'd like to be different. You can ask me anything about how I work. You don't have to tell me everything.
- After
We decide together whether to keep going. There's no obligation, and if someone else would suit you better I'll help you find them.
Questions
Things people often wonder.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact me directly. If you do have a referral from your GP, bring it along and we can talk about whether any rebate might apply.
What if I cry, or don't know what to say?
Both are completely okay. There are tissues, water and silence in the room, and none of them need explaining.
Can we meet online?
Yes — by video or phone, anywhere in Tasmania. It helps to find a private spot where you won't be overheard.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies a lot. Some people come for a handful of sessions; others prefer longer. We'll check in regularly about how it's going.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give 48 hours' notice if you can. Life happens — if it's short notice, just let me know and we'll work it out.
Get in touch
Send a short note, whenever you're ready.
You don't need to explain much. A name and the best way to reach you is enough, and I usually reply within two working days.