Compassionate, evidence-based counselling for individuals and couples, right here on the Surf Coast.
At Sunnymead Counselling, we provide evidence-based therapy to support individuals and couples through life’s challenges. Our warm and caring space offers the opportunity to reflect, build understanding, and discover new paths toward wellbeing. Most importantly, we believe therapy works best when it’s grounded in genuine connection and mutual respect. We will meet you where you are, honour your unique story, and support you to find greater clarity, resilience, and growth.
About
Evidence-Based Care,
Grounded in Compassion
Amy Adair
Sunnymead Counselling
Hello, I’m Amy, a Masters qualified and fully accredited mental health social worker with more than ten years of experience supporting individuals and couples through life’s up’s and down’s. Over this time, I’ve come to deeply value the transformative nature of counselling—the way it can open space for new perspectives, healing, and change. My approach is warm, gentle, and curious, always guided by the belief that each person’s story unfolds best at their own pace.
I have a special interest in relationship counselling and in working alongside individuals navigating times of stress, change or challenges. Whether I’m working with a couple wanting to rebuild connection or an individual seeking clarity and balance, my role is to create a safe, supportive environment where growth can take shape.
Having lived on the Surf Coast with my family for the past decade, I feel fortunate to call this unique place home. I love the rhythm of being close to both the beach and the bush, and I often find inspiration in the natural beauty of the area. Outside of my counselling work, you’ll often find me surfing, swimming, making a piece of pottery or sharing good food and conversation with friends and family.
I believe that therapy is not about quick fixes, but about creating space for understanding, self-compassion, and meaningful change. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they explore their inner world and discover new ways of relating—to themselves, to others, and to life’s challenges. If you’re considering counselling, I’d be honoured to support you on your journey.
Services
At Sunnymead Counselling, we offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can explore what’s happening for you and find new ways forward. Clinical areas of focus include:
Relationships
Mood and anxiety disorders
Childhood and adulthood experiences of adversity and trauma
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Personality disorders
Addiction
Self-esteem and identity difficulties
Adjustment to major life events such as grief, loss, stress & transitions
Purpose and meaning
Sunnymead Counselling clinicians are registered Medicare providers offering rebated sessions, and are also approved with NDIS, WorkSafe, and TAC.
The practice is committed to providing high-quality, client-centred care grounded in clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and respect for each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
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EFT is a highly effective approach for couples who feel disconnected, stuck in conflict, or struggling to rebuild trust. It helps partners understand and change the emotional patterns that drive arguments, fostering deeper connection, safety, and closeness. EFT works best for couples wanting to strengthen their bond, improve communication, or heal from relationship ruptures.
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EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process and heal from past trauma, distressing memories, or overwhelming life events. By using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain “reprocess” experiences so they no longer feel as raw or intrusive. It is especially effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and painful memories that continue to affect day-to-day life.
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ACT focuses on helping people live in line with their values while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to eliminate distress, ACT encourages acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action toward what matters most. It works well for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions.
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CBT is a practical, evidence-based therapy that explores the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier ways of coping. CBT is particularly effective for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and stress management, offering tools that can be used long after therapy ends.
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Schema Therapy combines elements of CBT, attachment theory, and experiential techniques to address deep-rooted life patterns (or “schemas”) that often begin in childhood. It helps people recognise and shift long-standing ways of thinking, feeling, and relating that cause distress. Schema Therapy is especially useful for people with recurring relationship difficulties, long-term emotional struggles, or who feel “stuck” in repeating life patterns.
Modality Types
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Initial Session (50min): $200
Standard Sessions (50min): $190
Long Appointment (90min): $240
Out of Hours (after 5pm Mon-Fri or weekends): $240
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You do not need a referral to access our service, but it is highly recommended to consult with your GP prior to making an appointment.
Your GP can assess whether you are eligible for the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative.
Please note the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) recommended session fee for 2024/2025 is $289 for a standard 50min session.
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$87.25 rebate per session and you may be eligible to receive a maximum of 10 rebated sessions per calendar year with an appropriate and valid GP referral under the Better Access initiative.
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Private Health Insurance (please contact your insurer to assess whether your sessions may be funded)
NDIS plan or self-managed
TAC (gap fees applies)
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Please note we require 48 hours to cancel your appointment without incurring a cancellation fee.
Counselling services are in high demand. To enable another client time to secure a cancelled appointment we require at least 48 hours notice in order to continuing to provide care to those needing support.
Please note, no Medicare rebates can be claimed for cancellation fees.
Less than 48 hours notice: cancellation fee $80
Less than 24 hours notice: cancellation fee $120
Non attendance with no prior communication will be charged the full fee.
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Session fees are payable at the end of each session.
Please be aware that current research suggests that many couples and individuals engaged in counselling may need more than 10 counselling sessions. As a result, we advise clients to consider this when planning and budgeting for treatment.
Fee Information
Contact Us
Whether you’re ready to book an appointment or simply have a question, please reach out using the form below. You can also email us directly at amy@sunnymeadcounselling.com.au and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.