Individual Counselling

Live more. Suffer less. Simple.

What is Counselling?

The rapidly changing and fast paced world we live in comes with all kinds of changes, technology, deadlines, pressure, money worries, relationship problems, mental health issues and more. If not managed well, the results can be devastating.

I can offer you a compassionate, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. Working 1:1 with me, we can clarify your challenges, gain new perspectives, and help you develop more effective coping strategies, and potentially even totally new ways of living your life.

Who Can Benefit?

Since 2005, I have been supporting individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including:

Stress, anxiety and overwhelm

Bullying harassment and psychological safety concerns

Depression and low mood

Life transitions (career, children, relationships, loss, ageing)

Grief, loss and bereavement

Substance (ab)use

Mental health diagnoses and their effects on people’s lives

Relationship and communication issues, in both personal and professional settings

Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Self-esteem and identity concerns

Work‑life balance and boundary‑setting

Behaviour patterns (e.g., perfectionism, procrastination, ‘bad’ habits, substance use)

Whether you’re navigating daily pressures or deeper emotional challenges, our work together will be tailored to your unique needs and preferred outcomes.

How You’ll Benefit

By us working together, you can expect to:

Gain clarity and insight into how past experiences shape current emotions. Developing a relationship with your body (where emotions are stored) will be key.

Develop practical and emotional tools for managing stress, regulating feelings, and problem-solving. I’m very practical, and want you to walk away with skills that work

Work through traumatic experiences in your life, and finding a more effective way ‘forward’, no longer held back by traumatic memories

Receive genuine, one‑on‑one support, tailored to your pace and comfort — in full confidentiality. We will work together at all times to find out what works best for you

Feel empowered and proactive, rather than reactive, in creating meaningful change in your life. You will develop a renewed sense of agency

Take more control of life, rather than life controlling you. Life still happens, yet you will make it happen more often

Feel happy and purposeful more often, as you come to realise that, no matter how bad the storm, you are still the captain of your ship.

Marc de Bruin, Your Counsellor, Coach & Mentor, Simplifying Life, Sunshine Coast

Evidence‑Based Practice: What the Research Says

In our sessions together I will draw on well-researched and validated therapeutic models, such as:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Recognised for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, chronic pain and more, CBT is consistently endorsed by major guideline bodies. CBT helps you identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to support emotional and behavioural change.

Solution‑Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT):
An efficient and future-oriented approach, SFBT focuses on strengths, resources, and achievable goals. It’s especially effective for individuals wanting to make quick, meaningful changes, often requiring fewer sessions than traditional therapies.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
ACT helps you create a rich, full, and meaningful life by teaching you to accept what’s out of your control and commit to actions aligned with your values. Backed by a growing body of research, ACT is highly effective for anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, and stress-related issues. It combines mindfulness with behavioural strategies to enhance psychological flexibility—the ability to stay open, present, and engaged.

Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MiCBT):
MiCBT blends the practical tools of CBT with the depth of mindfulness training. Grounded in the four-stage model developed by Dr. Bruno Cayoun, it teaches clients how to observe thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without reacting to them. MiCBT is particularly effective for emotional regulation, stress reduction, and reducing relapse in mood disorders. It supports long-term change by strengthening both awareness and equanimity.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR):
Originally developed for trauma and PTSD, EMDR is now widely used to address anxiety, grief, phobias, and performance blocks. EMDR is considered evidence-based for PTSD. It helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they become less emotionally charged and disruptive. Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements), EMDR allows the nervous system to heal from psychological wounds in a natural and structured way. It is backed by extensive clinical research and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international bodies.

I’ve completed additional training in all the above-mentioned modalities. Research shows, though, that what matters most is how therapy works, not just which type you choose. Factors such as trust, empathy, and a strong therapeutic connection between you and I are key drivers of positive outcomes.

As stated on my home page, my personal worldview has been strongly influenced by the teachings of (for instance) Michael Singer, Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. John Demartini, Michael Roads, A Course in Miracles, the Seth Material, Neale Donald Walsch, Dr. Viktor Frankl, Byron Katie, Dr. Deepak Chopra and many others. Those teachings are not necessarily evidence-based, yet they can add a level of depth to our work should you be interested to explore them.

My Approach

A collaborative, tailored process: Every session is uniquely shaped around your goals and experiences.

Safe and supportive environment: You’re held in trust, without judgment. People often comment that they find it amazing I don’t judge them. For me, a non-judgemental attitude is the most important thing.

Respecting your pace: We move at a rhythm that suits you, building comfort and confidence over time.

Empowerment-focused: My aim is always to empower you — helping you lead your journey well beyond our sessions.

Ready to Connect?

Taking the step toward counselling can be transformative. You are your biggest asset, and you are well-worth investing in.

Contact me today to arrange a complimentary 15-minute consultation—a no-pressure opportunity to explore your needs, see if we’re a good fit, and learn more.

You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Let’s work together so you can live a life aligned with your true self.

Book a Free 15-Min Call