Self-Development

Empower yourself through therapeutic approaches for overcoming domestic violence, anger, anxiety, depression, stress, and more with Cogni Academy’s self-development packages.

OR

Personal Development

We help people experiencing the following by providing therapeutic approaches that empower you in your mental health & wellbeing to overcome; alleged or feared domestic violence, frequent angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, stress, eating issues/disorders, financial concerns (gambling), legal issues, grief and loss of someone or something significant, health issues, traumatic incident, self esteem problems, sexuality or sexual issues, substance use (alcohol, drugs) and suicidal concerns.

Professional development

Does this sound like you? 👇

  • considering resigning or transitioning to another workplace
  • difficulty concentrating / making decisions
  • taking more sick leave than usual
  • feeling less productive
  • involved in workplace conflict or problems
  • making errors of judgement
  • unapproved absences from work


If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have found the right place to begin finding the resolutions needed to move forward professionally again. We provide tools, techniques and support for the following issues; alleged bullying/discrimination/harassment, career concerns, conflict with colleagues/managers/supervisors, loss of role/confidence, imminent retirement, inadequate job training, work isolation/satisfaction, long work hours, organisational change/morale, redundancy, shift work stressors, traumatic incident at work, work performance and workplace stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many benefits to counselling, including improved mental health, increased self-awareness, and better coping skills. Counselling can also help you resolve personal issues and make positive changes in your life.


If you’re considering counselling, it’s important to find a qualified counsellor who you feel comfortable talking to. Counselling can be an incredibly beneficial experience, but only if you find the right fit.

For some people, the process of counselling can be difficult and may dredge up some tough emotions. But it’s important to remember that this is normal and temporary.


If you feel like you’re getting worse before you’re getting better, talk to your counsellor about it. They can help you understand what’s going on and why it’s happening. In most cases, this feeling will eventually pass as you continue to work through your issues in counselling.

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor, as this will make the counselling process more effective. If you don’t like your counsellor, or if you don’t feel like they’re a good fit for you, it’s perfectly fine to find someone else. Your counsellor won’t take this personally because their role is to help you reach your therapeutic goals.


You can talk to your doctor or another mental health professional to get recommendations for other counsellors in your area. Or you can search online for counsellors who specialise in the type of help you’re looking for.


No matter what, don’t feel like you have to stay with a counsellor who isn’t right for you. The most important thing is that you find someone who you feel comfortable talking to and who can help you achieve your counselling goals.

Counselling can be beneficial for any relationship, but it’s especially helpful for marriages. If you and your partner are having difficulty communicating or working through problems, counselling can help you resolve these issues.


In some cases, couples counselling may even help save a marriage that’s on the brink of divorce. But it’s important to remember that counselling is relevant to your situation. It may not fix every problem, and it won’t work if both partners are not committed to the process.

No, you don’t need to be in a crisis to benefit from counselling or therapy. In fact, many people see a counsellor or therapist when they’re not in a crisis but want to work on specific issues or improve their overall mental health.


If you are in a crisis, there are many resources available to help you, including emergency services. If you’re thinking about harming yourself or someone else, please call 000 or your local emergency number immediately.


If you’re not in a crisis but want to talk to someone, there are many hotlines and helplines available. Cogni Academy services can provide support and resources, even if you’re not in a crisis.

If you’re concerned about the cost of counselling, there are many options available to help make it more affordable. Many health insurance plans cover the cost of counselling, and some counsellors offer sliding-scale fees based on income. We invite you to have a conversation with a Cogni Academy Counsellor if concession is required.


You don’t need a Doctor’s referral to start counselling at Cogni Academy because we are a Private Practice.

There is no one “best” approach to counselling, as different approaches work better for different people. It’s important to find a counsellor who uses an approach that you feel comfortable with and that you believe will be helpful for you. If you’re not sure which approach is right for you, we invite you to have a conversation with one of our counsellors. We can help you understand the different approaches and find the one that’s right for you.

There are many different types of therapy that can be effective for treating anxiety. Some common types of therapy include cognitive-behavioural therapy, listening therapy, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques. The type of therapy that is best for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.


Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety.


Listening Therapy (including Music Program/s, headphones, device and amplifier) is a prescribed home-based therapy that is a safe, non-medication approach to help reduce stress, calm the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and improve auditory skills that are required to effectively create and order thinking, learning and memory patterns.


Listening Programs are suitable for all ages above 2 years old. Completely portable and easy to use, The Listening Therapy usually only requires 15 to 30 minutes of daily listening. It can support people with the following lived experiences; Autism, Brain Injuries, Strokes, Ageing conditions, Auditory/Sensory Processing, Attention, Reading, Spelling Speech, Language and Behavioural Challenges and needs for overall wellness with brain processing.


You can view the most recent research regarding The Listening (Therapy) Program published in 2020 by our own Director Tracey Butler along with Dr Jay Lucker and Jane Schueler in the International Journal of Listening Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/10904018.2020.1772071.


Exposure therapy is another type of therapy that can be used to treat anxiety. This type of therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to the things that make you anxious. Exposure therapy can be done in a controlled setting, such as with a therapist, or in real-life situations.


Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can also be helpful in treating anxiety. These techniques can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.


If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help with one of our qualified therapists at Cogni Academy.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of therapy for ADHD, ASD & Bipolar will vary depending on the individual’s needs. However, some common types of therapy that may be helpful include:


Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

  • Family therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Listening Therapy (prescribed Music Programs)
  • Medication
  • Psychoeducation
  • Support groups


Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD, ASD & Bipolar.


Family therapy is another type of therapy that can be helpful for individuals with ADHD, ASD & Bipolar. This type of therapy can help to improve communication and relationships within the family.


Interpersonal therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication and relationships with others. This type of therapy can be helpful for individuals with ADHD, ASD & Bipolar who have difficulty interacting with others.


Listening Therapy (including Music Program/s, headphones, device and amplifier) is a prescribed home-based therapy that is a safe, non-medication approach to help reduce stress, calm the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and improve auditory skills that are required to effectively create and order thinking, learning and memory patterns.


Listening Programs are suitable for all ages above 2 years old. Completely portable and easy to use, The Listening Therapy usually only requires 15 to 30 minutes of daily listening. It can support people with the following lived experiences; Autism, Brain Injuries, Strokes, Ageing conditions, Auditory/Sensory Processing, Attention, Reading, Spelling Speech, Language and Behavioural Challenges and needs for overall wellness with brain processing.


You can view the most recent research regarding The Listening (Therapy) Program published in 2020 by our own Director Tracey Butler along with Dr Jay Lucker and Jane Schueler in the International Journal of Listening Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/10904018.2020.1772071.


Medication can also be an effective treatment for ADHD, ASD & Bipolar. Stimulant medications are often prescribed to help improve focus and attention. Other types of medication, such as antidepressants, may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.


Psycho-education is another type of therapy that can be helpful for individuals with ADHD, ASD & Bipolar. This type of therapy provides information about the condition and its treatment. Psycho-education can help to improve understanding and compliance with treatment.


Support groups are another type of therapy that can be helpful for individuals with ADHD, ASD & Bipolar. Support groups provide a place for individuals to share their experiences and offer support to one another.


If you’re struggling with ADHD, ASD or Bipolar, it’s important to seek professional help with one of our qualified therapists at Cogni Academy. We can help you find the right type of therapy for your needs.

Yes, counselling sessions are typically confidential. This means that anything you discuss with your counsellor will remain between the two of you, unless you give them permission to share it with someone else.

There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if there’s a risk of serious harm to yourself or others. But in general, you can feel confident that whatever you discuss with your counsellor will remain private.

Each counselling session is different, but there are some general things you can expect. Your counsellor will likely ask you about your current situation and how you’re feeling. They may also ask about your past, to get a better understanding of how your current situation came to be.

You will then spend some time talking about your thoughts and feelings. This can be a type of “free association”, where you just say whatever comes to mind without censoring yourself. Or it may be more focused, where you and your counsellor discuss specific issues.

Your counsellor may also give you some homework to do between sessions, such as keeping a journal or practicing relaxation techniques.

Integrative Psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that combines different approaches to treatment. The goal of integrative psychotherapy is to provide a comprehensive, individualised approach to treatment that meets the specific needs of the client

At Cogni Academy, our counsellors use an integrative approach to counselling, which means we draw from different theoretical orientations to best meet your needs. We recognise that each person is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit your individual goals, needs, and preferences.

Yes, therapy sessions are tax deductible in Australia. This includes both individual and group therapy sessions. So if you’re paying for therapy out of your own pocket, you can claim a deduction on your taxes.

There are a few things to keep in mind when claiming a deduction for therapy sessions. First, you can only claim the deduction if you’re paying for the sessions yourself. If your employer is paying for your therapy, then you can’t claim a deduction.

Second, you can only claim a deduction for the cost of the therapy sessions themselves. You can’t claim a deduction for travel expenses or other related costs.

Finally, you’ll need to keep receipts or other documentation to prove that you paid for the therapy sessions. This will be important if you’re audited by the tax office.

Yes, therapy sessions are tax deductible in Australia. This includes both individual and group therapy sessions. So if you’re paying for therapy out of your own pocket, you can claim a deduction on your taxes.

There are a few things to keep in mind when claiming a deduction for therapy sessions. First, you can only claim the deduction if you’re paying for the sessions yourself. If your employer is paying for your therapy, then you can’t claim a deduction.

Second, you can only claim a deduction for the cost of the therapy sessions themselves. You can’t claim a deduction for travel expenses or other related costs.

Finally, you’ll need to keep receipts or other documentation to prove that you paid for the therapy sessions. This will be important if you’re audited by the tax office.

Would you like to speak with the Cogni Academy team?

What our clients say...

Stephanie Fusco Dyball
Stephanie Fusco Dyball
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Natalie is an invaluable professional. She has challenged my core beliefs, allowing me to grieve well and engage with conflict more resourcefully. I have no hesitation recommending Natalie’s services. She is true to her word and provides compassionate and compelling evidence-based counselling. I am incredibly grateful for her work.
Roula Georgiou
Roula Georgiou
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Thank you Natalie for the encouragement and support
Lauren
Lauren
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The whole family felt very comfortable.
Katrina Riley
Katrina Riley
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I feel welcomed and supported throughout, and I appreciate the follow up information and guidance provided.
Katrina
Katrina
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Each session, I walk away with so much to think about and put into practice. This week I have a lot to reflect on and I look forward to being more aware of my boundaries and being in control of these. Thank you!
Kelly Arne
Kelly Arne
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Whilst I felt in our group session I did most talking out of our family Natalie did great to bring it all back to our family and our goals. Especially for my son. I think he will find this a safe space to talk more as we continue as it helped him realize he was actually more upset than he thought
Rachel Chow
Rachel Chow
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I really appreciate your communicative approach and that you took time to identify my goals in the first session and that you have a method to review in 6 weeks. I’m looking forward to learning practical skills in setting boundaries. I found having a physical copy of my self care blueprint very helpful for reviewing and journaling. I am now far more aware of what holistic self care is and it’s prompted me to reflect on what I can do to improve different areas.
Bhoomi Panchal
Bhoomi Panchal
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Natali Wood was spot on to understand my thoughts and found very motivational
Sheryl
Sheryl
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I am grateful for Natalie, very inspirational and helpful.
Sandra
Sandra
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Absolutely feel like I have some extra hope and tools that will help me get through grieving the loss of my student and her family. Natalie has also helped me have hope that I will be able to create the sessions and provide the support needed to help students and colleagues at work who need extra support too.
Alan
Alan
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I really felt Natalie 'got' me and is in my corner to help. Really encouraging.
Tammie
Tammie
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I felt very heard and understood. I also didn't feel any pressure or pushed in any direction. I felt very validated in my feelings.
Martina Dolman
Martina Dolman
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It was incredibly helpfully. I came away with a better understanding of my situation plus tools to help me go forward.
Sandra
Sandra
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Brilliant, felt lighter and clearer about how to manage my grief. Thank you
Chelsea Heath
Chelsea Heath
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Natalie was fantastic. I felt heard, understood and appropriately challenged.
Rachael Rumler
Rachael Rumler
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I'm thoroughly enjoying my sessions with Natalie. I'm learning more about myself, becoming more self aware and growing both personally and professionally.
Dee Cunningham
Dee Cunningham
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Was great to speak to Natalie, she is very approachable and understanding. She was compassionate to my circumstances and very professional in her approach.
Sharon Kinchela
Sharon Kinchela
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I really feel that I am being heard and have a voice that matters.
Sandra H
Sandra H
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Brilliant. Feel so much better.
Karen
Karen
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I felt Natalie went above and beyond to help me as I was really struggling with this issue. It is reassuring especially at this time of stress , confusion and feeling unsupported to feel I can eventually move forward to get my life back on track. Much appreciated
Neil
Neil
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There was no pressure, felt like talking to a friend.
B Glynn
B Glynn
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Always feel heard and empowered after sessions
Stacey Burbidge
Stacey Burbidge
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I found Natalie to be very calming to talk to and she was very patient and understanding.
Kelly Mackay
Kelly Mackay
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Thank you for creating an environment that was calming and for making me feel comfortable.
Raelene Passarini
Raelene Passarini
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Thank you; really needed to connect with someone today and the right person was there.
Ron Scheepers
Ron Scheepers
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I am very greatful for the sessions. I set goals for myself which helped to empower me to take action. I had been wanting to take action for three years, but felt to scared, and was worried that my action would back fire on me. Today I felt proud of my achievements.
Sharon Jane Cary
Sharon Jane Cary
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I had a great session today and felt understood and had information provided to myself that would help with my situation in the future
Brayden Loesch
Brayden Loesch
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The techniques, strategies & skills were apt, easy to understand & very helpful
Dayna Coyle
Dayna Coyle
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I’m always feeling more motivated after our sessions and appreciate the resources Natalie provides
Chris Watty
Chris Watty
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Addressed something very important that my wife and I needed. Natalie was very good and pointed it out fast. It is a skill that will help us move forward easier - active listening
Gayle
Gayle
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Natalie I was extremely knowledgeable and professional and communicating with me about the underlining matters
Gregg
Gregg
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Useful information and strategy around dealing with shame
Luke Arnold
Luke Arnold
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It's good to have the space to talk about problems and discuss possible solutions.
Chiara Di Vito
Chiara Di Vito
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Thank you for the session. I felt 'ok' when I left and I have been feeling out of place before. Since the session as well having less work, I've been feeling again a sense of gratitude and joy in my work.
Kristine Mackay
Kristine Mackay
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Grateful for the wisdom shared by Natalie 😊
Nicole Ivens
Nicole Ivens
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I really enjoyed our supervision session today, I got so much out of the session and learned so much. I also felt very heard and seen and appreciated you showing me that I am doing more than enough with my marketing. Thanks so much Natalie.
Joanne Oakes
Joanne Oakes
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Very useful information and resources I can put to use for counselling, that will go alongside my supervision sessions with my EPI supervisor for my equine assisted side of the business. Thank you.
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Why choose us

Efficient & Effective EPIC Counsellor Solutions

Empowering Practice Innovative Counselling (EPIC) Internship placements and Clinical Supervision that bridges the gap between theory and practice

Transforming women & families

A total of 145 years of lived experience of various forms of trauma means we can give you the guidance, tools, techniques and support needed for transformation

Empowering Women & families

If you are experiencing challenges that are overwhelming, especially issues that impact your family, our integrative approach can help you find your safe place again and the understanding you’ve been looking for.

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