Personalised, thoughtful counselling - I provide quality mental health care in a space that is non-judgmental, compassionate and respectful.
Welcome to Thought Tree
My counselling is thoughtful and person-centred, meaning that you are actively involved in the process.
People come to therapy for a wide variety of reasons.
Perhaps you’ve not been feeling yourself or have been feeling sad or worried for some time. Maybe you are questioning the value of a relationship, or feeling stuck and missing a sense of meaning in your life. Maybe you just need someone to really listen. I provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space that allows for self-awareness, perspective and growth.
Therapy can help you handle difficult emotions or life change. It can help you replace unhelpful strategies with helpful ones. I support clients in developing self-awareness so that you can learn to identify thinking patterns to assist in changing feelings and behaviour. Together we work on strategies that will become a part of your toolbox for life.
It is common to feel nervous about speaking to a therapist and the relationship between the Counsellor and client is very important. If you would like to have a quick chat before making an appointment then I am happy to talk to you about the counselling process and what I offer.
Please feel free to contact me via phone or email and I will call you as soon as I am able.
“My counselling is thoughtful and person-centred, meaning that you are actively involved in the process.”
About Allison
Allison has extensive experience in counselling children, teenagers, families and couples. She is a clinical member of PACFA and a member of the College of Counsellors.
Allison Garing
Counsellor | Psychotherapist
B.Ed, Master of Counselling,
Clinically Registered Counsellor with PACFA.
Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy
I am a Sydney-based registered Counsellor/Psychotherapist with a background working with adults and young people, both here and overseas. As a counsellor, mother, partner and former teacher I have gained valuable experience in all areas of life and its transitions.
My clients benefit from a collaborative, person-centred approach and my aim is to empower you with tools and coping strategies to improve daily functioning and general wellbeing beyond the Counselling process.
I am passionate about Cognitive Behavioural and Acceptance Commitment Therapy approaches, as well as Mindfulness-based approaches. I also draw from Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment Science, Family Systems and Solution Focused Therapy. Other modalities include Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology and Compassion Focused Therapy. I also have an art background and enjoy using creative processes in therapy.
I have experience working with adults and young people in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, gambling addiction, emotion regulation, workplace stress and relationship issues. I have an interest in life transition issues, including making life decisions, relationship issues, separation and divorce, and creating a new meaningful life after change.
A focus of my practice is couples therapy. All relationships go through difficult seasons. My couples benefit from evidence based strategies that support and improve understanding and connection. In a neutral and supportive space we explore relationship dynamics including communication and learning the skills of constructive conflict and repair. We explore trust and emotional security. My approach draws from Attachment theory, Family Systems, Emotion Focused therapy and Gottman therapy.
About Thought Tree
In my practice I use evidence-based approaches that support you in making changes to create more meaning and joy in your life.
I provide a space that is non-judgmental, compassionate and respectful. My counselling is person-centred and collaborative, meaning that you guide the process. My aim is to encourage self-awareness so that you can adopt new coping strategies and become more confident in using your strengths.
At Thought Tree, I provide thoughtful counselling.
I look forward to supporting you in making a difference in your life.
Here are some reasons people come to counselling
Couple and family counselling
Working through relationship issues
Conflict and repair strategies
Communication skills
Re-connecting with your partner
Thinking about separation or Divorce
Postitive parenting support
Supporting children through a family breakdown
Commitment Issues
Thinking about re-partnering
Family of origin work
Thinking about attachment
Relationships with step-children
Parenting Support
Supporting your adolescent with school and HSC Stress
School refusal
Separation anxiety in children
Social skills
Behavioural issues with children
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
Needing help with setting boundaries
Dealing with difficult personalities
How to deal with a narcissist
Work stress - burnout.
Gambling addiction
Value work - Finding meaning in your world.
Goal setting
Wellbeing and mindfulness
Making positive change.
I have thoughtful counselling spaces located in specialist rooms in Hornsby and Thornleigh, NSW.
I also use tele-health to provide easier access for clients. This can be via Zoom or phone and confidentiality is assured.
My counselling rates are in line with industry standards. Please contact me for further information.