Welcome to Sunshine Guidance Counselling
We are a professional specialist mental health counselling service located in Coolum Beach, QLD and online with Tele-health. We offer counselling for the general population, and tailored counselling for teachers, children, and teenagers.
Counselling Services We Offer
We use evidence-based practices. We are trauma-informed, neurodiverse-aware, & LGBTQIA+ ally.
Level 3 Counsellor with Australian Counselling Association: ACA 22268
Children and Teens
We offer support for children and teens in areas of:
Anxiety, Stress, Depression, ADHD, Autism
Challenges at school including behaviour, learning, and friendships
Family relationship issues
Career Development for teens
Teachers and other Professionals
Chat to a counsellor who has 15+ years experience as a professional teacher and educator, someone who understands what it's like to be a teacher in the state and private education systems including alternative education.
General Counselling for Mental Health
Are you a person experiencing difficulties with mental health and well-being? Sam offers a safe and non-judgemental therapy space; 'come as you are'.
Counsellors and Therapists! Buy these essential time-saving templates to enhance your professional practice
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Testimonials
All feedback and testimonials are de-identified for privacy and confidentiality, hence 'Anonymous'.
Our Team
Before opening her counselling practice in 2022, Sam worked as a teacher for 11 years in state schools, private schools, and in alternative education, and prior to this, the Australian Sports Commission.
Her passion for supporting others in their mental health and well-being in a professional and caring manner, is the cornerstone of Sunshine Guidance Counselling.
Sam highly values integrity, reliability, and professionalism, making her a counsellor you can trust.
Sam is in her fourth year of counselling children, teens, and educators, including teachers. She gained a Master of Educational Studies (Guidance, Counselling, and Careers), Bachelor of Education (Secondary, Health and Physical Education), and a Bachelor of Science.
Sam
Owner/Operator/Lead Counsellor
Values Health and Well-being
Provides a safe, professional counselling environment
Caring and Compassionate
Come as you are
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we are a private health provider with the following companies:
Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG)
Police Health Fund, Phoenix Health, CUA Health (Telehealth only), St Luke's Health, Emergency Services Health, Westfund, Teachers Union Health and GMHBA
BUPA
No. Counsellors are not yet included under this scheme, however the fees we charge are aligned with what you would pay for a gap-fee when seeing a psychologist. If you are in financial hardship, we may offer you the reduced session rate.
Recovery-oriented
Supporting people to recognise and take responsibility for their own recovery and wellbeing, as well as in defining their goals, wishes and aspirations. Recovery- oriented approaches are underpinned by hope, self-determination, self-management, empowerment, and advocacy.
Person-centred
Allows the consumer to see himself or herself as a person who has the power to change their circumstances.
Evidence-based practice
Is a problem-solving approach to the delivery of health care that integrates the best evidence from studies and patient care data with clinician expertise and patient preferences and values.
Solutions-focused brief therapy
Solution-focused brief therapy – promotes positive change rather than dwelling on past problems. Consumers are encouraged to focus positively on what they do well and to set goals and to work out how to achieve them. Most consumers often respond to solution-focused brief therapy in as little as three or four sessions.
As a Registered counsellor, we also utilise a range of acceptable mental health care management strategies, including:
· cognitive-behavioural therapy:
o Enhance self-awareness
o Increase helpful thinking styles
o psycho-education (i.e. learning what happens in the brain during stress)
o relaxation strategies
o progressive muscle relaxation
o controlled breathing
o skills training
o problem-solving skills and training
o social skills training
o communication training
o stress and anxiety management
Source: Australian Counselling Association. (2021). Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors. 2nd edition. https://theaca.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ACA-Scope-of-Practice.pdf
Mental health problems
Diminished cognitive, emotional or social abilities.
Mental Illness
Mental illness is a clinically diagnosable disorder that interferes with an individual’s cognitive, emotional or social abilities.
Want to know more about our professional service?
Counselling Agreement and Consent Form
Australian Counselling Association Member Profile Samantha Hancock
Australian Counselling Association's Code's, Policies, and Guidelines
Contact Us
Address
Coolum Beach QLD 4573, Australia
ABN
11994465916
Operating Hours
Tele-health counselling Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Our Affiliates
Are you, or someone you know, in a crisis and need help right now?
If your life is in danger call 000
OR
If you or someone you know are at risk of harming yourself or someone else, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit <https://www.lifeline.org.au/>