Business Details
29 Years
experience
Professional Mental Health Counselling in Sydney
Founded in 1997, our centre began as a small initiative to preserve a historic cottage while providing essential counselling services. Over 25 years, we have expanded to seven locations across Northern Beaches, North Shore, and Western Sydney, growing from three to 16 counsellors who deliver thousands of sessions annually. Our team comprises highly qualified professionals, including registered psychologists, accredited mental health social workers, and clinical counsellors, many with specialist training in trauma recovery, relationship therapy, and evidence-based modalities. We maintain a strong commitment to affordability and accessibility while upholding strict confidentiality standards, ensuring clients receive respectful, non-judgmental support tailored to their unique needs.Our counsellors integrate diverse therapeutic approaches, prioritising client-centred care that addresses anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relational challenges. As a faith-informed organisation, we respect diverse spiritual perspectives while maintaining rigorous professional standards through affiliations with bodies like PACFA and AAOS. We actively contribute to community wellbeing by offering supervision training and supporting underserved populations through partnerships with Victims Services NSW.
Services
Individual Counselling
Couples Therapy
Trauma Recovery
Anxiety Management
Grief Counselling
Relationship Therapy
Clinical Supervision
Mental Health Support
Domestic Violence Recovery
Stress Management
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25 years of specialised mental health counselling experience
- Trauma-informed care with evidence-based therapeutic modalities
- Multidisciplinary team of 16 qualified professionals
- Seven accessible locations across metropolitan Sydney
- Integrated faith-sensitive and culturally responsive approaches
Associations and certifications
- PACFA
- AAOS
- MAPC
- Victims Services NSW
Services
Individual Counselling
Our individual counselling creates a safe space for personal growth and emotional healing. Specialised therapists address anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem issues using evidence-based techniques like CBT and ACT. Clients develop coping strategies and gain self-awareness through structured sessions focused on their specific needs.
Couples Therapy
Relationship counselling helps couples navigate communication challenges and rebuild connection. Using Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy, we address conflict patterns and intimacy issues. Sessions focus on developing mutual understanding and strengthening relational resilience through practical, goal-oriented interventions.
Trauma Recovery
Specialised trauma recovery programs address complex PTSD and abuse aftermaths. Our clinicians use EMDR, somatic therapies, and cognitive restructuring to process traumatic memories. Treatment plans incorporate safety strategies and grounding techniques to restore emotional regulation and personal empowerment.
Anxiety Management
Anxiety management programs combine mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioural techniques. Therapists help clients identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms through structured skill-building sessions. Treatment addresses panic disorders, phobias, and generalised anxiety with measurable outcome goals.
Clinical Supervision
Clinical supervision services support professional development for mental health practitioners. Experienced supervisors provide case review, ethical guidance, and skill enhancement through structured mentoring. Programs meet accreditation requirements while fostering reflective practice and therapeutic effectiveness.
People
Keren Calvert
Clinical Psychologist & Director
With 12 years at The Cottage, Keren specialises in adult mental health using integrative therapies. She co-leads the organisation while maintaining clinical practice, incorporating creative approaches to treat anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues.
Genevieve Farquhar
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
With 20+ years' experience, Gen specialises in trauma recovery from domestic abuse and sexual assault. She focuses on clinician supervision and training, developing community support frameworks for vulnerable populations through her extensive advocacy work.
Kim Morris
Relationship Counsellor
Kim brings decade-long expertise in adolescent and adult mental health, specialising in domestic violence recovery. Her client-centred approach combines trauma-informed care with practical relationship skills development to rebuild emotional resilience and interpersonal confidence.
Nicola Lock
Founding Director
As founding director with 25+ years' experience, Nicola established The Cottage's community-focused model. She maintains a clinical practice specialising in sexual addictions and relationship therapy while providing strategic leadership to sustain organisational values.
John Parmentier
Counsellor & Director
John has developed specialist programs addressing men's mental health over 14 years at The Cottage. As co-director, he balances clinical practice with organisational leadership, focusing on empowering clients to achieve personal growth and relational improvement.
Questions
What counselling approaches do you use?
We integrate evidence-based methods including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and emotionally focused therapy tailored to individual needs.
Do you offer bulk-billed sessions?
Some Medicare rebates apply with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Discuss eligibility during initial contact.
How do I choose the right counsellor?
We match clients with suitable therapists based on specialisation and availability during your initial consultation.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is central to our practice with clear privacy safeguards explained during your first session.
What issues do you commonly treat?
We specialise in anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, relationship issues, grief counselling, and stress management.
Do you provide emergency support?
While we're not a crisis service, we prioritise urgent cases and can recommend 24/7 support options when needed.
