Counselling Services with Crystal Hardstaff, The Gentle Counsellor

Welcome to a Safe Haven of Healing and Understanding

Are you seeking a safe space where your feelings and experiences are not only heard but deeply understood? I'm here to guide you through your journey of healing and growth. With my specialisations in Trauma, Attachment Theory, Perinatal Mental Health, and Parenting Support, I offer individual and couple counselling sessions that address your unique needs.

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Book an Appointment to Begin Your Healing Journey

In a world that often feels overwhelming, it's essential to find a sanctuary where you can process your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Crystal provides a warm and inviting environment, allowing you to explore your inner world without judgment. Whether you're navigating trauma, seeking to improve your parenting skills, managing anxiety and depression, or working on enhancing your relationships, Crystal is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.

Areas of Expertise Include:

maternal mental health

Perinatal Mental Health:

Navigating the complexities of motherhood, parenting, pregnancy, postpartum experiences, miscarriage, and birth trauma.

More info.

anxiety depression

Trauma Healing:

Overcoming the effects of anxiety, depression, anger, childhood trauma, and attachment styles.

More info.

family child couples

Relationship Counseling:

Strengthening bonds, whether you're an individual, a couple, or a young person facing challenges.

More info.

Online Teletherapy Sessions for Your Convenience

Crystal understands that life's demands can make in-person sessions challenging. That's why she offers convenient online teletherapy sessions, allowing you to embark on your healing journey from the comfort of your own space. Booking is easy, and you can select a time zone that suits you during the process.

Book Your Session Today

PLEASE CHECK YOUR TIMEZONE WHEN BOOKING. During Step 2 of the booking process, you can view the calendar in your local time zone by selecting this in the top right corner. *50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the remainder to be paid at end of session.

FAQ

I work with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting, the mother wound, narcissistic parent or partner abuse, postpartum support, birth trauma, pregnancy and baby loss, childhood trauma, and abuse.
All sessions are 50 minutes. My fees are $180 for individuals and $220 for couples. In Australia at this stage, only Psychologists can offer medicare rebates through the mental health care plan (from $100-$200 out-of-pocket cost). I do however offer Sliding Scale consideration through this form https://thegentlecounsellor.com/financial-assistance Sliding scale fees are fees for services that are adjusted depending on an individual's income.
I am located on the Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. All appointments are set to online sessions for Telehealth which is done through either Halaxy Telehealth or Zoom. At this time I do not offer in-person sessions.
Yes, I offer video online sessions. All appointments are set to online sessions for Telehealth which is done through either Halaxy Telehealth or Zoom.
I support clients holistically by incorporating numerous approaches. Primarily I work within Compassion based therapies, use of Attachment Theory, practices informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, and Somatic-based Therapy. I believe in being neurodivergent affirming and trauma-informed. The counselling experience is unique to each client. I prefer to work outside of the medical mental health model. Currently I am pursuing further training in EMDR and Art Therapy methods.
I am a registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). I have a clinical supervisor and undertake supervision and professional development regularly to meet my registration requirements. I have over 10 years of experience working within an Attachment Theory framework. Additionally, I teach professionals my Gentle Motherhood™ Framework. I specialise in supporting mothers through their postpartum transition, inner healing and parenting challenges. I have a background in Child Development, Education and Psychology through my Bachelor in Child & Family Studies and Primary Education, Master of Education Counselling, and Graduate Diploma of Psychology. I am also a registered Circle of Security Parenting facilitator.
My insurance is limited to certain residences and does not offer this to residents of the USA. An alternative option for USA residents is a Coaching session. Please email me crystal@thegentlecounsellor.com to discuss your options.