Photo of Crystal Hardstaff who is smiling, woman in 30s, long wavy brown hair, blue eyes, wearing green singlet.

Crystal Hardstaff

The Gentle Counsellor

Registered Counsellor | ACA Member | Medibank, ahm, ARHG, WorkCover QLD, & Bupa Recognised Provider | NDIS
INDIVIDUAL & COUPLE COUNSELLING - FULLY ONLINE

You deserve a space that is completely yours

Whether you are carrying something heavy from the past, navigating the overwhelm of new parenthood, working through relationship patterns, or simply feeling like you have lost yourself — I am here. Not to fix you, but to sit with you, make sense of things together, and help you find your way back to yourself.

All sessions are held online, so you can access support from wherever feels safest and most comfortable for you.

Book a session
What I can help with
Session fees
How booking works
FAQ

My work draws on Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed care, and a deep respect for the whole person. You do not need a neat label for what you are experiencing to reach out.

Perinatal mental health

Pregnancy & postpartum

Pregnancy anxiety, birth trauma, postnatal depression, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, and the identity shift of becoming a mother.

Trauma & healing

Childhood & complex trauma

Childhood trauma, CPTSD, inner child healing, breaking generational cycles, and moving from survival to security.

Attachment & relationships

Connections & patterns

Attachment styles, relationship patterns, couple counselling, mother-daughter dynamics, narcissistic family systems, and intimacy.

Parenting support

Gentle & conscious parenting

Circle of Security, authoritative parenting, parenting through your own trauma, toddler through teen, and co-parenting challenges.

Mental health & wellbeing

Anxiety, depression & more

Anxiety, depression, burnout, low self-worth, emotional dysregulation, people-pleasing, and navigating life transitions.

Empowerment & identity

Reclaiming yourself

Recovery from abusive relationships, rebuilding confidence, self-compassion, and rediscovering who you are beyond your roles.

Session fees

My full fee is $160 per session, reflecting my training, experience, and the depth of care I bring to every session. Because I believe financial circumstances should never be a barrier to support, I also offer a sliding scale for those who genuinely need it. You know your situation best, and I trust you to choose honestly.

How to choose: When you book, simply select the rate that honestly reflects your financial situation right now. No proof, no paperwork, no awkward conversations — your word is enough. If your circumstances change, you are always welcome to move between rates. The care you receive is identical at every level.

Full Fee | Standard Rate | $160 / session

My full professional rate — reflecting the true value of this work and my expertise.

  • Secure income with financial stability
  • Therapy fits comfortably within your budget
  • No significant financial stress day to day
  • Household income is comfortable

Reduced rate | $110 / session

For those in stable but stretched circumstances where the full fee is a genuine barrier.

  • Employed but money is tight
  • Single income household
  • Managing competing financial priorities
  • Full fee would mean real sacrifice

Community rate | $60 / session

For those experiencing genuine financial hardship where cost would otherwise prevent access.

  • Centrelink or government payments
  • Concession card holders
  • Casual or part-time on low income
  • Choosing between therapy and essentials

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remainder due at the end of your session.

I am a recognised provider with Bupa, Medibank, ahm, WorkCover QLD, and the following ARHG member funds: Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA, see-u by HBF (telehealth only), Teachers Union Health, AIA, Doctors Health Fund, and Westfund. If you are NDIS self-managed or plan-managed, I can also support you under the Improved Daily Living category (Support Category 15). Please check your cover or funding approval before your appointment, as rebates and conditions vary between funds and plans.

How booking works

Sessions are held via secure video call. Booking takes just a few minutes so here is what to expect.

  • Choose your session type and fee
    • Individual or couple, and the rate that honestly reflects your situation.
  • Select a time that suits you
    • You can view available times in your local timezone. Look for the timezone selector in the top right corner of the calendar (step 2). My timezone is AEST QLD.
  • Pay your deposit
    • A 50% deposit secures your booking. The remainder is due at the end of your session.
  • You will receive a link to your session
    • Join from anywhere — your home, your office, your car, wherever feels right for you. Your reminder email will include a link to join via Halaxy Telehealth or Zoom (no account or login required).

Book a 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 60 minutes. My full fee is $160 for individuals and $200 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 also offer Sliding Scale for individual sessions which are reduced fees. If you have private health insurance I am a recognised provider with Bupa, Medibank, WorkCover QLD, and the following ARHG member funds: Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA, see-u by HBF (telehealth only), Teachers Union Health, AIA, Doctors Health Fund, and Westfund.
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 15 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.