I’m Vanessa Kibbey, a qualified counsellor and educator with over 17 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families across education and mental health.

I hold a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Counselling and I am a registered member of the Queensland College of Teachers as well as a professional member of the Australian Counselling Association. My work is grounded in compassion, respect and practical support. I specialise in helping people navigate challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, addiction, identity and behavioural concerns.

I’m also a proud mother of four boys, including identical twin adults, a teenager and a preteen so I understand the many ups and downs of growing up, parenting and life transitions. Whether you’re seeking support for your child, teen or yourself, I offer a calm, safe space where you’ll be heard without judgement.

At the core of my work is a passion for supporting young people as they navigate anxiety, identity, relationships, change and emotional regulation. I work with adolescents and children of all backgrounds, including those with additional needs or neurodivergence, using evidence-based approaches to support resilience, connection and personal growth.

I also provide early childhood intervention for children aged 0 to 9 years, aligning with the NDIS Early Childhood Approach. My early supports focus on building capacity in the child, family and support environment through developmentally appropriate therapeutic and educational strategies.

🧠 My Counselling Approach

Every client is unique. I adapt my sessions to suit the individual’s needs, age and stage of development using a blend of evidence-based therapeutic methods.

Core Counselling Frameworks I Use:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
  Helps individuals become more psychologically flexible and values-driven, even in the face of emotional distress.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
  Supports young people in identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and building practical strategies for anxiety and mood management.

• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT):
  Focuses on what’s working, building on strengths, small wins and the client’s preferred future.

• Psychoeducation and Emotional Coaching:
  Teaches emotional literacy, coping skills and self-regulation tools for both young people and parents.

• Strengths-Based Approach:
  Focuses on what the child or young person does well and builds capacity from a place of self-worth.

• Trauma-Informed Practice:
  Ensures sessions are safe, supportive and aware of the impacts of early trauma and stress on behaviour and brain development.
  
  

My sessions are respectful, goal-oriented and deeply client-centred — designed to help each person feel seen, supported and empowered to grow.

Away from my counselling work, I love spending time with my boys, playing netball and enjoying the outdoors. Staying active and grounded helps me bring balance and energy to my personal life and professional practice.