Counselling for carers, from someone who's been one.
Online counselling for people in caring roles. I was a carer for my parents for more than ten years, so I know what it involves.
Deborah Haywood
ACA Registered Counsellor (Level 2)
Caring is meaningful, and it's hard work
Whether you are supporting an ageing parent, a partner living with illness or disability, a child with complex needs, or another family member, the weight of that role rarely lets up.
There are appointments to manage, decisions to make, emotions to hold, and your own life to keep running — often with very little space left for yourself.
Counselling isn't about stepping back from caring. It's about having somewhere to put everything that builds up.
I've been a carer myself
I'm Deborah Haywood. I hold a Master of Counselling (University of Canberra) and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Swinburne), and I'm a Level 2 member of the Australian Counselling Association. Based in Sunbury, Victoria, I work with clients across Australia via telehealth. I work in a person-centred, trauma-informed way — led by what you bring, at a pace you set.
I was the main carer for my ageing parents for more than ten years, so I know what the role involves: the love and the grief side by side, the way it slowly changes who you are, the work nobody sees, the guilt that turns up even when you're doing everything right, and the tiredness that comes from doing too much for too long.
You won't need to explain what caring takes. We can start with how things are for you.
"My 10 years as a carer for my parents has given me deep insight into the love and challenges of caregiving. Combined with my Master of Counselling, I offer empathetic, person-centred support grounded in both lived experience and professional knowledge."
What carers often bring to counselling
Every carer's situation is different, but some feelings and experiences come up again and again.
You don't need to wait for a crisis. It's often most useful to talk while the pressure is building, rather than after.
How sessions work
All sessions are online, by video call. For carers that matters: no travel, no waiting room, and no need to arrange cover.
Choose your starting point
Start with a free 15-minute Fit Call to see if this feels right, or book a session straight away if you're ready.
Meet online, from wherever you are
Sessions are online, so you can talk from home or anywhere private. You book a time that works around your responsibilities.
Work out what helps
Sessions are led by you and kept practical. Where it helps, we'll work out things you can try between sessions.
Ready to talk?
If you're not sure whether counselling is for you, the free Fit Call is a good way to find out — ask questions, get a feel for it, and decide from there.
One-to-one counselling for all ages · $90 standard session (60 min) · Seven days a week
Prefer to call or email first? Call (03) 8007 3516 (leave a message if Deborah's in a session) or email deborah@reflectrenew.com.au.
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