We specialise in helping clients with a wide range of mental health and emotional challenges, including: Anxiety and depression Stress management Repetitive or intrusive thoughts Relationship difficulties (including couples counselling) Emotional regulation and self-esteem issues We aim to help clients reconnect with the present moment and improve their mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Sessions typically last between 50 to 60 minutes. However, for couples or more intensive therapy, longer sessions can be arranged depending on your needs.

Yes, we offer both in-person and online sessions to accommodate different preferences and locations. Our online sessions are available Australia-wide, allowing clients to engage with therapy from the comfort of their own homes.

Mindful Reactions Counselling provides holistic mental health services designed to help individuals, couples, and families manage anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Our approach combines ancient philosophical wisdom with modern therapeutic techniques to guide clients toward mindfulness and personal growth.

A typical session at Mindful Reactions Counselling is client-focused and collaborative. Essentially, we’ll just have a chat—giving you space to talk through your thoughts and feelings in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. You can share what’s on your mind, and we’ll work together to explore solutions or new perspectives. We use a blend of techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), to guide you toward practical strategies that suit your needs. Each session is informal, relaxed, and tailored to help you feel more in control of your responses to life's challenges.

Yes, Mindful Reactions Counselling is a proud member of the Counselling & Psychotherapy Community of Australia (CPCA). Being part of CPCA ensures that we maintain the highest standards of ethical practice, professional development, and client care. You can learn more about CPCA and its values by visiting their website at https://cpcaus.com.au/.

At Mindful Reactions Counselling, we blend ancient philosophical wisdom, such as insights from Stoicism and Daoism, with modern therapeutic approaches. This unique combination encourages clients to focus on how they respond to life’s challenges, rather than trying to control external events. Our approach is also more lighthearted and approachable, often incorporating humour to help clients feel at ease during therapy.

We incorporate insights from several ancient philosophies, including: Stoicism: This philosophy teaches that we cannot control external events, but we can control our reactions to them. By focusing on what’s within your power, Stoicism helps you find peace in any situation. Daoism: Emphasising harmony with nature and going with the flow, Daoism encourages mindfulness and acceptance of life as it unfolds, helping reduce stress and anxiety. Existentialism: Existential philosophy focuses on finding personal meaning and purpose in life, helping clients confront life’s challenges with courage and authenticity. These philosophical perspectives provide a framework for clients to explore their responses to life’s difficulties and build greater emotional resilience.

Holistic counselling takes a comprehensive view of a person’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. At Mindful Reactions Counselling, we believe that true healing happens when all aspects of the individual are considered. We work to address not just the symptoms of an issue but the root causes, helping clients achieve balance in every area of their lives. This includes a focus on mindfulness, self-awareness, and personal growth, so you can feel more connected and at peace with yourself.

At Mindful Reactions Counselling, we combine modern therapeutic techniques with philosophical wisdom. Our methods include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills to manage emotions, develop mindfulness, and improve relationships. Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP): Focuses on the connection between neurological processes, language, and behavioural patterns, helping you shift unhelpful habits and thought processes. We tailor these techniques to suit each client’s unique situation and needs.

We use ancient philosophical teachings, primarily from Stoicism, Daoism, and Existentialism, to guide our therapeutic approach. These philosophies help clients understand that while they can’t always control what happens to them, they can control how they respond. By applying these timeless principles, we empower clients to shift their mindset, find calm amidst chaos, and make more thoughtful decisions, leading to greater emotional resilience and mental clarity.

The frequency of counselling sessions depends on your needs and goals. Some clients prefer weekly sessions, while others find that fortnightly or monthly appointments work best. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss what feels right for you and adjust as needed based on your progress and circumstances.

Counselling is a highly individual process, so the time it takes to see results can vary greatly. Some people experience significant insights or relief after just one session, while others benefit from ongoing, longer-term therapy. The key is to remain patient and committed to the process, as growth and healing take time. We’ll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach based on your needs. Whether you're looking for a one-time session for some immediate clarity or ongoing support, we’ll tailor the process to fit your unique situation.

Booking a session is simple. You can contact us via our website, call us directly, or send an email to schedule an appointment. We’ll arrange a time that suits you, whether it’s for an in-person session or an online consultation.

We offer both! Our in-person sessions are available in the Central Coast and Newcastle areas, and we also provide online sessions for clients across Australia. Online counselling is a great option if you prefer the comfort of your home or if you’re located outside our service area.

We primarily serve clients in the Central Coast and Newcastle regions of New South Wales. Our office is located in Gosford, and we’re happy to see clients from surrounding areas.

We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and direct bank transfers. If you have specific preferences or need to arrange a payment plan, feel free to discuss it with us before your session.

The cost of a session varies depending on the type of counselling you’re seeking (individual, couples, or group therapy). Prices are listed on our website next to each service, so you can easily find the cost for your specific needs. Workshops, events, and group sessions may have different fees depending on various factors, such as the length, number of participants, and the specific focus of the session. The prices for these are listed on our events page, where you can also purchase tickets or register for workshops directly.

At this time, we do not offer rebates through Medicare or private health insurance. However, we aim to keep our fees affordable, and some of our clients may be able to claim sessions through other forms of insurance or workplace wellness programs. We encourage you to check with your provider.

Yes, we have a cancellation policy. For individual and couples counselling sessions, we require 48 hours’ notice for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you will receive a 50% refund. For all other events, workshops, and group sessions, the refund policy may vary depending on the nature of the event. These details, including cancellation and refund policies, are listed in the specific event details on our website.

As with any therapeutic experience, risks exist — including emotional discomfort during processing. That’s why professional support and screening are essential.

When we talk about the "retreat," we’re referring to the portion of the journey where you are at the dedicated psilocybin retreat centre. This is the part that includes the therapeutic ceremonies, accommodation, meals, and support — it’s where the core healing work takes place, and it’s usually held in a quiet, nature-based location away from the city. The rest of the trip — which we sometimes refer to as the "travel segment" — includes everything that happens before and after the retreat centre experience. For example, if we’re travelling to Amsterdam, we might spend a night or two in town before heading to the retreat. After the retreat concludes, we stay on for a few days to rest, reflect, and gently explore the local area. This is not a packed tour or a sightseeing sprint. It’s spacious, soft, and intentionally slow. You’ll have time to rest, wander, and soak in the culture at your own pace — allowing the experience to land and settle before returning home. Note: This FAQ has been updated to ensure clarity and relevance.

This work is powerful and not right for everyone. You should not attend if: You are under 21 You have a history of psychosis or certain serious mental health conditions You are on medications that could conflict with psilocybin (we’ll help assess this safely) You are seeking a recreational or party-style experience — this is a therapeutic and intentional process You are pregnant or breastfeeding (due to lack of safety data) You have serious cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure or a history of heart attack You have a seizure disorder or epilepsy You are unable or unwilling to participate in preparation and integration sessions You are currently experiencing acute distress or crisis that may overwhelm the process This is about deep healing, and it requires respect, readiness, and a willingness to engage with what comes up. If you’re unsure whether this is for you, we’re happy to have a gentle, private chat to help you decide.

Integration is what helps the experience take root. It’s the process of making sense of what emerged during your journey, and finding ways to carry those insights back into your everyday life. After the retreat, you’ll take part in two guided integration sessions — spaces where you can speak freely, reflect, and begin to embody the shifts you’ve experienced. Without integration, the insights can fade. With it, they often flourish.

No. You’ll be part of a small, intentionally selected group of 6–10 people, each on their own path but walking together. While there’s space for quiet and reflection, you’ll be travelling with an experienced counsellor who has been through psilocybin-assisted therapy multiple times and is there to provide compassionate, grounded support.

This is a supported experience from start to finish. Your retreat includes: Two group preparation sessions in Australia, with space for personal one-on-one conversations around your intentions and emotional readiness Group flights are usually booked in economy class from Sydney so we can travel together and begin building group support early. Upgrade options, such as business class, are available upon request. Accommodation is included for the entire trip and varies based on the retreat provider, but is always chosen with comfort, rest, and safety in mind Meals during the retreat (these vary depending on the provider but are nourishing and considered) Guided psilocybin ceremonies led by experienced and compassionate local facilitators The medicine itself — psilocybin — is fully included at no extra cost Presence and support from an ACA-registered Australian counsellor who’s been through the process personally Two post-retreat integration sessions in the days following the journey — sometimes while still overseas, and sometimes back in Australia — depending on the group

The psilocybin journey — meaning the actual time spent in ceremony — typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose, your body, and the retreat’s facilitation style. While the active effects tend to peak around 2 to 3 hours in, the overall experience unfolds gradually, often with a deep sense of immersion and altered awareness for much of the session. During this time, many participants describe feeling "in another world" or in a deeply internal, dreamlike state where usual thinking patterns fade. You may be less connected to the outside world and more attuned to internal sensations, emotions, or imagery — this is what we refer to as being in the journey. You’ll be supported throughout the entire process, from preparation before the ceremony to integration afterward. While the journey itself takes place in a single session, its emotional and psychological effects often unfold for days, weeks, or even longer.

It depends on the retreat and the country. Some psilocybin retreats run for just two days, others for five, and we even offer an immersive two-week option. We aim to buffer each retreat with some gentle time before and after — for example, if the retreat itself is three days, we’ll arrive a day or two earlier and stay on for a few days after. This time isn’t packed with structured activities — it’s relaxed and spacious. Think slow mornings, time to soak in the local culture, and plenty of free time. It’s not a tour where every moment is booked. It’s an opportunity to ease into the experience and gently come out of it — with rest, reflection, and connection.

That’s completely normal — most people haven’t. And we take safety very seriously. Psilocybin can be a safe and healing experience when approached with care, structure, and professional guidance. Before the retreat, you’ll go through our own thorough screening process to ensure this is the right fit for you. On top of that, each retreat centre also has its own independent screening procedures. During the retreat, you’ll be in the hands of trained facilitators, with a dedicated counsellor by your side to help you stay grounded, supported, and emotionally secure.

When we refer to the "journey," we’re specifically talking about your inner experience with psilocybin — the time spent in ceremony. It’s not just a trip in the recreational sense. It’s a deeply personal process that can involve insight, emotion, release, reflection, and healing. The journey often brings up memories, sensations, or perspectives that may have been buried or hard to access. It’s supported, intentional, and done in a setting that is safe, legal, and professionally guided. For many, the psilocybin journey is a turning point — not because it changes you, but because it helps you reconnect with parts of yourself you may have lost or forgotten.

Yes. All of our retreats take place in countries where psilocybin is either legal or decriminalised for therapeutic or ceremonial use. We only partner with retreat centres that honour the medicine and deeply respect the vulnerability of the process. Your safety — physical, emotional, and psychological — is our priority.

You can take part in the preparation sessions from anywhere in Australia — we offer both online and face-to-face options. While all flights are booked to depart from Sydney and we prefer to travel together as a group, we understand that circumstances vary. In some cases, we may be able to meet you at the retreat location overseas — reach out and let’s talk it through.

While we take care of the essentials, some costs are not included in the retreat package. These include: Meals and beverages outside of the retreat centre (before or after the ceremonial period) Any personal activities, excursions, or sightseeing before or after the retreat Travel insurance (recommended) Passport or visa-related costs (if applicable) We’ll help you prepare and budget so there are no surprises — but it’s good to know what’s yours to arrange ahead of time. You won’t be sent off on your own or left to make sense of it all by yourself. From the first conversation to the final integration session, you’ll be held in a therapeutic container — by someone who understands how vulnerable, powerful, and beautiful this work can be. We walk beside you, not in front of you.

If you feel that you no longer need counselling, or if you'd like to take a break, you can discontinue sessions at any time. We recommend having a final session to discuss your progress and future steps, but there is no obligation to continue. We want to make sure you're comfortable with your decisions throughout the process.

Yes, your information is fully confidential. At Mindful Reactions Counselling, we take your privacy very seriously. Anything discussed in your sessions stays between you and your counsellor, in line with professional ethical guidelines and Australian privacy laws.

We adhere to strict confidentiality policies to ensure your personal information and anything discussed during your sessions remains private. The only exceptions are in circumstances where we are legally required to disclose information, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. As mandatory reporters, we are required by law to report any concerns related to the safety and wellbeing of children or vulnerable individuals. In such cases, we will discuss the next steps with you before taking any action, ensuring transparency while fulfilling our legal obligations.

No, we do not take on both parties in situations where there is a direct conflict, such as between a perpetrator and victim of domestic violence. Our ethical guidelines and duty of care prevent us from treating individuals who are involved in such a relationship, as it would create a conflict of interest and could compromise the safety and wellbeing of the client. In cases of domestic violence, we prioritise the safety and support of the victim, and we are also mandatory reporters, ensuring appropriate action is taken when necessary.

You can view our full Privacy Policy on our website at any time. It outlines how your personal and health information is collected, stored, and protected in accordance with Australian privacy laws. 📄 Visit: www.mindfulreactions.com.au/privacy