- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
About Helen
Helen Fairbanks is an AASW social worker with 20 years' experience working in mental health in Australia. She sees adults dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and depression. People often come because they feel overwhelmed, stuck or unsure how to move forward.
Helen describes counselling as a practical, collaborative conversation. She works at a pace the person chooses and focuses on making day-to-day sense of difficult feelings. Sessions aim to identify strengths and develop clear strategies people can try between meetings.
Her background includes long-term clinical work supporting people through grief, major life changes, workplace issues and complex personal situations. She has worked across a range of settings and with many different life challenges over two decades.
Helen uses evidence-informed approaches. She draws on methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. These are used to help people change unhelpful thinking, clarify values, increase motivation and set practical goals.
In sessions she focuses on understanding what keeps a problem going and on small, doable changes. She encourages clear steps that fit ordinary life and builds on the strengths people already have. If someone is unsure what will help, she works with them to try approaches and adjust as needed.
How evidence-based methods are used in online sessions
Helen commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns. This approach is practical and focuses on small changes people can test between sessions to reduce anxiety or low mood.She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which helps people clarify what matters to them and take committed action towards those values, even when difficult emotions are present. Motivational Interviewing may be used to build readiness for change and set realistic goals.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and try methods that match a person's goals and preferences. That collaboration helps adjust the plan if something is not working.
The biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into a workday, reduce travel time and allow quicker check-ins between appointments. Discussing format and timing with the therapist helps make sessions practical for everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and depression.
How does she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She uses practical, evidence-informed methods to help people understand and work through guilt and shame without moral judgement.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience as a mental health clinician and social worker supporting adults through a wide range of challenges.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an AASW social worker based in Australia.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking as the biography does not specify exact session formats.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.