- Strengths focused
- Down to earth
- Action oriented
About Bernadette
Bernadette Welham is an AASW counsellor with five years of practice in Australia. She works with people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, parenting challenges and relationship strain. She also supports those affected by trauma, abuse and depression. Bernadette emphasises strengths and practical steps rather than labels.
Her approach starts by listening to each person's story and identifying what already works for them. She helps people break problems into manageable steps and notice everyday thoughts and habits that keep difficulties going. Sessions are conversational and focused on real-life changes you can try between meetings.
Bernadette draws on a mix of approaches to suit different needs. She uses attachment-based ideas to look at how relationships shape feelings. Cognitive behavioural tools help with unhelpful thinking and routine habits. Mindfulness techniques are used to build calm and present-moment awareness.
She aims to create a calm, down-to-earth space where people feel heard and respected. Bernadette encourages small, steady experiments that can change how you think and act day to day. Taking the first step can be hard, and she acknowledges the courage it takes to begin.
Her practice suits people wanting practical work on thoughts and everyday habits alongside emotional support. If you want clear steps and a collaborative process, Bernadette offers a steady, strengths-based way forward.
Her approach starts by listening to each person's story and identifying what already works for them. She helps people break problems into manageable steps and notice everyday thoughts and habits that keep difficulties going. Sessions are conversational and focused on real-life changes you can try between meetings.
Bernadette draws on a mix of approaches to suit different needs. She uses attachment-based ideas to look at how relationships shape feelings. Cognitive behavioural tools help with unhelpful thinking and routine habits. Mindfulness techniques are used to build calm and present-moment awareness.
She aims to create a calm, down-to-earth space where people feel heard and respected. Bernadette encourages small, steady experiments that can change how you think and act day to day. Taking the first step can be hard, and she acknowledges the courage it takes to begin.
Her practice suits people wanting practical work on thoughts and everyday habits alongside emotional support. If you want clear steps and a collaborative process, Bernadette offers a steady, strengths-based way forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
AASW · Australia
Languages
English
How her approaches translate to online therapy
Bernadette commonly draws on cognitive behavioural therapy and attachment-based approaches in her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviours to change everyday habits and mood. Attachment-based work looks at relationship patterns and how they influence feelings and reactions in close connections.Finding the right approach is part of the process and will be decided together. The counsellor will talk with the person about needs, goals and what feels most helpful, then shape sessions around those preferences in a collaborative way.
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also support steady practice of techniques such as thought records, behavioural experiments and mindfulness exercises between sessions, helping changes carry into everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Bernadette help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, family conflict, trauma and abuse, depression and related concerns such as grief, addiction and self-esteem.
What style of therapy does she use?
She uses a mix of attachment-based, client-centred, cognitive behavioural, emotionally-focused and mindfulness approaches tailored to each person.
How much experience does she have?
Bernadette has five years of professional experience working with people across a range of emotional and relational difficulties.
Where is Bernadette based and what credential does she hold?
She practises in Australia and holds the AASW credential, which is shown as AASW in her profile.
Can I see her in a language other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start therapy with Bernadette?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.