alex quirk
counselling
hello, and welcome.
However you have found your way here, welcome. Seeking help can be a daunting experience, and finding a counsellor with whom you feel comfortable can take time and research. Here, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself in the hopes that in doing so, some of those pressures may be eased.
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My name is Alex, and I am a registered counsellor. ​My primary training was a Master of Counselling which I completed at the University of Notre Dame. My research explored the role and nature of self-transcendent experiences in substance addiction recovery. I am particularly passionate about supporting people through addictions of all kinds, and am keenly interested in the stories of people who develop their recovery through spiritual discipline.
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Personally, I am perhaps best defined by my introspective, imaginative nature. I am curious about people and the world, so I quite enjoy reading philosophy, particularly from the existential and eastern traditions. This informs my counselling approach significantly; in many ways, I believe that counselling can be seen as a form of applied philosophy.
I feel most myself in nature, expressing myself through music, or in quiet cafes with close friends. Above all else, I value genuine connection. As a counsellor, I aim not to hide behind a veil of expertise or analytical anonymity, but to meet you authentically as a human being, with closeness, vulnerability, and dignity.
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I am registered as a Certified Practicing Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). This means that I am committed to upholding the highest standard of ethical practice and continuously deepening my knowledge through ongoing education and professional development. ​​​​​
approach
My practice is guided by the understanding that within the complexity of our psychological suffering, there is valuable meaning to be found. Our suffering communicates to us important messages - about our stories, our relationships, our surroundings - which must be heard for us to heal. By resisting these messages, we only suffer more; but by courageously turning towards them, we come to understand ourselves and our concerns with greater clarity. This is not easy, but it can be immensely rewarding. Through self-knowledge, we are empowered to bring about wise and meaningful changes in our lives.
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My aim as a counsellor, therefore, is to hold an explorative space for the messages of your suffering to be deeply heard. To this end, I avoid rushing towards rigid interventions which may only distract you from facing your issues meaningfully. Rather, I offer a fluid approach to the therapeutic journey, drawing knowledge and technique from a variety of therapeutic modalities in order to uphold your dignity as a complex and unique human being. These modalities include Rogerian therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based approaches.
With me, you will be invited to engage in a collaborative and relational therapeutic partnership. This means that I encourage an atmosphere of honesty and closeness between you and I, guided by the understanding that as social creatures, we human beings heal through relationship. In this sense, it is important to understand that the discipline of counselling stands quite distinctly from prevailing medical approaches to psychological care, which often take a comparatively distant and authoritative stance. If you are interested in exploring yourself with depth, or if your previous experiences of psychological care have left you feeling unseen or powerless, you might benefit by engaging in a therapeutic partnership with a safe and relatable counsellor. ​
services
I support people experiencing issues related to:
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Childhood relational wounds
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Addictions of all kinds (behavioural and substances)
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Trauma
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​Life purpose & meaning
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Shame & low self-worth
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Stress & burnout
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Relationships & relational patterns
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Emotional regulation
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Grief & bereavement
Appointments:
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60 minutes
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$180 ​
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Available in person or online
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It is important to note that counselling is not covered by Medicare
