Grow with Healing Better Counselling

Get Supported and Heard

About Me

Nicole Sydenham BA (HON), MSW, AMHSW: Passionate Counsellor

I have been working as a counsellor and psychotherapist since 2012. I specialise in helping people identify and achieve their personal goals by exploring the issues that are causing them distress, anxiety, and stress. I take great pride in the progress and success of my clients, and look forward to helping you. Get in touch to learn more.

My Current Capacity:

Appointment Availability:

there will be a wait

Wait time:

6-8 weeks unless you are returning client

Tues and Thurs: 7.30pm

Fri: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 10.45am - 2pm

Depression and Anxiety

Improve your quality of life

Family Violence

Recovery, safety and connections

Individual Sessions

Embrace Life’s Challenges

Substance Misuse

Get back control of your life

Relationship Challenges

Improving communication

Childhood Trauma

Understanding your strengths

Couples Counselling

Growing the relationship

Unsure What is Wrong?

Let's explore together

Nicole Sydenham

Since 2012, I’ve been working as a counsellor and psychotherapist who specialises in helping people explore and cope with their issues. I utilise a number of therapeutic approaches and try to match the particular approach to the person in front of me. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Dialectical Behavioural therapy, and Psychodynamic therapy. I have worked in the public mental health field for over a decade and privately for just under 12 years. I am passionate about my work and in helping others gain a deeper understanding into themselves as a way of implementing positive change.

Get in Touch

First Steps

In this era post COVID-19, you have the option of attending sessions online, or face to face. My counselling room is located at East Geelong Allied Health Services

You contact your GP to get a Mental Health Care Plan to see me so that you can have ten sessions with the medicare rebate. If you have a health care card, there is a small cost to you for these ten sessions (approximately $30). If you are working there is a small gap fee (approximately $60) with the remainder being covered my medicare. You simply need to give your GP my name (Nicole Sydenham) and email address. I have a Medicare provider number and will do the rest. Please note that you will have to pay the total cost of the appointment and lodge the receipt with My Gov to get the rebate put back into your account the following working day.

I am required to be in communication with your GP to let them know of your progress but these are simple letters and the confidentiality of your sessions is protected. The letters simply state something like, the "person is progressing well". No other details are provided.

Once you have a mental health care plan from your GP, either ask them to email a copy to me, or scan and email it to me yourself. Once I have received this, I will make contact and arrangements can be made to commence sessions.

Getting ready

Setting up for telehealth

Find a quiet and private location for the session
Make sure you have a good internet connection
Identify which device you are going to use
Download software as required (instructions will be provided)
Consider likely data usage for the session
Consider security
No recording is permitted

Please be aware that the platform used is Zoom as it provides security and protection of data. You will need to download the Zoom app before your session and then a meeting link will be emailed to you.

"One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful...."

Sigmund Freud

Schedule a Session or Ask a Question

I will endeavour to reply within two business days.