Counselling with

Tara J Clarke

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If you’re here, something in your life might feel heavy, confusing, or stuck.

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You don’t need to have the right words for it yet. You don’t need to have it all figured out.

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You just need a space where you can be heard properly.

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My name is Tara. I’m a counsellor based in Palm Cove, a Northern Beaches suburb just north of Cairns city centre. I work with people who want to understand themselves more deeply, move through what they’re carrying, and feel more steady, clear, and connected again.

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My approach is holistic, gentle, grounded, mindful, psychodynamic and real. I won’t analyse you or try to “fix” you. Instead, I listen carefully, ask the right questions, and support you to work through things in a way that feels natural and manageable for you.

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Your first counselling session is offered at a 30% reduced introductory rate. The start of this initial session is designed to help you feel comfortable, ask questions, explore what has brought you to counselling, and experience the process before deciding whether ongoing support feels right for you. This reflects why this first session is offered at a reduced rate. 

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Ongoing counselling sessions are charged at the affordable rate of $111 AUD for 50 minutes.

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A limited number of reduced-fee (sliding scale) counselling appointments may also be available for clients experiencing genuine financial hardship. You are welcome to contact Tara directly to discuss this privately and respectfully if needed.

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What counselling means here

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Counselling isn’t about focusing on just one part of you. 

 

If you would like to understand more about counselling and how the process works, you can read my article:

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What is Counselling?

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Counselling is about looking at the whole picture—your thoughts, emotions, life experiences, patterns, and, if it resonates with you. If it feels appropriate for you, counselling may also explore personal meaning, values, mindfulness, or spiritual perspectives in a grounded and supportive way.

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Some sessions are simply about talking things through. Others may include practical tools, reflection, or deeper inner work.

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If it feels appropriate, we can also gently incorporate other modalities I’m trained in, such as hypnotherapy, guided journeys, or mindfulness. This is always led by you and what you’re comfortable with.

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What you can expect

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Your first session is a little different from the ones that follow.

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It runs for 50 minutes and includes a gentle introduction to the counselling process. During this time, we’ll talk through what’s brought you here, how I work, any questions you may have, and your consent and intake information—so you can feel informed, comfortable, and not rushed.

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We’ll also begin the counselling work within this session, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

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To make it easier to get started, your first session is offered at a 30% reduced rate. When booking online, simply select the First Session Rate at checkout to access this.

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Ongoing sessions are 50 minutes in duration and can be booked online, or via phone or email.

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Most of my counselling clients attend between 4 to 8 sessions to work through a specific issue. If you’re navigating something more complex or long-standing, it may take longer—and we’ll move at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable for you.

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There’s no pressure to commit beyond what you need.

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Areas of Support​

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Tara has a particular interest in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, emotional overwhelm, behavioural patterns, and life transitions.

 

These include:

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• Anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed

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• Losing weight

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• Low mood or depression

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• Grief, loss or abandonment including loss of pet

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• Trauma or past experiences that still feel present

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• Self-worth and confidence

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• Feeling stuck, unmotivated or at a crossroads

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• Breaking patterns or habits (smoking or vaping)

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• Bullying

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Anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed — learn more about anxiety counselling support here.

 

Trauma or past experiences that still feel present — learn more about trauma counselling and emotional healing here.

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Grief, loss or abandonment including loss of pet — learn more about grief and loss counselling here.

 

You don’t need to fit into a category. If something is affecting you, it’s valid to bring it to your counselling session. ​​

How sessions feel​

At the core, this is a space where you can speak openly without being judged, rushed, or dismissed.

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Alongside listening, I may offer gentle guidance, practical tools, or simple ways to help you better understand what you’re experiencing and how to move through it.

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Over time, most people notice they feel clearer, more grounded, and more able to handle what life brings.

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Location & options

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Sessions are available:

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• In person in Palm Cove (Northern Beaches, Cairns). Once you book here online you will emailed more details. 

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• Online via Zoom or Teams

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You’ll always work directly with me.

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Fees

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Standard counselling sessions are $111 AUD for 50 minutes.

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Your first session is offered at a reduced introductory rate (30 % off) which brings the price down of your first session to $77 AUD, which you can select this rate when booking your first session online. This allows you to experience the process and ensure it feels like the right fit for you before continuing.

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All ongoing sessions are charged at the standard rate.

This current pricing reflects an introductory rate and may be adjusted in the future. If you begin counselling at this rate, your session fee will remain the same for the duration of your work together.

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Concession rates

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At times, pensioners and full-time students may be eligible for a discounted rate even further (proof is required of your concession and you will be asked to show your card and ID). This concession applies to counselling only and is not available for any other services offered through Signs of Abundance.

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If you believe you may be eligible, please contact Tara via email to discuss and arrange a concession booking code. The final rate will depend on your individual circumstances.

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A note on hardship

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Sliding scale:

 

I offer a small number of sessions each month at a reduced (sliding scale) rate for clients experiencing genuine financial hardship.

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This is not a free counselling service. The sliding scale is a discounted fee, adjusted to better reflect your current financial situation while still maintaining the value and sustainability of the service.

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Places are limited and not always available, as I balance these alongside my standard fee clients to ensure consistent, ongoing care for everyone.

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If this feels relevant to you, you’re welcome to get in touch by arranging a callback to discuss your situation. These conversations are handled with respect, transparency, and without judgment, and any agreed fee will be clearly discussed before sessions begin.

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If you’re going through a difficult time financially but feel you need support, you’re welcome to reach out.

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I offer a limited number of reduced-rate sessions per month for those experiencing genuine hardship. You can contact me directly to discuss this in a simple, respectful way by arranging a callback to discuss your situation.

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Helpful Counselling Articles

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If you would like to explore more about counselling, emotional wellbeing, anxiety support, grief, trauma healing, and online counselling, the following articles may help:

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• What is Counselling?

 

• Counselling for Anxiety in Cairns

 

• Counselling for Trauma & Emotional Healing

 

• Grief & Loss Counselling

 

• More information on whether to choose to have your Counselling Sessions online or in-person – Online & In-Person in Palm Cove, Cairns

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These articles provide additional guidance and information about counselling support, emotional healing, and the therapeutic process.

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When you’re ready

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You don’t need to wait until things get worse to talk to someone.

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If this feels like the right fit, you can book a session in person or online using the options below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is your approach to counselling?

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My counselling approach is primarily strengths-based, integrative, and psychodynamic. This means I work collaboratively with you at a pace that feels comfortable, always recognising and building on your existing strengths and resources rather than focusing solely on difficulties.

 

By understanding your past experiences through a psychodynamic lens, we can uncover deeper patterns and unconscious influences that shape your current challenges, providing meaningful insight, empowerment and fostering lasting change.

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At the same time, I use an integrative framework, which allows me to tailor sessions specifically to your unique needs. I may draw from a range of therapeutic modalities—including talk therapy, person-centred therapy, mindfulness practices, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), gestalt-informed and solutions focused therapy. 

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This combination works well because it honours the complexity of human experience, respects your individuality, and promotes both self-awareness and practical coping strategies. It creates a safe, supportive space where you can explore your story, connect with your inner strengths, and move confidently towards your goals.

 

Also, sometimes you may think that you need counselling when counselling may not be exactly what you need, every situation is unique. Where appropriate, hypnotherapy or guided inner work such as inner child healing or past life therapy—to support your healing and growth in the most effective way possible, may be a more appropriate trajectory for your healing journey or situation. This flexible approach ensures that therapy is personalised rather than rigid, empowering you to discover new perspectives and develop practical tools for wellbeing. If hypnotherapy or other modalities that are not counselling, are incorporated, the rates are not the same and you can learn more about other services offered by me on the home page here. 

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Do I need to know what to say before I come?

No. Many people arrive unsure of where to start, and that’s completely okay. Part of my role is to gently guide the conversation so you feel comfortable expressing what’s going on, in your own way and in your own time.

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Is everything I say confidential?

Yes. Your privacy is taken seriously, and what you share in sessions is kept confidential in line with professional counselling standards in Australia.

The only exceptions are if there is a legal requirement or a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case appropriate support may need to be arranged.

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How do I know if counselling is right for me?

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If something in your life feels overwhelming, stuck, or difficult to manage on your own, counselling can be helpful. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people come simply because they want clarity, support, or a space to talk things through.

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How many sessions will I need?

This varies for each person. Many clients attend between 3 to 8 sessions for a specific issue, while others choose to continue for longer-term support. We review this together as we go, based on what feels right for you.

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What happens if I feel uncomfortable or unsure during a session?

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You’re always encouraged to speak openly about how you’re feeling, including if something doesn’t feel right. Counselling works best when you feel safe and supported, and we can adjust the approach to suit you.

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Can you include hypnotherapy or other techniques in counselling?

Yes, if it feels appropriate and you’re comfortable. I may gently incorporate techniques such as relaxation, guided journeys, or hypnotherapy. These are always optional and discussed with you first.

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Do you offer online counselling?

Yes. Sessions are available both in person in Palm Cove and online Telehealth via video chat with Microsoft Teams, making it accessible wherever you are.

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Online counselling sessions are available Australia-wide via secure video appointments using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. This allows you to access counselling support from the comfort and privacy of your own home, wherever you are located.

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Many clients choose online counselling because it offers greater flexibility, convenience, and comfort, particularly for those managing busy schedules, anxiety, stress, fatigue, health concerns, remote living, or emotional overwhelm. Online sessions can also feel easier for some people when beginning counselling for the first time.

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Online counselling with Tara provides the same supportive, grounded, and personalised approach offered in sessions, with appointments available for adults seeking support with anxiety, trauma, grief, emotional wellbeing, behavioural patterns, life transitions, and personal growth. More information on whether to choose to have your Counselling Sessions online or in-person – Online & In-Person in Palm Cove, Cairns

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What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

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Cancellations and Rescheduling: 

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At Signs of Abundance Counselling, we understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. With this notice, we can simply change your appointment to a new date with no extra charge.

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If you need to cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours' notice due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, Tara is usually understanding and flexible for the first time only. However, if this happens more than once, we will need to charge you for the session to ensure fairness and keep our schedule running smoothly.

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If you do not attend your appointment and do not inform us (a no-show), you will be charged for the session. For clients who have prepaid, no refund will be given for missed appointments without 24 hours notice.

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We appreciate your cooperation with this policy, as it helps us provide quality care to all our clients. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Thank you for respecting our time and commitment to supporting you.

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What’s the difference between counselling and crisis support?

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Counselling provides a supportive space to work through life challenges over time. It is not designed for immediate or emergency situations.

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If you are in immediate distress or need urgent support, please contact:

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• Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 (24/7)

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• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

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• In an emergency, call 000

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Book or enquire with Tara

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To enquire or book a counselling session with Tara, you’re welcome to:

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• Text 0481 33 6666 to request a callback

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• Email signsofabundance@gmail.com

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• Or use the booking buttons below

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• Or text or email Tara to arrange a free callback time

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Appointments with Tara at time to time are often booked in well advance, so it’s recommended to plan ahead where possible, to avoid not being able to get an appointment at the time you need. If you have a regular day or time that suits you each week, securing those sessions early can help ensure continuity and avoid longer gaps between appointments.

 

 

The link to the opening hours for Signs of Abundance, Counselling, Hypnosis and Healing are also shown below. 

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