Welcome
Hello, I’m Kyrra – welcome!
​
Considering counselling for yourself or a loved one and trying to decide where to go for support can be overwhelming. I hope that the information on this website answers the questions you have about whether Kyrra Guffin Counselling is the place for you, along with any questions about the counselling process in general and what you can expect from sessions with me. If any questions remain, or you would rather chat than read through information on this website, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email – I would love to hear from you.
​
At Kyrra Guffin Counselling I endeavour to provide a safe, inclusive space in which you can find connection and acceptance, allowing for growth and cultivation of a healthier, more fulfilling life.
​
I provide support for a range of challenges, from stress management support to managing anxiety and depression. I have a particular interest in supporting individuals with disordered eating, body image issues and/or low self-esteem. Read on for more detailed information about supports provided or contact me via the link below.
All are welcome here.
Kyrra Guffin Counselling acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australian land. I give respect to Elders past and present. I acknowledge and value the rich culture and the wisdom embedded within this country by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What can I support you with?
I provide support to individuals aged 16 years and up. I have a particular interest in addressing issues related to negative body image and unhealthy relationships with food - this can include anything from yo-yo dieting and preoccupation with food, weight and shape to diagnosed eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
As well as support with body image and eating issues, I provide support with a range of challenges including:
​
-
Feeling stuck and wanting assistance getting ‘unstuck’ through goal setting and reconnecting with your values and passion
-
Overcoming low self-esteem and learning to practice self-compassion and self-care
-
Navigating grief and loss and life transitions (eg. relationship breakdowns, changes in career...any change that leaves a feeling of instability and uncertainty)
-
Building communication skills and capacity for boundary setting
-
Managing mental health disorders including anxiety and depression
-
Support to understand and cope with the effects of trauma
I am also an accredited Mindfulness and Meditation facilitator and enjoy incorporating these skills into therapeutic interventions where appropriate and supporting others to develop their own skills.
​
My goal is to support you to navigate whatever challenges you are facing and to cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life.
​
At Kyrra Guffin Counselling you will be supported to Reconnect with Yourself, Accept Yourself, and Embrace growth.
First sessions run for 90 minutes and are $140. Subsequent sessions run for 60 minutes and are $120.
​
In-person appointments are available at 1 Clifford Street, Toowoomba City 9.00am - 6.00pm Mondays.
​
Telehealth appointments are available for anyone in Australia 9.00am - 6.00pm Mondays.
There are a select number of out-of-office hours telehealth appointments available evenings and weekends. Contact me to discuss.
About Me
My Reason for Practice​​
My own journey through an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety has profoundly shaped my approach to counselling. Having navigated these challenges and emerged into recovery, I bring unique insights and empathy to my practice. I believe that these lived experiences allow me to connect with clients on a meaningful level, offering reassurance that you will find a non-judgmental space here.
My own path to recovery and growth through reconnection to self has taught me that while the journey can be difficult, it is absolutely possible. I have also seen firsthand how recovery looks different and is established in different ways for different people - there is no 'one size fits all'. I am dedicated to supporting you in your own recovery journey, whatever it may look like for you. My aim is to use my experiences to foster a compassionate, understanding environment where you feel safe and empowered in your healing process.
​
My Qualifications
​I hold a Bachelor of Human Services with a major in Applied Psychology, and a Master of Counselling specialising in Mental Health counselling. In my career I have gained extensive experience working in community settings, including child protection, housing and homelessness, and domestic and family violence services. This background has equipped me with a deep understanding of various complexities and the skills necessary to provide effective support.
I have undertaken training in a range of therapeutic approaches and draw from this broad skillset to tailor therapy to meet individual needs. Therapeutic approaches that I commonly incorporate include but are not limited to: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Internal Family Systems. I am also a qualified Mindfulness and Meditation facilitator registered with the International Mindfulness and Meditation Association. This diverse training allows me to tailor my approach to meet your unique needs.​
My Therapeutic Approach
​In my practice, I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment. My aim is to empower you with the information and skills needed to identify and harness your inherent strengths. Together, we will work to connect with yourself so that you can engage with life in a meaningful way, guided by conscious intent. Through connection and acceptance, growth and achievement of your goals is possible.
I take an eclectic approach to therapy – drawing the most appropriate strategies from a range of therapeutic modalities to best suit your needs. Overcoming life’s challenges, whether that is making a lifestyle change, ending a relationship that no longer serves you, or recovery from mental ill health is not a one-size-fits-all process; it is unique to each individual.
​
Values and Ethics
Values
In my practice, I uphold the belief that every individual is the expert in their own life. Each person possesses unique strengths that can be harnessed to achieve personal goals and enhance overall well-being. My role is to provide support in uncovering and reconnecting with these inner resources, helping clients navigate their path to health and fulfillment.
I am committed to practicing with integrity, honesty, openness, and acceptance. Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion are central to my approach, ensuring that every client is treated with respect and empathy. My practice is rooted in a strengths-based and person-centred framework, focusing on empowering individuals by recognizing and building upon their inherent capabilities.
Ethics
My professional conduct is guided by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. As a Level 2 member of the ACA, I adhere to high standards of ethical practice, ensuring that my work is both professional and accountable. I am also a registered member of the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance. These affiliations underpin my dedication to ethical practices and informed, compassionate care.
I am committed to ongoing professional development, continually upskilling to ensure I can provide a holistic approach to mental and emotional health at the highest standard.
​
View the ACA Code of Ethics and Practice here:
Appointments: What to expect
If you haven’t attended therapy before, or even if you have, a first appointment with a counsellor can be daunting. To help make the experience less nerve-wracking, I wanted to provide here a brief outline of what you can expect in the first session.
Every individual comes to counselling with different needs, different goals, different stories. My focus in the first session is always on creating a welcoming and calming space in which, over time, you feel able to share your story and explore your needs and your goals.
The first session involves some paperwork – ensuring that you understand your rights as a service user including around privacy and confidentiality. Much of the first session is about starting to get to know each other – you are welcome to ask me any questions, and we will start to explore what has brought you to meet with me and what you hope to get from attending sessions. Some people find it difficult initially to put into words what they hope to get from attending counselling while others are very clear on what they want – wherever you are at, however you feel at this first session, is completely ok. I am here to meet you where you are at and walk alongside you as you explore what led you to book a session and your hopes from attending therapy. Typically, within the first 1 – 3 sessions we will have developed a plan together, outlining your goals, and steps towards achieving those.
If you still feel unsure and would like to chat more about what I can support you with, or what to expect from sessions at Kyrra Guffin Counselling, please don't hesitate to contact me by email or phone to discuss further.
Feedback and Complaints
I endeavour to hold myself to the highest ethical standards in line with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (refer to Values and Ethics section above). Part of these ethical standards includes ensuring clients and members of the public - you - are made aware of what steps you can take to provide feedback or complaints about any behaviour by an ACA registered counsellor that does not meet ethical standards.
​​
Feedback, including constructive criticism, allows me to continue always growing as a counsellor and I welcome clients, if they feel comfortable, to share any feedback with me in session or via phone call or email.
​
As documented on the ACA website "The ACA’s complaints process aims to safeguard the public, its counsellors, and the reputation of the profession." ​You can view the ACA Complaints policy and take steps to make a complaint, here:
Complaints - Australian Counselling Association
​​
​
​
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Counselling, Psychology and Psychiatry?
Counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists can all provide therapeutic support. Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication as they have studied medicine and are doctors - psychiatry sessions are generally shorter than 60 minutes and they often do not provide talk therapy services, though some do. Psychiatrists and psychologists can both provide diagnoses (certain diagnoses can also be provided by GPs). Counsellors cannot provide diagnoses.
It is worth noting that in Australia 'Counsellor' is not currently a protected title - so anyone can call themselves a counsellor and it is important that you look into what qualifications a counsellor has when you are seeking therapeutic support. ​​
How many sessions will I need?
The number of counselling sessions required is different for each individual and depends on what you are seeking support with. Some clients may feel their needs have been met within 3-6 sessions; others may attend counselling for 12+ months. If you know you have a limited amount of funds available and can only attend a set number of sessions, we can discuss this, and I will work to provide the best, targeted support I can in that timeframe.
Is Counselling bulk billed or eligible for Medicare rebates?
Unfortunately, at this stage Counselling is not eligible for Medicare rebates or bulk billing. However, the fee for counselling is typically similar to the gap fees for most psychologists.
What if I can’t afford your fees?
Reach out and we can have a chat to discuss options.
​
Do I need a referral or mental health care plan to see you?
No referral is required - all you need to do is give me a call or send an email enquiry and we can have a chat about what you are looking for, and if the fit is right, we can book in an appointment. Note that if you want support connecting with Kyrra Guffin Counselling, you can seek that support from a support worker or medical professional.
​
Do I need a diagnosis to see you?
No. If you have a diagnosis, sharing that information with me will be helpful for me to ensure I am providing the most appropriate support to you for the challenges you are facing, but a diagnosis is not required for you to see a counsellor.
​
Can you provide a diagnosis for me?
No, counsellors cannot provide diagnoses. I am trained in mental health and aware of criteria for certain mental illness diagnoses and if I notice particular symptoms that might indicate mental illness, I will discuss that with you and recommend that you connect with your GP or a psychologist for further assessment and diagnosis if that is a path you want to pursue.
Services
New Client Initial Individual Counselling Session
$140
First sessions run for 90 minutes to provide time for completion of paperwork as well as adequate time to start getting to know each other.
Returning Client Individual Counselling Session
$120
Standard sessions following the initial 90 minute session run for 60 minutes.
NDIS Plan-Managed and Self-Managed Participants Welcome. Fees as above.