I specialise in helping families understand the “why” beneath behaviours and build practical, evidence-based strategies to support regulation, resilience, and strong relationships. I have extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, and I bring a neuro-affirming lens to all therapeutic work. As a neurodivergent practitioner myself, I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience, supporting my clients to feel genuinely understood and affirmed in their neurotype.

I also work with individuals impacted by anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD, family violence, sexual assault, narcissistic abuse, as well as children and adolescents displaying harmful sexual behaviours. My approach is relational and integrative, drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Child-Centered Play Therapy, and evidence-based psychoeducation to support regulation, insight, and meaningful change.

At Understanding You Counselling, I offer individual therapy, parent coaching, trauma-informed assessments, and professional consultation. I am passionate about creating safety through connection, and helping people of all ages better understand themselves with compassion.

“Healing begins with understanding you”

Expert. Evidence-Based. Neuro-Affirming Trauma Therapy

ABOUT HAYLEY

• Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW, 1900061K)
• Associate Member – Australian Play Therapy Association (APTA 20190308)
• Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Registered Circle of Security Parenting™ Facilitator
• Advanced Clinical Training in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Expert in Trauma, Neurodiversity, and Relational Healing.

Hello, I’m Hayley. I’m a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming Mental Health Social Worker and therapist based in Geelong and the founder of Understanding You Counselling. With over a decade of experience, I support children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, neurodiversity, and big behaviours. My practice is grounded in relational neuroscience and attachment theory, offering a safe, compassionate space for healing, growth, and connection.

WHO DO I SUPPORT?

Children & Adolescents

  • Big feelings, emotional dysregulation, and sensory overwhelm

  • Behavioural challenges affecting school, home, or relationships

  • Harmful sexual behaviours (HSBs) – assessment, safety planning, and therapy

Adults

  • Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD

  • Recovery from narcissistic abuse, sexual assault, or family violence

  • Grief, low self-worth, burnout, identity issues, or life transitions

Neurodivergent Individuals (including ADHD, autism, PDA, sensory profiles)

  • Identity support and self-understanding

  • Regulation strategies tailored to neurotype

  • Guidance through transitions, school issues, or relationships

Parents & Carers

  • Feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or disconnected

  • Seeking relational tools to support their child’s needs

  • Navigating complex behaviours and family dynamics

Families Involved with Systems

  • NDIS navigation and psychosocial assessments

  • Child protection, school concerns, or multi-agency support

Professionals & Practitioners

  • Reflective supervision and secondary consultation

  • Trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate case planning

  • Guidance on complex presentations, including HSBs and neurodivergence.

WHAT TO EXPECT…

Sessions are tailored to the individual or family’s needs. I take a holistic approach, considering the biological, psychological, relational, and environmental factors that influence wellbeing and behaviour.

Across all services, my aim is to:

  • Help you feel seen, heard, and understood

  • Support nervous system regulation and emotional safety

  • Foster insight, agency, and self-compassion

  • Build practical strategies that support daily life

  • Collaborate closely with caregivers, educators, and support teams when needed

Whether you're seeking therapy, a functional assessment, parent coaching, or professional consultation, you’ll find a compassionate and experienced space where the goal is never perfection, but connection, understanding, and growth.

CLINICAL TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS

Formal qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

  • Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)

  • Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

  • Associate Member of the Australian Association of Play Therapy (APTA) .

Advanced clinical training in:

  • EMDR Level 1

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Child-Centered Play Therapy (Advanced Clinical Training)

  • Trauma-Focused CBT

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Registered Circle of Security International Parenting Group Facilitator

  • Solution-Focused Brief Intervention Therapy.

MY APPROACH

Trauma-Informed
I create emotionally safe, non-judgmental spaces where your story is held with care. I honour the survival strategies that brought you this far, and gently support you in moving toward healing.

Neuro-Affirming
Whether you’re navigating ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, or parenting a neurodivergent child, I celebrate neurodiversity and support identities, not deficits.

Relational & Practical
My work is grounded in attachment theory and neuroscience, but always led by the individual or family in front of me. I blend insight with action, helping you feel seen and supported to take steps forward.

Evidence-Based
I draw on a range of evidence-based modalities that are developmentally appropriate, trauma-responsive, and tailored to your goals. These include EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Child-Centered Play Therapy. Every strategy I use is backed by research, and adapted with care to fit your unique needs.