Meet Zhaun

I'm a Level 4 member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the highest tier, recognising my training, clinical experience, and commitment to ethical, person-centred care. The ACA is Australia’s peak body for counsellors, ensuring high standards of mental health support.

I have connection to Darrba and Butchulla, with roots in Hopevale and K’gari (Fraser Island). My cultural identity, lived experience, and values all shape how I work — grounded in care, empowerment, and trust.

I live with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. My neurodivergence helps me understand and support people who feel different, misunderstood, or overlooked.

This is Prince sharing the photo with me, he’s my rescue dog and loyal sidekick. He’s a Mastiff x Pitbull with a big heart, goofy smile, and a deep love for meeting people (and stealing attention at the dog park).

Prince is allergic to just about everything — grass, dirt, even some foods — but he doesn’t let that stop him from living his best life. He’s social, gentle, and a daily reminder of how healing connection can be.

You won’t see him in sessions, but if you ever hear a bark in the background… that’s Prince saying hello.

I’ve worked across QLD Health, NGO’s, Aboriginal Health Services, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, and Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs just to name a few.

The common theme of topics discussed were substance use, anxiety, depression, understanding, and trauma recovery — holding space for people in complex, often overwhelming situations.

Some of my past roles include:

  • Senior Youth Case Manager and Counsellor, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service (Yarrabah)

  • Acting Youth Wellbeing Manager, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service (Yarrabah)

  • Mental Health Clinician, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service (Yarrabah)

  • Dual Diagnosis Therapist, QuIHN

  • Lotus Glen Correctional Prison - AOD Facilitator

  • Counsellor, DrugARM

  • Smoking Cessation Specialist, Quitline QLD

  • Child Safety Officer, QLD Government

I bring professional insight, lived understanding, and a strong heart for the people I work with.

My Professional Background

(In this photo, he looks a little nervous, it was taken during his first week of adoption. Like many of us, he’s learning to settle, trust, and feel safe.)

🧠 My Counselling Style

I work from a space of respect, curiosity, and care — knowing that you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, not in front.

I mainly draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Neuro-Affirming Therapy, while using an integrative approach that adapts to your needs, your pace, and your story.

🌀 ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

ACT helps us focus on what really matters — your values, your direction, and learning how to live with the hard stuff without letting it take over. Together, we explore what’s holding you back and how to take meaningful steps forward.

📘 CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

CBT focuses on understanding the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Together, we identify patterns that may be causing distress and work on practical strategies to create positive change in your day-to-day life.

🧩 Neuro-Affirming Therapy

This approach honours neurodiversity and supports you in understanding your brain, processing experiences, and developing strategies that align with your unique way of thinking and experiencing the world.

🛡️ Trauma-Informed Care

My practice is grounded in safety, trust, and choice. You will never be rushed, judged, or pushed to go where you're not ready. I work gently, holding space for you to process, reflect, speak your truth, and begin to understand the impact of what you’ve been through — at your own pace.

🧰 An Integrative Approach

Every person is different. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. I bring together different tools and ways of working — from grounding and mindfulness, to values-based reflections or creative methods — depending on what suits you best.

In every session, I aim to create a space where you're seen, heard, and supported — not “fixed,” but understood. Where your story leads the way, and I walk alongside you.