Counselling and the psychology of therapy
Our Vision for Therapy
Umbrella Counselling Canberra is a therapy service that understands the pressures of modern life and seeks to support you to live the most balanced life you can. Often, people will say, “I thought everyone felt like this?!” but that is not always true. If there is something you would like to change or unpack, no matter how small, then come and talk it through. We are sure we can guide you to a clearer understanding of yourself and improve your everyday life. We are very experience in working the Neurodiverse adults and young people.
As well as one-to-one therapy for all ages, Umbrella Counselling provides a unique, holistic and fully connected wellbeing service for young people and their families that encapsulates education, wellbeing, and community services. We offer relationship counselling to help support you and your family to communicate more effectively no matter what the family dynamic. We can also offer couples counselling to help you find a common language and give you the tools you need to work together.
Our aim is to provide client and outcomes-focused therapy for the real world that also connects and helps teens and young people navigate the systems and services required to improve their whole lives. Improving mental health and wellbeing in conjunction with improved family cohesion, along with guidance on practical steps to re-engage with their education, employment and family relationships, allows young people to build a stronger future and open up pathways that steer them away from negative outcomes.
Our therapists conduct effective talk therapy to assist you in achieving optimal mental health, and provide treatment for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. The right advice, guidance and support delivered with empathy, confidentiality will increase your well-being and get you headed in the right direction.
Lyndsey Houghton,
Principal Therapist,
Masters in Counselling
I am originally from the UK, and I have worked in Asia as well as the Northern Territory of Australia and Canberra. I am a busy mum of two who understands how hard it is to balance everything and still find time and space for yourself. People are the element of life that inspire and intrigue me, and I am curious about why and how people behave in the way they do. I am passionate about taking a person-centred approach to therapy and seek to understand your story from your point of view. I specialise in working with adolescents and their families, helping to support young people through the unique challenges they face.
After 20 years working in education, specialising in complex case management and serving as an executive in student well-being, my extensive experience in the education sector has provided me with a strong and broad understanding of the challenges and obstacles that individuals may face, especially in the realm of well-being of teens and young people and their families. With my background and expertise, I have heard everything and am very open minded. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to support individuals in overcoming their difficulties and achieving personal growth and well-being.
Malika,
Masters In Psychotherapy & Counselling
Registered Level 3 with the ACA
Malika is passionate about supporting adolescents, young adults and adults who are experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, life transitions, and the challenges that can come with neurodiversity and everyday life.
She believes that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely heard, understood and accepted. Malika takes a warm, collaborative and person-centred approach, creating a safe space where clients can explore their experiences, develop new skills, and move towards the life they want to live.
Having worked across youth mental health and community services, Malika has supported young people and adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, OCD, low mood, trauma, self-esteem difficulties, and major life transitions. She enjoys helping clients better understand themselves, build resilience, and develop practical strategies that support lasting change.
Originally from India and now living in Canberra, Malika values the richness of different cultures, perspectives and life experiences. She is passionate about providing inclusive, trauma-informed care and tailoring therapy to the unique needs, strengths and goals of each individual.
Malika integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based strategies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed practice. She holds a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling, has completed High Intensity CBT training, and is a Level 3 registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Caroline Rees,
Masters in counselling,
Registered Level 2 with the ACA
Caroline is passionate about walking beside young people and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and those navigating the challenges of neurodivergence and everyday life challenges.
Her approach is person-centred and trauma-informed. She integrates evidence-based strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural therapy. She draws on emotion-focussed and attachment-based therapies, helping individuals to explore patterns, beliefs and deeper emotions impacting their experience.
Caroline has previously worked in the public service, where she connected with individuals from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds and witnessed stories of trauma and resilience. This sparked her passion for the healing power of walking with people through their most difficult times.
Caroline has finished a Master of Counselling and is registered level 2 with the ACA.
Meg,
Social Worker,
Registered With The AASW
Meg is a Social Worker registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), specialising in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and behaviour change work. Over her career, she has gained extensive experience supporting people navigating complex AOD and mental health challenges.
Her practice is deeply rooted in person-centred, trauma-informed care, drawing on evidence-based therapies like CBT to help you make sense of your patterns and sustainable positive change.
Meg believes true healing involves the whole person-mind, body and spirit. She integrates her background as a qualified yoga teacher with her counselling practice to offer yoga therapy. This holistic approach combines traditional therapeutic interactions with somatic movement, mindfulness, and breath-work allowing you to process experiences safely at your own pace.
Meg firmly believes that no one is a lost cause, there is always hope. No matter how lost or stuck you might feel, Meg provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can rediscover your strengths, build skills and resilience, and create a meaningful path forward.
Alexia Mudruk,
Masters In Counselling
We are delighted to welcome Alexia to our practice.
Alexia brings warmth, insight and rich life experience to her work. With a background in education and professional support roles, and a Master of Counselling, she works from a person-centred, trauma-informed lens. believing every person already holds inner resources for healing.
Alexia supports young people, families and adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, identity concerns, relationship difficulties and life transitions. She integrates evidence-based and creative approaches, drawing on ACT, attachment-informed practice and gentle experiential tools to meet clients where they are.
Clients describe Alexia as calm, grounded, and deeply respectful, someone who walks beside them and creates a safe, collaborative space for growth.
Outside the therapy room, Alexia volunteers with Lifeline in crisis support and suicide prevention and is passionate about ethical, community-minded care.
Alexia is now accepting new clients at Umbrella Counselling.
Millie,
Support Dog
Millie (full name Zamilda) is a two-year-old English Staffie, and she is obsessed with supporting people. She will offer emotional support, distraction and endless love.
If you would like Millie in your session, you can just ask! She would love to meet you. (she is not available every day as she needs her rest, let us know via email if you would really like her and we will try and accommodate).
