- Strengths focused
- Practical steps
- Relationship aware
About Bernadette
Bernadette Welham is an AASW counsellor with five years of professional experience in Australia. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, parenting challenges and relationship strain. Bernadette also supports those dealing with trauma, abuse and depression, and she values each person’s strengths when they decide to seek help.
She begins by listening closely and letting clients tell their story in their own words. Sessions focus on what matters now and on small, practical steps that can reduce overwhelm. Bernadette aims for clear, simple conversation rather than jargon or long worksheets.
Her approach draws on attachment ideas and client-centred principles, so sessions often look at how relationships shape feelings and choices. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used when helpful to challenge unhelpful thinking and build coping skills. Mindfulness tools are offered to help with stress, sleep and emotional regulation.
Bernadette keeps work collaborative. She helps people set realistic goals and checks in on progress each session. Clients can expect to be treated with respect and to work at a pace that feels manageable.
Practical concerns such as sleep, eating, anger and career stress are addressed alongside deeper issues like grief, intimacy and addiction. She also offers support for people navigating chronic illness, caregiving strain, adoption and attachment-related concerns.
If someone is unsure how therapy might fit into their life, Bernadette encourages a short first step to discuss goals and see whether her style feels right.
She begins by listening closely and letting clients tell their story in their own words. Sessions focus on what matters now and on small, practical steps that can reduce overwhelm. Bernadette aims for clear, simple conversation rather than jargon or long worksheets.
Her approach draws on attachment ideas and client-centred principles, so sessions often look at how relationships shape feelings and choices. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used when helpful to challenge unhelpful thinking and build coping skills. Mindfulness tools are offered to help with stress, sleep and emotional regulation.
Bernadette keeps work collaborative. She helps people set realistic goals and checks in on progress each session. Clients can expect to be treated with respect and to work at a pace that feels manageable.
Practical concerns such as sleep, eating, anger and career stress are addressed alongside deeper issues like grief, intimacy and addiction. She also offers support for people navigating chronic illness, caregiving strain, adoption and attachment-related concerns.
If someone is unsure how therapy might fit into their life, Bernadette encourages a short first step to discuss goals and see whether her style feels right.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
AASW · Australia
Languages
English
How her approaches guide online work
Attachment-based work looks at how past relationships shape current reactions and helps people spot patterns that affect closeness and trust. It can be useful for intimacy issues, abandonment concerns and attachment-related difficulties. Client-centred therapy focuses on listening, validation and following the client’s agenda so people feel heard and can set their own goals. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) gives clear tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which often helps with anxiety, low mood and coping with life changes.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to identify goals and decide which methods suit the person’s needs and preferences. That choice can change over time as progress is reviewed together.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let a person try different approaches from the same place and move at a pace that fits their life.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Bernadette help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, relationship issues, trauma and depression. Additional areas include grief, addictions, self-esteem and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a collaborative, plain-speaking style that focuses on strengths and small practical steps. Conversations aim to be straightforward and goal-oriented.
What is her professional background?
She has five years of professional work experience and draws on a mix of approaches to tailor support to each person.
What credentials does she hold and where is she located?
She is credentialed with AASW and works from Australia.
Can sessions be held in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography did not specify session formats, so confirm current session options with the platform before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.