Astans
I am committed to ongoing learning and professional development to provide compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based support.
I am a professional member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Qualifications
- Master of Counselling
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies for Health Professionals
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116)
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Behind the Practice
Our Story
About Anchored Space
At Anchored Space Mental Health Service, we believe that healing begins when you feel safe enough to be yourself. Life can bring experiences that leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain, but you don’t have to face those challenges alone. Our purpose is to provide a compassionate, supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to move towards healing and lasting wellbeing.
Anchored Space was founded on the belief that every person has an innate capacity for growth, resilience, and recovery. Regardless of your story or where you find yourself today, we believe there is always hope. Our role is not to tell you who you should be, but to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strengths, reconnect with what matters most, and create meaningful change in your life.
Our Philosophy
We understand that our experiences shape more than our thoughts – they influence our emotions, relationships, physical wellbeing, and sense of identity. Difficult life experiences, including trauma, loss, chronic stress, family conflict, and major life transitions, can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and those around us.
At Anchored Space, we take a person-centred, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to counselling. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”, we gently explore “What has happened to you?” This perspective allows us to understand your experiences with compassion rather than judgement and to honour the resilience that has helped you reach this point.
We believe healing is most effective when we care for the whole person. Our counselling recognises the close connection between the mind, body, emotions, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Trauma and ongoing stress can affect the nervous system, influencing how we think, feel, respond to others, and experience everyday life. Healing is not simply about talking through difficult experiences—it is about helping your whole self feel safe, regulated, connected, and supported.
Our aim is to help you better understand your experiences, regulate your nervous system, build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with your values and sense of purpose.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
At Anchored Space, we offer holistic support because we know that wellbeing is about much more than reducing symptoms. True healing considers every aspect of your life—your emotional health, physical wellbeing, relationships, personal strengths, culture, values, and spiritual beliefs where these are important to you.
Every counselling journey is unique. We work collaboratively with you, respecting your pace and recognising that you are the expert in your own life. Together, we create a safe therapeutic relationship where you have choice, your voice is valued, and your experiences are honoured.
Our practice is guided by the principles of:
- Safety – creating an environment where you feel emotionally and psychologically secure.
- Connection – building genuine therapeutic relationships that foster trust and belonging.
- Compassion – meeting every person with empathy, respect, and without judgement.
- Collaboration – working alongside you to achieve your goals.
- Empowerment – helping you recognise your strengths and supporting you to make informed choices.
- Hope – believing that healing, growth, and recovery are possible for everyone.
Our Experience
Anchored Space is led by an experienced Mental Health Registered Nurse and Counsellor with more than a decade of experience supporting individuals across a broad range of mental health settings.
Our experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. We have extensive experience in community mental health, crisis intervention, dual diagnosis, neurodiversity, intellectual disability, and supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our practice combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with genuine compassion, recognising that healing happens through relationships where people feel safe, respected, and understood.
Our Promise to You
We know that reaching out for support can feel like one of the hardest steps to take. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, parenting, life transitions, or simply feeling overwhelmed, you deserve a space where you can slow down, breathe, and feel genuinely supported.
At Anchored Space, we are committed to walking alongside you with compassion, respect, and hope. We will meet you where you are, honour your unique journey, and support you to build on your strengths while creating meaningful and lasting change.
Because healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in connection.
Whether you’re seeking support through a difficult season, working to heal from past experiences, or striving to live with greater purpose and wellbeing, we are here to walk alongside you. At Anchored Space, you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we’ll create a safe place to pause, reconnect with yourself, build on your strengths, and move forward with hope, courage, and confidence—one step at a time.
Find your anchor. Discover your strength. Embrace hope. Together, we’ll navigate the journey toward healing, connection, and recovery.
My Experience
At Anchored Space, my approach is grounded in compassion, connection, and creating a safe space where people feel genuinely heard. With more than 10 years of experience working in community mental health, I have supported individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional distress, grief, psychosis, addiction, and life challenges.
My professional background includes working across acute mental health, rehabilitation, crisis response, and continuing care within community mental health services. This experience has strengthened my ability to support people during overwhelming and vulnerable moments while remaining calm, compassionate, and person-centred.
I have extensive experience in:
- Emotional support and therapeutic communication
- Crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment
- Trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care
- Mental health assessment and collaborative care planning
- Supporting individuals and families through difficult life experiences
- Creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for healing and reflection
Modalities / Therapy Approaches
I draw on an integrative, client-centred approach using evidence-based and therapies, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Polyvagal-informed practice
- Somatic approaches
My counselling approach values the importance of trust, empathy, and human connection. I believe meaningful change often begins when people feel safe enough to share their story without fear of judgment. I work from a strengths-based perspective, supporting people to reconnect with hope, resilience, and their own inner capacity for growth.
Alongside my professional experience, my personal journey as a mother, mental health clinician, and holder of a Master’s degree in counselling has deepened my understanding of the importance of self-care, emotional wellbeing, and authentic connection.
Our Values
Anchored Space Counselling Service is grounded in the following core values:
- Compassion
A warm, empathetic, and non-judgemental space where individuals feel safe to share their experiences. - Respect
Honouring each person’s story, culture, identity, and lived experience. - Strengths & Hope
Believing every person holds unique strengths and inner resources, and supporting them to reconnect with hope. - Empowerment
Supporting individuals to build confidence, develop skills, and reconnect with their inner strengths. - Safety
Prioritising emotional, psychological, and relational safety at all times. - Connection
Recognising that healing happens through authentic and meaningful therapeutic relationships. - Cultural Sensitivity
Practising with awareness and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. - Integrity
Working with honesty, professionalism, and strong ethical foundations.
Helpful Resources for Healing & Wellbeing
Healing looks different for everyone. Sometimes support can come through books, podcasts, websites, grounding practices, or simply learning that you are not alone. Below are a few gentle and supportive resources that may help you on your journey toward emotional wellbeing, self-understanding, and connection.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
- Beyond Blue — Support, information, and resources for anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing.
- Lifeline Australia — Crisis support, self-help tools, and emotional support services.
- Black Dog Institute — Evidence-based information on mental health, resilience, and wellbeing.
- SANE Australia — Resources and support for complex mental health challenges and trauma.
Trauma & Healing
- Blue Knot Foundation — Support and education for trauma, childhood trauma, and recovery.
- The Body Keeps the Score — A powerful book exploring how trauma impacts the mind and body.
- What Happened to You? — A compassionate look at trauma, behaviour, and healing.
Self-Compassion & Personal Growth
- The Gifts of Imperfection — Encourages self-acceptance, vulnerability, and courage.
- Self-Compassion — Gentle guidance on treating yourself with kindness during difficult moments.
- Atomic Habits — Practical support for creating small, meaningful life changes.
Mindfulness & Grounding
- Smiling Mind — Free mindfulness and meditation programs for all ages.
- Insight Timer — Guided meditations, sleep support, and calming practices.
- Spending time in nature, gardening, gentle movement, journalling, prayer, or quiet reflection can also support emotional healing and reconnection.
Crisis & Immediate Support
If you are in crisis or need immediate support:
- Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service
- Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Book A Free 15 Minute Consultation
A supportive space to ask questions and explore how counselling may help.
Your Experience
What Clients Can Expect
From the very first session, the focus is on creating a space where individuals feel safe, supported, and heard. Sessions are guided by compassion, trust, and collaboration — with support tailored to each person’s unique needs and experiences.
Safe & Supportive Space
A calm, respectful, and non-judgemental environment where your story matters.
Client-Led Approach
Support that moves at your pace, guided by your goals, needs, and comfort.
Inclusive & Culturally Sensitive
Respectful support for individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
Trauma-Informed Care
Prioritising emotional safety, trust, empowerment, and meaningful connection.
Trusted by Clients
Rated 5 Stars on Google Reviews
"Astans provided a safe, grounded space for my teenager during a highly anxious school year. Her background as a nurse and counselor shines through."
"Incredibly inclusive and respectful. As someone from a non-religious background, I felt deeply heard and respected by Astans at Anchored Space."
"Her dual clinical expertise in acute care and child mental health brought a level of safety and competence our family desperately needed."
"Anchored Space lives up to its name. Astans balances deep clinical assessment with genuine compassion. Highly recommend her services."
"We appreciate her gentle, values-based approach. She understands family dynamics beautifully, likely because she is a mother herself."
"Professional, deeply collaborative, and fully registered with ACA/AHPRA. It gave me total peace of mind for our adolescent care."
"Astans provided a safe, grounded space for my teenager during a highly anxious school year. Her background as a nurse and counselor shines through."
"Incredibly inclusive and respectful. As someone from a non-religious background, I felt deeply heard and respected by Astans at Anchored Space."
"Her dual clinical expertise in acute care and child mental health brought a level of safety and competence our family desperately needed."
"Anchored Space lives up to its name. Astans balances deep clinical assessment with genuine compassion. Highly recommend her services."
"We appreciate her gentle, values-based approach. She understands family dynamics beautifully, likely because she is a mother herself."
"Professional, deeply collaborative, and fully registered with ACA/AHPRA. It gave me total peace of mind for our adolescent care."
"The integrated Christian perspective offered a layer of hope that was missing from other therapeutic approaches I have tried before."
"Over a decade of clinical background shows in her assessments. Astans is a phenomenal counselor and clinical ally."
"Finding an ACA and AHPRA registered professional with actual community mental health experience changed everything for my child."
"So culturally respectful and inclusive. Her interventions are collaborative, leaving our entire family feeling empowered."
"Compassionate and structurally structured care. The space is warm, and the strategies offered are thoroughly practical."
"Astans brings an authentic heart to counseling. Her experience across acute and adolescent services makes her highly skilled."
"The integrated Christian perspective offered a layer of hope that was missing from other therapeutic approaches I have tried before."
"Over a decade of clinical background shows in her assessments. Astans is a phenomenal counselor and clinical ally."
"Finding an ACA and AHPRA registered professional with actual community mental health experience changed everything for my child."
"So culturally respectful and inclusive. Her interventions are collaborative, leaving our entire family feeling empowered."
"Compassionate and structurally structured care. The space is warm, and the strategies offered are thoroughly practical."
"Astans brings an authentic heart to counseling. Her experience across acute and adolescent services makes her highly skilled."
"Outstanding care. The respect for worldview differences combined with an option for Christian counseling was exactly what we needed."
"Being a mother herself, Astans connected deeply with our family struggles. We felt valued and expertly guided throughout."
"Her strategic approach to child and adolescent care helped lower our household stress drastically within weeks."
"Deeply compassionate, professional, and ethical. Highly safe and recommended space for anyone seeking real therapeutic growth."
"Exceptional services tailored perfectly for adolescent dynamics. Anchored Space is a vital community asset."
"Her grounding in clinical nurse practices brings an extra layer of confidence to the therapeutic process. 5 stars."
"Outstanding care. The respect for worldview differences combined with an option for Christian counseling was exactly what we needed."
"Being a mother herself, Astans connected deeply with our family struggles. We felt valued and expertly guided throughout."
"Her strategic approach to child and adolescent care helped lower our household stress drastically within weeks."
"Deeply compassionate, professional, and ethical. Highly safe and recommended space for anyone seeking real therapeutic growth."
"Exceptional services tailored perfectly for adolescent dynamics. Anchored Space is a vital community asset."
"Her grounding in clinical nurse practices brings an extra layer of confidence to the therapeutic process. 5 stars."