Pittwater Counselling

Established in 2007 Pittwater Counselling is a small group practice of highly experienced mental health clinicians. Lisa Fawkner and Helen Farquharson are both Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. We have Medicare provider numbers and offer free counselling under the Psychological Access Plus program run by PCCS (formerly known as ATAPS). We also provide a range of services under a number of programs including Better Access to Mental Health Care, Chronic Diseases Management (Enhanced Primary Care) and Non Directive Pregnancy Support Counselling. Lisa is registered with the NDIS to provide individual counselling.

A referral for counselling under these programs requires a referral from a General Practitioner, and entitles the client to a rebate or a free service (Access Plus).

Referrals are also welcome from Psychiatrists, Pediatricians, parents and word of mouth.

Helen Farquharson (BSW, MSc) is a Social Worker and Family Therapist with more than twenty-five years' experience. She has extensive knowledge in the field of child and adolescent mental health and expertise in working with couples and families with relationship difficulties. Helen is also very experienced in working with adults of any age on issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma and abuse. Helen uses evidence based practice in her work and believes that every client has a unique story and a potential for positive change.

Lisa Fawkner BSW (Hons) AMHSW is a Social Worker with 28 years of experience working in public and private mental health services. She specializes in child, adolescent and family counselling and also has extensive experience working with adults in individual and family therapy. Lisa has extensive clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, loss and grief, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, personality disorder, psychosis, substance use, sexual diversity, domestic violence and provides clinical supervision to social workers and allied health clinicians. Lisa works in a respectful, creative and relaxed manner that is evidence based and strength based in order to challenge and support clients to achieve the changes they desire.

Between us we work Monday to Saturday, and some evenings by appointment. Please feel free to contact us by phone.