There’s a reason I chose to call it Your Courageous Life Counselling. Life brings challenges, but within each of us lies the strength to face them. Our courage.
Sometimes, when life gets overwhelming, we lose sight of that strength.
Whatever you’re facing, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your struggles, whether it’s grief, workplace bullying, anxiety or depression. You will be met with compassion, kindness and the support you need to feel heard and understood.
My name is Phillip Hayston, founder of Your Courageous Life, a small private practice that provides support and guidance to individuals within targeted areas of expertise. These include Anxiety, Depression, Workplace Conflict, Men’s Mental Health, Trauma and Grief. I also offer support to those in the LGBTQIA community, especially those grappling with identity or feelings of disconnection.
My approach is to take the time to assess an individual’s capacity and capability to therapy. This recognises that everyone is different and that no one approach will fit all. Inner resources may be hidden or “protected” due to lifestyle, life events or trauma. I share initial observations and provide advice on a suggested therapeutic approach.
With personal, lived experience in these areas of specialisation, I am committed to continuously researching, learning and expanding my therapies to support you on your journey.
I am a post graduate of Macquarie University, holding an MBA, undergraduate degrees in the Arts and Commerce, and Diplomas in Corporate Governance and Counselling. I transitioned from a career in commerce seven years ago to life coaching and support to those who had suffered bullying and intimidation in the workplace. My counselling practice has provided me further opportunities to pursue my passion: supporting those in need through therapeutic and technical knowledge, while drawing from a lived experience.
You’re stronger than you think, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, guidance, and understanding, you can face life’s challenges with confidence.
Trust is the foundation of the client-therapist relationship. Guided by compassion, empathy and support, I am dedicated to building this trust with every client.
Without it, the space for healing cannot flourish, and you may feel hesitant to open up. That’s why I prioritise creating a safe, supportive environment where trust can grow. Regular “check-ins” and feedback loops are part of my practice, ensuring that together we nurture a bond built on mutual trust, respect and confidence.
Empathy is about truly understanding how you’re feeling and where you’re coming from. It is the ability to sit with you through your pain, feelings and emotions and ensure that you feel heard. Without empathy, connection isn’t possible, and without connection, trust can’t grow. In my practice, you can trust me to listen and understand, no matter what you’re going through.
Compassion means offering kindness and care when it’s needed most. I draw on personal, lived experiences to create a space where you can share freely, without fear or judgment. Here, you will find kindness, care and understanding throughout your journey.
My approach focuses on helping you reconnect with your inner strength, rediscovering the courage that already exists within you. I then introduce personalised tools and frameworks to expand your learning and build strength, resilience and stronger coping skills.
This step-by-step process, from understanding you then adding to your life skills, creates a deeply personalised approach to therapy. I recognise that every individual comes to counselling with different values, beliefs and skills, which is why I tailor my approach to support you in the most meaningful way possible.
Finding your inner courage and learning how to effectively use it empowers you to live bolder, happier and more confidently.
Together, we will explore how you engage and connect with others, whether it’s with your partner, friends, or colleagues, and uncover ways to improve and better nurture these relationships.
With personalised tools and educated guidance, I will help you approach your social interactions with greater ease and understanding. My goal is to support you in creating a space of empowerment, compassion, and confidence.
My passion and dedication to helping others comes from lived personal experience. I help because I care; a sentiment, empathy and approach that comes across in every counselling session.
My approach is compassion-centred, providing each client with genuine care, kindness and empathy. I am committed to building a supportive relationship where you can feel confident, heard, valued and fully supported in your journey.
I know that each person’s life journey, values, beliefs and experiences are unique. Regardless of the challenges you face, each session meets you where you are - offering a true understanding of your journey to date - and then helping you discover and explore “what could be”.
Monday – Friday: 9am-7pm
Saturday: by Arrangement
Your Courageous Life is registered with ACA.
