Simon Dowling, ACA

Simon Dowling is an ACA counsellor with five years of professional practice in Australia. He helps people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about the next step. He encourages straightforward conversation and aims to make starting therapy feel manageable for someone who might be anxious or hesitant.

He draws on more than two decades of informal experience supporting others, and uses that background to guide practical conversations about everyday problems. Sessions focus on clear goals such as reducing stress, easing anxiety, improving self-esteem, or working through relationship concerns. He also helps people navigate issues like midlife changes, motivation and concentration, and worries related to depression or ADHD.

Simon creates a calm place to talk where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. He aims to break concerns into small, workable steps and to build on what already helps the person. Conversations often include checking practical routines, communication habits, and ways to manage unhelpful thinking.

He has worked with young people and couples in the past and adapts his approach to each person's needs. His style is direct but respectful, helping clients set realistic goals and track progress over time. He acknowledges the courage it takes to begin therapy and focuses on steady, achievable change.

If someone wants to explore how therapy might fit into their life, Simon encourages taking the first step and booking an initial session to discuss priorities and a possible plan.

How evidence-based techniques translate to online therapy

Simon uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach targets anxious or unhelpful thinking by helping people notice patterns, test unhelpful thoughts, and try new behaviours; this can reduce worry and improve coping. Another useful approach emphasises building clearer communication and relationship skills, which helps with conflict, connection and day-to-day interactions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Simon works with each person to identify what feels most useful and adjusts methods as progress is made and goals change. He encourages discussion about what works and what doesn’t so the plan can be tailored over time.

If you are considering online sessions, please confirm which formats are currently offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing quicker check-ins between commitments. It can also suit people who prefer shorter or more frequent contacts, or who need flexible scheduling around work and family life.