Social Work and Hypnotherapy.

At Adaptive Counselling and Psychology, we understand that support must be flexible, integrated, and responsive to the complex realities people face. That’s why we offer two distinct but complementary streams of care: Social Work Support and Therapeutic Services, including Strategic Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Each pathway can be accessed independently or together, depending on your goals and circumstances.

Social Work Support

Led by Accredited Social Worker Laura Illsley, our social work services offer practical, emotional, and advocacy-based support tailored to your life situation. With over 16 years of experience, Laura helps individuals and families navigate complex systems, address barriers to stability, and work toward meaningful life goals.

Social Work Services Include:

Life Administration Support: Help with paperwork, appointments, budgeting, and NDIS navigation

  • Housing Support: Social housing applications, tenancy advocacy, and crisis housing pathways

  • Centrelink Assistance: DSP applications, appeals, and troubleshooting access issues

  • Legal Advocacy: Support with court preparation, legal aid referrals, and emotional accompaniment

  • Professional Liaison: Collaboration with other services (e.g. property managers, GPs, legal reps)

  • Community Access: Support connecting with local groups, programs, and peer networks

  • Goal Setting & Coaching: Support to build independence, structure, and future direction

Strategic Psychotherapy & Clinical Hypnotherapy

Laura also offers specialised therapeutic services for individuals seeking support with emotional and behavioural change. Using a tailored, client-centred approach, Laura works with adults, children, and young people to address a wide range of concerns.

Common Areas of Support:

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive thoughts

  • Exam and performance anxiety

  • Perfectionism, procrastination, and self-sabotage

  • Anger, guilt, and difficulties with forgiveness

  • Workplace stress, lack of purpose, and irrational thought patterns

Drawing on The Gordian Pillars—a modern, outcomes-based model of strategic psychotherapy—Laura blends structured therapy with clinical hypnotherapy to create deep, lasting change. She trained under renowned psychotherapist Gordon Young at the Institute of Applied Psychology and brings an evidence-based, empowering approach to all therapeutic work.

Why Choose Us

  • Holistic, integrated care under one roof

  • Clear distinction between therapy and practical support—offering what you need, when you need it

  • Trauma-informed, client-led practice

  • Flexible delivery: in-home, online, or in-clinic

  • Extensive experience across disability, mental health, family violence, and complex life circumstances