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- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship difficulties
- Evidence-informed methods
About Helen
AASW credentialed social worker with 20 years' experience. Helen Fairbanks helps adults with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and depression. She works with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or who are facing major life changes and want practical ways to move forward.
Helen describes counselling as a collaborative conversation. She listens, helps make sense of what is happening, and focuses on clear, practical strategies. Sessions aim to identify strengths and develop steps people can try between meetings.
Her work draws on evidence-informed techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Helen adapts these methods to the person in front of her rather than following a rigid plan.
She has two decades of clinical experience supporting adults through grief, workplace stress, parenting strain, recovery from trauma, and the downstream effects of chronic illness and caregiving. Helen also addresses issues like communication breakdowns, commitment and attachment concerns, and body image difficulties.
People who prefer clear, structured conversations about practical next steps tend to find her approach useful. To start, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session where goals and an initial plan are discussed.
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How evidence-informed approaches translate to online work
Helen draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as practical tools. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and testing small changes. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters to them and take committed steps even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present; it can help with ongoing stress, grief and complex life transitions.Finding the right approach is collaborative. Helen will discuss different methods and agree with the client which techniques to try first, then adjust as work progresses. The aim is to match the approach to a person’s goals, capacity and preferred pace rather than use a single fixed model.
Confirm current session formats before booking, as the biography does not specify them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy day, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people continue work during life changes or when attending in-person sessions would be difficult. Appropriately qualified therapists can guide practical choices about format, frequency and length to suit individual circumstances.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
Helen works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and depression, plus related concerns such as grief, caregiving stress and communication problems.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She uses clear, evidence-informed techniques and helps people set concrete steps to try between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience as a mental health clinician and social worker supporting adults with a wide range of difficulties.
What credentials and location apply?
She is accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and practices in Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin a first appointment?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to set goals and an initial plan.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.