When something in life quietly needs to

change 

Psychologically informed counselling for adults navigating stress, midlife transitions and patterns that no longer feel sustainable.

Hi, I’m Isabella Ferguson.

I’m an experienced counsellor working with adults who are navigating periods of change, emotional strain, or patterns that no longer serve them. My work is grounded in psychological theory, evidence-informed practice, and a genuine respect for the complexity of adult life.

Many of the people who come to see me are thoughtful, capable individuals managing full and demanding lives. From the outside things may appear stable — careers, families and responsibilities — yet internally something begins to feel slightly out of alignment. I support people with concerns including anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship difficulties, and coping behaviours such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, and problematic alcohol use that have gradually become more prominent during periods of stress.

Often the question is not simply “How do I fix this problem?” but rather “Why do certain patterns keep repeating, and how might things begin to change?”

Counselling provides a space to understand what may be happening beneath the surface and to develop more sustainable ways of responding to stress, relationships, and internal pressure over time.

I practise in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics and offer confidential, professional care. Alongside individual counselling, I’ve developed structured programs to support reflection and behavioural change where this is helpful.

Change often begins with a sense that something isn’t quite right — even if it’s hard to name. Many people arrive knowing they want things to feel different, but unsure how to understand the patterns they’re caught in or what needs to shift.

Understanding patterns that shape change.

Structured Programs

(By Enquiry)

Some people prefer a structured, self-paced way of working alongside or instead of individual counselling.

Where appropriate, I offer psychologically informed programs designed to support reflection, insight, and behavioural change. These may be helpful for people exploring patterns around stress, coping, or alcohol use, and can be undertaken at your own pace.

noticing patterns that keep repeating

rethinking roles and expectations

working with complexity, not quick fixes

developing clarity under stress

letting go of unhelpful strategies

psychologically informed care

noticing patterns that keep repeating • rethinking roles and expectations • working with complexity, not quick fixes • developing clarity under stress • letting go of unhelpful strategies • psychologically informed care •

Services

Individual counselling

One-to-one sessions focused on understanding patterns, developing insight, and supporting meaningful, sustainable change. I work collaboratively and with care, tailoring the work to each person’s circumstances and goals.

Sessions are offered via telehealth.

I offer individual counselling for adults seeking thoughtful, psychologically informed support. This work focuses on understanding patterns, navigating change, and developing more sustainable ways of responding to stress, relationships, and internal pressure over time.

Online programs

A limited number of self-paced programs are available for those seeking a structured approach to behaviour change. These can complement individual counselling where appropriate.

Enquiries welcome.

  • I had already given up alcohol successfully when I came to Isabella for help to work out how to be happier. I was stuck, aimless and wanted more but didn’t know where to start. My life now feels brighter! I’ve found greater purpose overall, but I’m so excited to embark on the new course I am studying. I am grateful for what I have, understand my limiting thoughts, know what motivates me… I actually know what I want and how to get there. I am very thankful I found Isabella.

    Becky

  • To be honest I was not expecting that my behaviour would change as much as it has when I first started working with Isabella. I was stressed, in the middle of a separation and was only doing this for the kids. But over the weeks it all just got easier. Isabella cares about what she does and her experience of both being a lawyer and her own burnout experience helped me immensely. I’d recommend Isabella to anyone who finds themselves stuck.

    Mark (Lawyer)

  • I came to Isabella feeling pretty low and desperate to stop binge drinking. Isabella made me feel welcomed and gave me a plan to change. I probably wasn’t the easiest of clients but Isabella kept encouraging me and I have found that I am a much happier and calmer person on the other side.

    Sara (HR)

  • Isabella guided me through a difficult patch with care and skill. I feel like the old me is back and I am excited for the future. On top of that, Isabella has a great sense of humour which made it all so much easier.

    Sophie

Previous work

I have previously hosted podcast conversations exploring wellbeing, stress, and our relationship with alcohol. Selected interviews remain available on podcast platforms.


Featured Resource

Understanding the Patterns That Shape Change

Many people find it helpful to begin by exploring some of the psychological patterns that influence stress, coping behaviours and life transitions.

A short reflective guide is available below.

An initial conversation 

Considering a conversation

If you’ve found yourself recognising some of the patterns described here, it may simply be a sign that something in life is asking for attention. Many people begin counselling not because something has gone terribly wrong, but because they sense that something in life is ready to change.

You’re welcome to arrange a brief introductory call or book a counselling session if you would like to explore things further.

There is no expectation — simply an opportunity to talk things through and consider whether working together might be helpful.

Use the booking button below to book either an introductory call or a session.