- Relationship issues
- Anger and triggers
- Grief and loss
About Berni
Berni Palings is a PACFA counsellor in Australia with 11 years of professional experience. She works with people facing relationship strain, grief and loss, trauma, low self-esteem, career setbacks, stress, anxiety, addictions and anger. She also supports clients dealing with depression and LGBT issues. Sessions are available in English and Dutch.
Berni keeps sessions practical and straightforward. She listens to the facts of what happened, then helps people try small changes that make daily life easier. She treats the person in front of her as the expert on their own life and focuses on building the skills they already have.
Clients can expect clear, step-by-step conversations rather than abstract theory. Berni uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address difficult feelings and unhelpful patterns. The work can include talking through recent events, identifying triggers, and practising new ways of responding.
She also assists people with specific life challenges like adoption and foster care issues, ageing and caregiver stress, workplace problems, and coping with prejudice or discrimination. Berni has experience supporting those affected by sexual assault and domestic violence, and she works with people managing drug and alcohol addiction.
Practical matters are part of the process. Sessions look at what fits into a person’s routine, what small experiments might help, and how to keep progress steady without overloading day-to-day life. The initial step is a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session to see how the approach fits.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques are used to focus on practical change. One approach teaches how thoughts, feelings and actions connect, and how small shifts in thinking can reduce anger and stress. This helps with workplace frustration, rumination and daily triggers. A second approach focuses on skills training for emotional regulation and coping. It involves learning specific exercises to calm the body, respond differently to provocation, and handle strong feelings without escalation. This is useful for people who want concrete strategies to apply when tension rises. Finding the best approach is collaborative. The therapist will work with clients to identify goals, try methods, and adjust what is used based on what helps. Clients are invited to test ideas and report back so the plan is shaped by what actually works for them. The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. The online format can make it easier to fit sessions into a week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Speak to the therapist after completing the matching questionnaire to learn which session arrangements are offered and which would suit everyday routines.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English, Dutch
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps with relationship strain, grief, trauma, self esteem, career difficulties, stress, anxiety, addictions, anger and depression.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and straightforward, focusing on clear steps and skills people can try between sessions.
How long has she been practising?
Berni has 11 years of professional experience working with a range of concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is credentialed with PACFA and practices in Australia.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Dutch.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.