- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Attachment approach
About Gillian
Gillian Ashby is an ACA counsellor with nine years of practice experience based in Australia. She works with adults who feel stuck after life changes - for example burnout, career shifts, separation, relocation, retirement, or when substance use affects relationships. Her focus includes stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns and coaching to help people find a next step.
Gillian uses a practical, structured style. Sessions aim to produce changes that fit everyday life rather than abstract plans. She draws on person-centred ideas to keep the work focused on the client's experience and on attachment-based thinking to look at how past bonds shape current patterns.
Her background combines a Master of Counselling and a Bachelor of Education, plus clinical registration at Level 4 with the Australian Counsellors Association (ACA). She also has training in addictions counselling and work with people supporting someone affected by substance use. Those elements shape how she approaches conversations about stress and relationship strain.
In practice she keeps sessions grounded and task-oriented. People can expect to talk through specific problems, test small changes, and review what works in real life. The emphasis is on practical skills and clearer decision-making rather than theory alone.
Gillian indicates she offers individual sessions and has experience with issues arising in blended families, caregiving stress, ageing concerns, attachment difficulties, codependency and separation. If someone is used to being the strong one but wants to address what lies beneath, she invites them to make initial contact via the site's booking steps.
How her approaches translate to online work
Attachment-based work looks at patterns in close relationships and how earlier bonds influence present behaviour. Online sessions can be a place to notice those patterns in conversation and try different responses when relationship issues or codependency are present.Client-centred or person-centred work puts the person's experience at the centre. In practice this means the therapist follows the client's concerns, reflects what comes up and helps the client make practical decisions about next steps. This approach is useful for navigating transitions such as career change, retirement or separation.
Choosing the right approach is often part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has helped or not helped before. Together they will try methods that fit the client's needs and adjust them over time in a collaborative way.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online practice can make scheduling easier and help fit therapy into work or family routines. It also allows shorter check-ins or sessions that do not require being on camera, which can suit people balancing caregiving, shifts or limited time.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she work with?
She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain and coping with life changes such as retirement or separation.
How does she approach feeling stuck?
She uses a practical, structured approach that tests small changes and looks at what works in daily life.
What is her experience with these concerns?
Gillian has nine years of counselling experience and specific training in addictions and family-related support.
What credentials and location should I note?
She is an ACA counsellor practising in Australia and holds a Master of Counselling and a Bachelor of Education.
Are sessions offered in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside Australia work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.