The Help Center
Can you help us manage our relationship difficulties?
Drawing on 50 years of research from multiple experts in the field, I have the tools to help guide you and your partner to reconnect and strengthen your relationship. If you are committed and open to the process, I hold hope that you will be able to bring about healthy change in your relationship. Even if your partner isn't ready to come in yet, you and I can begin work together.
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What about other relationship difficulties?
I can work with you to make sense of difficulties in other relationships by exploring patterns of behaviour and understanding the impact of your experiences. We'll talk about how you want to do life, what's important to you, and how to go about making it happen.
What other kind of difficulties can you help with?
Difficulties emanating from childhood developmental trauma (adverse childhood experiences), relationship conflict, betrayals/infidelity, emotional difficulties such as anger and persistent sadness, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and addictive or unhelpful behaviours such as binge eating or abstinence, alcohol or substance abuse, smoking. No need to feel hopeless or stuck in these behavioral patterns; we'll work towards empowering you to make healthier choices.
I enjoy working with young adults as you navigate this transitional stage.
Our experiences, the stories we tell about ourselves, the stories we are told, have the power to shape us. Whatever you are going through, we can work through it together.
You are not alone.
What can I expect in a counselling session?
With your goals in mind, we will work to understand how your difficulties have come to be. Drawing on your strengths and resources, we explore ways for you to find your way forward. We will work at your pace, utilising evidence-based strategies that you are comfortable with. You are always in control.
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Counsellors use different approaches to help clients navigate their particular difficulties. To help you with relationship difficulties, I draw largely on Emotion Focussed Therapy, TIST, The Gottman Method, attachment theory, mindfulness and somatic approaches. Working with you alone, I utilise Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Self-Compassion, attachment and developmental theory, somatics and 'parts' approaches, all backed by scientific research.
We'll talk, pay attention to what you're experiencing and be curious - you are always in control and I will be lead by you. Your safety and stability in and out of session is always my priority.
What exactly will we do in a counselling session?
We'll talk through what's happening to you now that's creating difficulties in life. We work somatically and emotionally to make sense of your experiences, processing your thoughts, emotions, memories & felt experiences to understand what's creating the difficulties. As we progress, we explore what's helpful, what's no longer working for you, the changes you want to be and see in your life.
We use a variety of interventions, largely dictated by what you're comfortable with, working at your pace, to achieve your goals. At all times, you are in control of the session.
How many sessions will I need? How often will we meet?
We work together to decide what will work best for you, to help achieve the results you want. Usually meeting weekly or fortnightly to begin with until we gain traction is helpful. Thereafter, sessions may be spread out to maintain gains. You are in control.
How are you different to other counsellors?
Like leaves on a tree we are different in personality, we have different outlooks and histories, we are drawn to different approaches. My particular areas of interest include helping clients develop fulfilling relationships in both intimate relationshionshps as well with broader social networks, & healing from difficult childhood experiences. I would welcome a chat with you before you make an appointment, so you can decide if I'm the best person to walk alongside you. Deciding to engage the services of a counsellor is not a small decision.
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As a university trained counsellor, I am always updating my knowledge so I can help you in the best possible way. I maintain registration with our peak Counselling Professional bodies PACFA & ACA, and abide by the Counsellor's Code of Conduct & Ethics. I participate in regular Supervision to ensure best practices. Your safety and well-being is my prime concern. You have the right to lodge a complaint with our Professional bodies. This is to protect you and the reputation of the profession as a whole. I hold myself accountable to working ethically and respectfully with you, with sensitivity to your indivudual needs.
I invite you to continually share your experience of our sessions with me, so I may adjust to your evolving needs. Our sessions are about you.
What are your fees and how long is a session?
Relationship counselling: $250/hourly session
Individual counselling: $180/hourly session
Sessions generally last 60 minutes. Extended sessions are available on the booking site - whilst exhausting, intensive sessions may also allow us to make headway faster and do the deeper work that brings impactful, lasting change.
Fees are charged at the time of the appointment by cash or credit card.
With your permission, I will occasionally reach out to you between sessions to check in via text or email.
I encourage you to let me know how our sessions are impacting on you. You are not a number to me. Your on-going well-being is my concern.
How & where do we meet?
Thanks to technology, counselling sessions can be conducted online, for your convenience, wherever you are in the world, through PsychologyToday's dedicated video platform 'Sessions' https://sessions.psychologytoday.com/colleen-dibiamaka.
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We can meet face to face in my counselling room or we can talk over the phone if you have a quiet and confidential space to speak.
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From 5th August 2025, my therapy room will relocate to 3 Bulter Dr, Hendon (cnr Lumiere Lane) in the Sunjive Studios building.
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Access
Ample free parking is available on site.
The building is wheelchair friendly with level access form the street and car park.
Accessible toilets are also available on site.
I am on the NDIS or Insurance pays for my counselling. How are fees charged?
NDIS or your insurance company such as RTWSA can be invoiced directly. if you are plan-managed. I can co-ordinate with your plan manager so you can focus on the work of healing.
Rates are charged according to the current relevant industry/fund rate.
I have a care plan from my GP. Can you help me?
Can I claim the cost from my private health insurer?
Mental Health Care Plans are not required to see a Counsellor.
Unfortunately, Counsellors do not fall under the Medicare umbrella so we cannot bulkbill your fees.
It is worth checking for any out-of-pocket expenses for consultations with your Psychologist to weigh up the costs involved.
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Members of BUPA, Medibank, ahm, Grand United, Doctor's Health Fund, Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, St Lukes Health & Phoenix Health may be eligible for counselling rebates from your Fund depending on your policy benefits.
​Please check with your health fund.
I'm really anxious. I've never shared (this) with anyone before.
It completely makes sense that you might be anxious sharing with a stranger the things you've kept to yourself for so long and maybe never even voiced. From the outset I can teach you some strategies to help you manage Anxiety. Then we'll work at your pace so you're comfortable. I encourage you to keep communicating with me what's happening for you in session.
Your safety and comfort is always my priority.
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Your role is to show up - my role is to take it from there and guide you.
I don't live in Adelaide or even in Australia. Can I still access your services?
Absolutely. Reach out via the contact form, message me or make an appointment online. We can chat through any secure online media, although I use Psychology Today's dedicated video platform 'Sessions'. No apps or downloads required and you can use any electronic device. Here is the link: https://sessions.psychologytoday.com/colleen-dibiamaka
It's that easy.
I'll email you a form to complete prior to our meeting.
Payment is via credit card charged at our appointment time. I'm also available for a brief chat prior to you booking, so you can decide if I'm the person to walk alongside you.
Training, Qualifications & Registrations
M Counselling Practice, Grad Dip Adult Ed, CELTA, Cert IV Training and Assessment
Gottman Method Level 2 Cert, Gottman Treating Trauma & Affairs, Couples & Addiction Recovery, TIST (Trauma Informed Stabilisation Treatment).
I participate in regular training to update my knowledge to provide you with current, relevant guidance, focussing on areas of trauma, relationships, somatic therapies, mindfulness and self-compassion.
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ACA L4 18046
PACFA Clinical member 26460
College of Relationship Counsellors
College of Supervisors
Certified TIST Practitioner
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