Support for people experiencing depression: Counselling in Palm Beach, Gold Coast
DEPRESSION COUNSELLING
Depression is more than feeling sad or having a difficult day. It can affect the way you think, feel, connect with others and move through daily life. For some people, depression can feel like heaviness, numbness, or hopelessness. For others, it can feel like they are simply going through the motions, disconnected from themselves and the life around them.
Rebecca supports people experiencing depression, low mood and ongoing emotional fatigue. Depression can be deeply isolating, and it is not always visible to others. Many people continue to function on the outside while feeling flat, exhausted or overwhelmed on the inside.
Therapy with Rebecca offers a safe and comfortable space to gently explore what may be contributing to your depression and how it is impacting your life. Together, you can begin to look beneath the surface of depression and understand the experiences, patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to how you feel. This process can support you to gently reconnect with yourself and move toward a way of living that feels lighter, more meaningful and more aligned.
Rebecca sees clients in person at her clinic room in Palm Beach, on the Gold Coast, and securely online.
Hi, I'm Rebecca Newman
I’m a qualified clinical counsellor, psychotherapist and registered social worker, offering integrative counselling to individuals and couples on the Gold Coast and online.
Who I support
I support people experiencing depression, low mood, emotional overwhelm or burnout, whether you have a formal diagnosis or are simply noticing that life feels more challenging than it used to.
You may be finding it harder to manage everyday life, keep up with responsibilities, connect with others, or feel motivated about the things that usually matter to you. Depression can look different for each person, and you do not need to wait until things feel severe before seeking support.
I also support people whose depression may be connected to other life experiences, including stress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, major life changes, hormonal changes, loneliness, self-criticism or feeling stuck in a stage of life that no longer feels right.
Therapy can offer a space to slow down, be heard, and begin making sense of what is happening for you without judgement.
I am based in Palm Beach, Queensland and see clients in person from the surrounding areas including Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach, Robina, Burleigh Heads and all across the Gold Coast. Online sessions are also available.
How to book a session
Call for a free 15-minute initial consultation on +61414402408 to explore how I can support you. If you would like to go ahead we can book in your first appointment at the end of the call.
Related Therapies
Further evidence-based services are offered to support people experiencing symptoms of depression:
You may be seeking depression support if you are experiencing:
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feeling low, flat, sad or emotionally heavy
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feeling numb, disconnected or empty
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loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
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low motivation or difficulty getting started
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feeling tired, drained or exhausted
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sleeping too much or struggling to sleep
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changes in appetite or eating patterns
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withdrawing from friends, family or activities
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feeling isolated, lonely or disconnected from others
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difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks
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irritability, frustration or emotional sensitivity
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feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward
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low self-worth or feeling like you are not enough
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harsh self-criticism or negative thoughts about yourself
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guilt, shame or feeling like a burden
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feeling like you are just going through the motions
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struggling to see meaning, purpose or joy in life
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finding it hard to care for yourself
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feeling disconnected from the person you used to be
Healing from depression is more than managing symptoms. It is about understanding what sits beneath them, reconnecting with yourself, and creating space for a life that feels meaningful, purposeful and open to joy.
What to expect in a counselling session
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Your first counselling session is your opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy and what you would like support with. I will take time to understand your current concerns, relevant history, any patterns that may be affecting you, and the goals you would like to work towards.
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Sessions are collaborative and paced in a way that feels comfortable for you. Depending on your needs, counselling may include reflection, practical tools, communication strategies, somatic exercises, nervous system and emotional regulation, and gentle exercises to help you apply what you are learning between sessions.
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Sessions are usually 60–90 minutes and can be held in person at Palm Beach or securely online. The frequency of sessions can be discussed together and may vary depending on your goals, current circumstances and level of support needed.
How to prepare for your counselling session
For your first session, you do not need to prepare anything formal. Simply come along as you are and bring any questions you may have.
It is natural to feel a little nervous, especially if you have not had counselling before. The first session is not about having everything figured out. It is a gentle starting point for you to feel comfortable, ask questions, and get a sense of whether the support feels right for you.
Connect if you would like to know more
About Rebecca Newman
Gold Coast Counsellor & Psychotherapist
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I am a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Social Work and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapyy.
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I have worked within hospital-based mental health services across Sydney and the Gold Coast for over eight years, supporting people experiencing mood disorders, addiction-related concerns, complex trauma and chronic mental health conditions. This experience has shaped the way I work with compassion, clinical care and respect for the courage it takes to seek support.
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My approach is integrative, evidence-based, attachment-informed, trauma-aware and strengths-focused. I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, alongside attachment theory, somatic approaches and nervous system regulation. This allows therapy to be tailored to the individual, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
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I am passionate about helping people explore their inner world in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space. A deeper sense of self-awareness and insight can support individuals to break free of self-defeating behavioural patterns, and step into newfound levels of self-empowerment. Life becomes enriched and purposeful through reconnecting and aligning with their core values and inner essence, and it is then that true healing can occur.
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I feel privileged to work in this field and to witness the different ways people can grow, transform and rebuild. I understand how challenging mental health, trauma and addiction concerns can be, but I also know that change is possible with the right support. There is no greater joy for people when they rediscover who they truly are and can rebuild a life with meaning and purpose. My work is inclusive and respectful of each person’s unique background, identity, relationships and lived experience.
Philosophy and Approach
My philosophy is grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins from the inside out. I take a strengths-based, client-centred approach, supporting people to explore the patterns, beliefs and behaviours that may be holding them back, and reconnect with who they are and what matters most.
I work collaboratively with clients to look beneath the surface and understand the deeper roots of what may be causing pain, distress or disconnection. Through this process, awareness can grow, inner resources can strengthen, and clients can begin making choices that feel aligned, empowered and true to who they are.
Some modalities I use are:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT helps identify the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I use CBT to support clients to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours and develop more balanced, practical ways of responding.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT supports people to make space for difficult thoughts and emotions while reconnecting with their values. I use ACT to help clients move toward a life that feels more aligned and meaningful.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
DBT offers practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication and managing overwhelm. These skills can be especially helpful when emotions feel intense or difficult to manage.
Attachment-Informed Therapy
Attachment-informed therapy explores how early relationships and past experiences may shape current patterns, relationships and emotional responses. It can be very helpful to understand your attachment style and your partners and family members in your interpersonal relationships.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
A trauma-informed approach recognises the impact of past experiences on the mind, body and nervous system. I work at a pace that supports safety, choice and stability.
Somatic and Nervous System Regulation
Somatic approaches recognise the connection between the body, mind and nervous system. I support clients to develop grounding and regulation tools so they can feel safer, steadier and more present.
Internal Family Systems-Informed Therapy
IFS-informed therapy explores the different “parts” of self that may hold emotions, protective responses or inner conflict. This can support greater self-understanding and compassion.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy helps people explore the stories they hold about themselves, their relationships and their experiences. It can support clients to separate themselves from the problem and reconnect with preferred ways of seeing themselves.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy supports clients to identify strengths, resources and practical next steps. It can be helpful when clients want to build momentum and focus on what is possible.
Sessions are available in person in Palm Beach, Gold Coast, or securely online. Session length, frequency, fees and rebate options can be discussed at the time of booking or during your initial enquiry.
Health Fund rebates are available with all major providers, ask your provider if you are unsure
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs and symptoms of clinical depression?
Depression may involve persistent low mood, a feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness or loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed. Other signs can include changes in sleep or appetite, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal, guilt and reduced motivation.
How can I tell the difference between feeling sad or burnt out and having depression?
Sadness and exhaustion often improve with rest, support or a change in circumstances. Depression tends to persist for at least two weeks, affects several areas of life and may make it difficult to function or experience enjoyment.
Why do I feel unmotivated, exhausted or disconnected from life on the Gold Coast?
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of where they live or how their life may appear to others. Feeling exhausted, disconnected or unable to enjoy your surroundings may be connected to depression, burnout, grief, chronic stress or other emotional or physical health concerns.
Is anger, irritability or brain fog a symptom of depression?
Yes. Depression does not always feel like sadness and may instead appear as frustration, anger, irritability, numbness or difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
When should I seek professional depression counselling or psychotherapy in Palm Beach?
You can seek support whenever low mood, exhaustion or disconnection feels difficult to manage. Counselling may be particularly helpful when symptoms persist, affect your relationships or work, or make everyday responsibilities feel overwhelming.
Can I claim Medicare or a private health fund rebate?
Depending on your private health fund and your policy, you may be able claim a rebate with your insurer. It would be important to check to see if you are covered for counselling services with your provider first. Currently, it is not possible to claim a rebate from Medicare, this will change in the future.
How do I book a session if I haven't been to see you before?
Call for a free 15-minute initial consultation on +61 414 402 408 to explore how I can support you and we can schedule your first appointment after the session.
What types of people do you see?
I am totally inclusive and offer a safe, judgment-free space both in clinic and online, welcoming people from all walks of life, backgrounds, genders, sexualities, identities and religions.
How many counselling sessions do most people generally need?
This is down to the individuals need and can be discussed in the first session and reassessed on going as therapy progresses and completes.
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Depending on your private health fund and your policy, you may be able claim a rebate with your insurer. It would be important to check to see if you are covered for counselling services with your provider first. Currently, it is not possible to claim a rebate from Medicare, this will change in the future.
How does psychotherapy help treat long-term or chronic depression?
Psychotherapy can help you understand the experiences, beliefs, relationship patterns and coping responses that may be contributing to ongoing depression. It can also support you to develop practical strategies, reconnect with your values and gradually make meaningful changes.
What therapeutic approaches do you use for depression treatment?
I draw on approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-informed therapy, somatic strategies and nervous-system regulation. Therapy is tailored to each individual client rather than applying one approach to everyone.
Can counselling help me if I do not know why I am feeling depressed?
Yes. You do not need to understand the cause of your depression before beginning counselling. Therapy can help you gently explore what may be contributing to how you feel while also developing ways to manage the symptoms you are experiencing now.
What can I expect during my initial depression therapy session at your Palm Beach clinic?
The first session provides an opportunity to talk about what has been happening, how you have been feeling and what you would like support with. You will not be expected to share anything before you feel ready, and we will begin identifying an approach that feels manageable for you.
Do you offer holistic or nature-based walk-and-talk depression therapy in the Palm Beach area?
My approach can incorporate holistic, mindfulness-based and somatic strategies to support emotional and nervous-system regulation. Walk and talk sessions are also offered in the local area (weather dependent) and can be particularly therapeutic for depression treatment.
How to book a session
Call for a free 15-minute initial consultation on +61414402408 to explore how I can support you. If you would like to go ahead we can book in your first appointment at the end of the call.
Rebecca Newman is an accredited member of the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia (PACFA) as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Counsellor, and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as a Social Worker.
