John Obalum

AASW

Australia

Supportive social worker focused on practical change

Continue with John

At a glance

Credentials

AASW

Registration

AASW, Australia / 679972

Experience

7 years

Languages

English, Igbo

Location

Australia

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp.

1. • Family and parenting
   • Trauma and intimacy
   • Motivational approach

   About John

   John Obalum is an AASW social worker with seven years' experience. He helps people facing family conflict, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, intimacy concerns and anger. He listens without judgement and aims to make the first step feel manageable for worried parents and individuals.

   John works in a direct, human way. Sessions focus on what matters most to the person in front of him. He encourages people to name difficult feelings and to try small, practical changes that feel possible. Motivational Interviewing is part of his toolkit to help people find their own reasons to change.

   He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred Therapy to support values-based choices and steady, compassionate listening. Mindfulness and Existential approaches are used when people want to examine meaning, identity and how to live with uncertainty.

   John has worked in mental health and child protection settings. That experience informs his approach to family and parenting concerns and to trauma-informed conversations. He has supported young people who are working through identity questions and the impact of past events.

   Sessions are offered in English and Igbo. He describes himself as non-judgemental and practises active, empathic listening. People often come for help with communication problems, attachment and feelings of isolation, or to work through guilt and shame.

2. How his approaches translate to online work

   John integrates Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters and take practical steps. Motivational Interviewing focuses on drawing out personal motivation and resolving ambivalence about change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy supports choosing actions that match personal values while accepting difficult thoughts and feelings.
   
   He also uses Client-Centred Therapy to provide empathic, active listening that helps people feel heard. That approach suits issues like family conflict, parenting strain and intimacy worries where being listened to makes a difference. Choosing the right approach is collaborative - the therapist will work with the client to test what feels most helpful based on goals and preferences.
   
   Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful because they fit more easily into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and remove travel time. Online work can make it simpler to continue therapy during life changes, while the therapist and client decide together how best to pace progress and try different techniques.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Family conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger management

   Additional focus areas

   AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyExistential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational Interviewing

   Experience

   7+ years

   Listed in

   Australia

   Languages

   English, Igbo

5. Frequently asked questions

   What concerns does John commonly help with?

   He helps with family conflict, parenting issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns and anger. Additional focus areas include attachment, guilt, shame and isolation.

   What is John’s therapeutic style?

   He uses empathetic, non-judgemental listening and works collaboratively to set small, practical goals. Sessions emphasise clarity, safety and steps that feel achievable.

   How much professional experience does he have?

   John has seven years of professional experience working in mental health and child protection settings. That background shapes his approach to family and trauma-related concerns.

   What credentials and location are listed?

   He is an AASW social worker based in Australia.

   Which languages are supported in sessions?

   Sessions are offered in English and Igbo.

   Can international clients work with him?

   International clients are not currently accepted.

   How are fees and payments handled?

   Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

   How do I begin working with John?

   Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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