Paula Saby

AHPRA

Australia

Motivation-focused counsellor guiding small steps

Continue with Paula

At a glance

Credentials

AHPRA

Registration

AHPRA, Australia / PSY0001397846

Experience

20 years

Languages

English

Location

Australia

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp.

1. • Motivational change focus
   • Practical goal setting
   • 20 years experience

   About Paula

   Paula Saby is an experienced counsellor who uses motivational interviewing alongside other practical approaches to help people find momentum for change. She is credentialed with AHPRA and brings 20 years of professional experience to conversations about stress, anxiety, parenting strain and LGBT concerns. Paula aims to make the first step feel manageable and straightforward for people who are nervous about starting therapy.

   Paula creates a calm, non-judgemental space where clients can speak openly about confidence, motivation and life changes. Sessions focus on clear goals and small steps so progress feels realistic. She listens for what matters to each person and helps them work out what they want to try next.

   Her work also covers relationship-related struggles such as communication problems, commitment worries and separation. Paula supports people dealing with caregiver stress, codependency and attachment concerns by breaking problems into workable parts. She uses tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts without getting stuck in them.

   Solution-Focused Therapy is used to identify strengths and build practical solutions quickly. Paula helps people clarify values and everyday priorities so decisions feel less overwhelming. She encourages achievable actions that fit around family life and other responsibilities.

   If someone is unsure how to begin, Paula guides them through the sign-up and scheduling process and discusses what to expect in early sessions. Her approach is direct, practical and rooted in two decades of hands-on experience.

2. How Motivational Interviewing and ACT work online

   Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that helps people resolve mixed feelings about change. It focuses on drawing out a person's own reasons for change and building small steps that feel achievable. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches ways to notice difficult thoughts and still act in line with personal values, which can reduce unhelpful struggle. Solution-Focused Therapy zooms in on strengths and practical next steps to create faster progress.
   
   Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Paula will listen to a person's goals, preferences and everyday demands, and then suggest which methods to try. The plan can be adjusted as therapy proceeds to stay useful and realistic for the person involved.
   
   Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling around work, school and family commitments, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also allow people to use quieter surroundings or turn off video when that better suits concentration or energy levels.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes

   Additional focus areas

   Attachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisNarcissismSelf-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   20+ years

   Listed in

   Australia

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What issues does Paula commonly help with?

   She works with stress, anxiety, LGBT concerns, parenting challenges, self esteem and coping with life changes, plus related areas such as attachment issues and caregiver stress.

   What is her therapy style like?

   Paula uses motivational interviewing to explore readiness for change, alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to set goals and take small steps.

   How long has she practised?

   She has 20 years of professional work experience supporting people through a wide range of personal and relationship concerns.

   What credentials and location apply?

   Paula is credentialed with AHPRA and practises in Australia.

   Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?

   Sessions are offered in English.

   Does she accept international clients?

   International clients are not currently accepted.

   How are fees handled?

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

   How do I begin working with Paula?

   Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's 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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