Business Details
23 Years
experience
Trusted Mental Health Therapy and Counselling Services in Canberra
The Karuna Centre has provided compassionate mental health services in Canberra since 2003, specialising in relationship counselling, individual therapy, and clinical supervision. Our approach prioritises therapeutic relationships, combining evidence-based methodologies like emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and the 5-Step Method for substance use concerns. With Medicare provider status, we offer rebates for clients with mental health care plans. Our practice transitioned to telehealth during the pandemic, enabling accessible support across Australia through secure video consultations.We specialise in addressing drug and alcohol impacts, mental health challenges, and bereavement, drawing on decades of clinical experience and advanced qualifications including a PhD in sibling bereavement. Accredited training in emotionally focused therapy and Gottman methods underpins our work with couples, families, and individuals seeking meaningful change.
Services
Relationship Counselling
Individual Therapy
Clinical Supervision
5-Step Method
Telehealth Sessions
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Medicare provider with rebates available for mental health care plans
- Decades of experience in addiction and mental health counselling
- Convenient telehealth sessions accessible Australia-wide
- Holistic approach combining multiple evidence-based therapies
- Specialist training in emotionally focused therapy and Gottman methods
Associations and certifications
- Australian Association of Social Work (AASW)
- Australasian Professional Society for Alcohol and Drugs (APSAD)
- Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
- International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
Services
Relationship Counselling
Specialised support for couples, siblings, parenting relationships and family dynamics. Utilising systemic family therapy, emotionally focused therapy and Gottman methods to improve communication and resolve conflicts. Sessions address attachment patterns and relationship breakdowns, helping clients rebuild connections through evidence-based interventions tailored to each family's unique needs.
Individual Therapy
Personalised treatment for mental health concerns and substance use issues. Integrating cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and strengths-based approaches to address anxiety, depression and addiction. Sessions focus on trauma recovery, bereavement support and harm minimisation strategies, empowering clients to develop coping mechanisms and achieve personal growth through collaborative therapeutic partnerships.
Clinical Supervision
Guidance for social workers, health professionals and drug and alcohol clinicians. Creating safe spaces for practice reflection using strengths-based frameworks. Supervision supports professional growth, ethical decision-making and clinical skill development through structured mentoring that meets industry accreditation requirements for mental health practitioners across various healthcare settings.
5-Step Method
Structured brief intervention for families affected by substance use. Developed through 30 years of UK research with affected families, this approach helps loved ones create positive change without confrontation. Sessions focus on communication strategies and support mechanisms that encourage treatment engagement while maintaining healthy boundaries for concerned family members.
Telehealth Sessions
Secure video consultations accessible Australia-wide. Providing flexible mental health support that eliminates travel requirements while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Sessions use encrypted platforms with technical support available, allowing clients to access therapy from private locations while maintaining continuity of care through reliable digital connections that meet professional confidentiality standards.
People
Dr Julie Perrin
Clinical Social Worker
PhD-qualified mental health social worker with 20+ years' experience in addiction and family therapy. Specialises in emotionally focused therapy, Gottman methods and trauma-informed care. Holds advanced qualifications in couple and family therapy, addictions, and primary health care.
Questions
Can I claim Medicare rebates for counselling sessions?
Yes, as a Medicare-registered provider we offer rebates for clients with a GP mental health care plan. This applies to individual and relationship counselling services.
How do telehealth counselling sessions work?
Secure video sessions use encrypted platforms. You'll receive a unique link before appointments. Ensure a quiet space with charged devices. Technical support available for connection issues.
What relationship issues do you specialise in?
We address couple conflicts, parenting challenges, sibling dynamics and family breakdowns using evidence-based therapies including emotionally focused therapy and Gottman methods for lasting relationship improvements.
Do you offer clinical supervision for practitioners?
Yes, we provide AASW-accredited supervision for social workers, health professionals and addiction clinicians. Sessions focus on ethical practice, skill development and professional growth through structured mentoring frameworks.
What is the 5-Step Method for addiction support?
A research-backed brief intervention developed in the UK over 30 years. Helps family members create positive change in loved ones' substance use through non-confrontational communication strategies and boundary-setting techniques.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
New clients typically book within two weeks. Returning clients receive priority scheduling. Appointments available Tuesday-Thursday with some after-hours options to accommodate work commitments.
