- Practical coping strategies
- Workplace focus
- Grief and loss support
About Berni
Berni Palings is a compassionate, open-minded counsellor who helps people navigate relationship struggles, grief and loss, anxiety, depression and workplace stress. She works with concerns around self-esteem, career setbacks, addictions and major life changes. Berni speaks English and Dutch and brings 11 years of experience in Australia as a PACFA practitioner.
Her approach is straightforward. She treats people as experts in their own lives and looks for strengths to build on. Discussions are practical and focused on small, achievable steps that fit into daily life. Berni aims to make sessions feel calm and non-judgemental so clients can try new ways of coping.
In sessions she listens for what matters most and helps people name options and test them. Conversations often cover routines, priorities, work boundaries and ways to manage stress and strong feelings. For grief and trauma she moves at a pace that clients feel ready for, while helping to restore confidence and motivation.
Berni also supports people facing workplace issues, questions of life purpose, loneliness, and challenges linked to adoption or caregiving. She addresses the effects of discrimination, multicultural concerns and experiences of sexual assault and abuse with sensitivity. Her aim is to help people find clarity and regain a sense of direction.
To begin, people choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to therapist availability. Session costs vary with location and a subscription is used that can be cancelled at any time.
Evidence-based techniques and online support
Many of Berni's sessions draw on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach helps people identify unhelpful patterns in thinking and behaviour, then tests small changes to reduce anxiety and improve mood. This method is useful for stress, workplace issues, low mood and motivation.Another approach focuses on paced work with grief and trauma, helping people process painful experiences at a rate they can manage while rebuilding confidence and daily routines. This is suited to those dealing with loss, sexual assault and complex life transitions.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Berni will work with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals and preferences, and she adjusts strategies as progress is made. The plan is shaped by what the person wants to achieve and how they prefer to work in sessions.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people continue support while managing work and family commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
11+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English, Dutch
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Berni help with?
She supports people with relationship issues, grief, self-esteem, career difficulties, stress, anxiety, addiction and trauma among other concerns.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is compassionate and non-judgemental, focusing on strengths and practical steps that people can try between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
Berni has 11 years of professional experience working in Australia with a wide range of mental health and wellbeing concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is credentialed with PACFA and practises in Australia.
Which languages are offered?
Sessions are offered in English and Dutch.
Can international clients book sessions?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions priced?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions operate via a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time according to the therapist's availability.