- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and loss
About Helen
Helen Fairbanks is an AASW social worker with 20 years of clinical experience in Australia. She works with adults who feel stuck, anxious, stressed or low, and with people facing relationship strain, trauma, loss or questions about direction after life changes.
Clients come for many reasons. Some are dealing with workplace pressure, others with grief or recovering from difficult experiences. Some want practical ways to manage anxiety or low mood. Helen listens, asks straightforward questions and helps people clarify what matters next.
Her style is practical and collaborative. Sessions focus on making sense of current problems, identifying strengths, and trying small, doable strategies. Conversations move at a pace the client is comfortable with and aim to build skills that can be used between meetings.
Helen draws on evidence-informed techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. These approaches are used to help with anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties and stress management. She also uses solution-focused ideas when people want short-term, goal-oriented work.
Over two decades she has supported adults through career transitions, relationship difficulties and the challenges of caregiving or chronic illness. She encourages clear, practical steps so clients can make considered decisions about work, relationships and personal priorities.
How her evidence-based methods translate to online sessions
Helen uses a few well-established, evidence-informed techniques that can be applied in talk-based sessions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and teaches practical tools for managing anxiety, low mood and stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice unhelpful patterns, clarify values and take actions that align with what matters, which can be useful after big life changes or during career shifts.Motivational Interviewing is a brief, conversational method that supports people to resolve uncertainty and strengthen motivation for change. These approaches are applied collaboratively - the therapist and client work together to find what fits the client's needs, goals and preferences rather than assuming one method will suit everyone.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to schedule sessions around work, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. The therapist will discuss practical arrangements and which approach might suit a client's situation during the initial matching and first session.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma and low self-esteem.
How does she approach feeling stuck?
She uses practical, collaborative conversations to clarify what matters and to develop small strategies clients can try between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience as a mental health clinician and social worker supporting adults through personal and life challenges.
Which credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is listed as AASW and practises in Australia.
What languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions billed?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.