- Family conflict
- Trauma and abuse
- Values-focused work
About John
John Obalum is an AASW social worker with seven years of professional experience in Australia. He works with people facing family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting challenges and anger. He also supports people exploring life purpose and the practical problems that follow major changes.
John has worked in mental health and child protection settings. He has experience supporting children and young adults who are struggling with identity, and he has helped people manage anger and repair communication after separation or loss. His background means he is used to straightforward practical concerns as well as complex emotional issues.
In sessions John adopts a listening-first style. He aims to make time to hear what matters and to talk through current patterns and practical steps. He uses approaches that focus on values, acceptance, and present-moment awareness alongside empathic, client-led discussion.
Common topics John helps people with include attachment and abandonment worries, caregiver stress, body image, isolation and midlife questions about direction. He also works with issues such as guilt and shame, control and impulsivity, and financial or work-related stress that affect relationships.
John offers sessions in English and Igbo. He works collaboratively to set goals and try approaches that fit each person’s situation. To start, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session via the service booking flow.
How his approaches translate to online work
John commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centred Therapy in his practice. ACT focuses on identifying personal values and taking small committed steps that align with those values, which can help when life feels aimless or after big changes. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises a listening, non-directive stance where the person’s own priorities shape each session and solutions grow from their reflections.Finding the right approach is part of the work. John treats the choice of method as collaborative and will discuss what seems most useful based on a person’s goals, history and preferences. He may blend techniques so sessions reflect what the person wants to explore and practise.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when days are tight. They also let people work with a therapist who understands family and life-purpose concerns without needing to be locally based.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English, Igbo
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he focus on?
He focuses on family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting and anger, with additional work around life purpose and related stresses.
How does he approach feeling stuck?
He listens first and then uses values-based and present-focused methods to identify practical steps and choices. Sessions often blend acceptance work with mindful awareness and open conversation.
What is his professional background?
He has seven years of experience and has worked in mental health and child protection settings, including work with children and young adults on identity concerns.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is listed with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and practices in Australia.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Igbo.
Can people outside Australia work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session through the booking system.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.