Counselling in Canberra & Surrounds

A calm space to talk things through — in person or online.

About Me

Salihan Laugesen, counsellor at Riverstone Counselling

I’m Salihan Laugesen, a registered counsellor with a Master of Counselling, based in Canberra and Murrumbateman. I offer individual counselling in person and online for people aged 16 and over.

I provide a steady, respectful space to slow things down, talk things through, and build on your strengths to find a way forward that feels right for you.

How I Can Help

People come to counselling for many reasons — often when things feel overwhelming, uncertain, or difficult to manage alone. I support people with mental illnesses and who are facing problems such as:

  • Anxiety and worry
  • Stress and burnout
  • Life transitions
  • Issues in the workplace
  • Relationship concerns
  • Low mood and self-esteem

You don’t need to have everything figured out before we begin. Many people come when something just feels off. We’ll start where you are, move at a pace that feels manageable, and work it out together. No referral is needed.

At a glance

How I work

Your needs and goals come first

Therapy tailored to suit you

Focused on your strengths, not just your difficulties

Supporting without trying to “fix” who you are

Respect for culture, identity and values

Awareness of how relationships and past experiences shape us

Informed by research and best practice

In-person and online sessions

Riverstone Counselling office in Murrumbateman – Calm and welcoming therapy room

FAQ

What’s the difference between counselling and psychology?
Psychologists are trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions. Counsellors do not diagnose. Counselling focuses on understanding experiences, patterns, and challenges, and finding practical ways to cope and move forward — without needing to focus on labels.

When might counselling be a good fit?
Counselling can be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain, or if something in your life just feels off. You don’t need a diagnosis or a clear plan to start. You can self-refer to counselling, which means you don’t need a referral from a GP or other health professional.

What happens in counselling?
Counselling usually involves talking things through, but it can also include creative and non-verbal ways of exploring what’s going on — especially when words feel hard to find. We’ll work in ways that suit you, at a pace that feels right for you.

Let's have a chat and see if we are the right fit.

Book Now