Proper support no matter why you're here.
Ben Maclaren · Canberra, ACT
ACA-registered counsellor (R84574)
I'm Ben, a counsellor based here in Canberra, ACT.
If you've made it this far, you've likely already done the hardest part: deciding to look for support. My counselling space is your sanctuary – away from the pressures of daily life and judgement of others – to figure out your own life.
See more about meWhether you've just been diagnosed or have felt different most of your life, the world can feel like it wasn't built for you. Together we find what helps and what doesn't, so you spend less energy getting through the day and more on the life you want.
Grief, loss, trauma, or just too much at once. I'll give you a space to slow down and breathe, so you can find your feet again.
Sometimes a hard moment, or someone's honesty, wakes you up to it. You might have spent a long time on autopilot, stressed or stuck. This is a safe space to work out how to move where you want to go, at your own pace.
A 15-minute call, not a session. It's a chance to get a feel for how I work, ask any questions, and see if this is the right fit.
We'll talk about what's bringing you here, and you can get a sense of my approach before deciding anything.
Book an intro callGot a question first? Check the FAQ.
If you'd rather write first, send a message instead. Tell me a little about what's going on, and I'll get back to you personally.
No — you can book directly, no referral needed.
That's a completely normal place to start. You don't need a clear diagnosis or the right words — we can work that out together, at your pace.
Yes, with the usual legal exceptions around immediate safety — yours or someone else's. I'll always explain those limits clearly in the first session, not spring them on you later.
Mostly just talking — what's brought you in, what you're hoping for, and any questions you have for me. No forms to fill out under pressure, no test to pass.
Yes I do, if being in person is a struggle; whether that's because it might not feel safe, travel is hard or you're far away, we can use the magic of technology to have our sessions online.
That's completely fair, and it happens. The relationship is at the core of therapy. Some people click more with one therapist than another, and that's true no matter how experienced they are. If it's not the right fit for you, I'm happy to point you toward someone who might work better.
There's no set length. It depends on your goals, which we set together based on what you actually want, experimenting along the way to find what helps. Some people prefer open, exploratory sessions, while others prefer something more targeted and structured, drawing on approaches like ACT therapy.
Sessions are $130. If cost is a barrier, I offer a sliding scale down to $60, no need to prove anything, just ask when you get in touch.
Easiest is to book an intro call directly through the link on this page. If you'd rather write first, send a message using the form in the contact section below. Or, if you just want to text or call, that option's there too. I'll usually get back to you within a day or two.
Still have questions? Send me an email, I'll reply personally.
Email me