- Client-centred approach
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- AASW social worker
About Irene
Irene Hughes offers calm, steady support for people feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma or low self-esteem. She creates a space where clients can talk openly about what matters and take practical steps toward feeling steadier. Irene names faith as part of her practice for those who want it included in counselling. She is an AASW social worker with 15 years of experience and brings that background into sessions.
Her style is warm and collaborative. Irene uses client-centred therapy to listen closely and follow each person’s pace. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice their thoughts, choose values-guided action, and reduce the hold of unhelpful thinking.
For clients who want spiritual input, Irene can integrate Scripture, prayer and Christian perspectives alongside psychological tools. She aims to help people reconnect with purpose and a sense of worth without pushing any particular belief on someone who does not want it.
Practical work in sessions may include identifying values, learning simple mindfulness exercises, practicing communication skills, and planning small changes to daily routines. Irene often supports parents and carers with the strain of caregiving and helps people navigate fertility, attachment or body-image concerns.
She encourages a steady, respectful pace where healing feels possible over time. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session according to availability.
How client-centred care and ACT translate to online therapy
Client-centred therapy focuses on listening closely and responding to what each person brings. It prioritises empathy, respect and following your pace so you set the direction of the work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, identify what matters to them, and take small steps that align with those values.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Irene will work with clients to decide whether a client-centred style, ACT techniques, or a blend best suits their goals, values and preferences. That decision is collaborative and can be reviewed as work unfolds.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling around work and family life, reduce travel time, and offer shorter check-ins when needed. It also allows practical exercises such as guided mindfulness, values work, and communication practice to be done from wherever you join the session. Appropriately qualified therapists can adapt exercises and pacing to suit each person’s circumstances.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does Irene help with?
Irene works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem difficulties. She also supports people facing attachment, body image, fertility and caregiver stress.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach?
The approach is collaborative and person-focused, using client-centred techniques to listen and respond to each person’s needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is also used to help people clarify values and take meaningful action despite difficult thoughts.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
She has 15 years of professional experience working with individuals on a range of emotional and relational concerns. That background informs practical strategies and steady support in sessions.
What are Irene’s credentials and where is she based?
She holds AASW accreditation and practices in Australia. The AASW description is presented as the credential she uses in her work.
Which languages are supported for therapy?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside Australia work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and is delivered through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.