Kylie Heenan | B.Soc.Sc., M.Couns. is a registered counsellor, clinical supervisor, relationship therapist, facilitator and writer with a passion for helping people to Deepen Connection & Live Authentically.
Kylie works with individuals, couples and groups in a collaborative, strengths-based way that invites awareness, understanding and reflection, thereby enriching relationships with yourself and others. Kylie is known for her attuned and non-judgemental approach, helping people feel at ease to share their concerns at a pace that works for them.
Counselling with Kylie is like a friendly chat that brings clarity to your situation, identifies where you might feel challenged or stuck, and gently encourages you to create the change you want to see.
In one client’s words: “You articulate everything I’m feeling when I can’t put it into words.”
The therapeutic relationship is paramount to an effective counselling process, so screen carefully before you commit, ask questions and trust your gut. Here are three questions to know the answer to before you agree to pay any practitioner:
- What are your qualifications? (e.g. Masters degree in counselling)
- Are you registered? (Go to the ARCAP register to check any counsellor)
- Do you have experience with my specific situation? (describe the key aspects you want help with, e.g. couples counselling, past trauma, domestic violence)
Qualifications ensure a minimum standard of training in counselling; professional registration ensures a commitment to a code of ethics, ongoing training and clinical supervision; experience gives you confidence that there is some understanding of what you are bringing to counselling. Practitioners should also be up-front about their fees.
Kylie has dedicated many years to becoming a skilled practitioner, with bachelor and masters degrees specialising in counselling, and post-graduate studies in domestic violence and men’s behaviour change. Kylie is a Level 4 member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), and has experience with a broad range of challenges, including trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse, relationship conflict, anxiety and more. Kylie is LGBTIQ+ allied.
Counselling seasons are conducted in beautiful seaside Redcliffe… just 30 minutes north of Brisbane and 45 minutes south of the Sunshine Coast. Close to Queen’s beach and local cafés, Redcliffe is the perfect locale to wander after a session and take a moment to breathe and be.
Q & A:
Why did you choose to become a counselling professional?
Life has given me a broad range of experiences, some hearty challenges, and a passion for helping others to express the version of themselves that most aligns with their goals and dreams.
Working within a social constructionist framework, I adopt the approach that we play out a reality rooted in ideas and beliefs that were initially passed on by others when we were young. Through repeated experiences, choices and conversations we have (with others and in our heads), these ideas and beliefs about the world and about ourselves become reinforced and thereby have the power to shape our reality.
I facilitate conversations with and between individuals that invite a broadening of perspectives, a deepening of understanding and compassion for self and others, and an expanding of ideas and actions that lead to authenticity in life and relationships.
I bring to our collaborative work my skills and experience in hosting conversations that are rich in compassion, non-judgement, hope, and a new way of looking at your life. You bring a wealth of experience in being YOU, in knowing what you do and don’t want, and in deciding what is best for you.
If you want a chat to be sure I’m the right person to work with you, just give me a call.
Why do you love to work with couples?
We are all too aware of the high rate of separation in our culture. Separation is a choice I support both parties through if that’s what you decide is best for you.
I also meet people who feel that their relationship could have survived and thrived if they had been able to sustain a deeper connection and to find ways of responding to everyday relationship struggles sooner. I work with couples to facilitate conversations that increase understanding, improve communication, and move towards the common relationship goals.
A healthy relationship is not determined only by staying together, but through finding a love that develops beyond romance, and a companionship that is enjoyable and enriching. Relationship with self also impacts on relationship with others, so you can even work on your relationship in individual sessions. I have enjoyed seeing couples reconnect in love, share excitement about their future together, and reignite passion in the relationship.
Who else do you work with?
I work with teens and adults who might be struggling with those aspects of life getting in the way of who we want to be and what we want to achieve. Although I don’t pathologise people, I work with those who identify with diagnoses such as anxiety or depression, and who’ve had experiences of loss or trauma. I also work with people who are finding juggling the responsibilities of everyday life, school, work, family and other commitments impacting on their happiness or fulfilment. When the pressure builds up, it’s helpful to seek professional support rather than bottle it up and explode or feel despondent.
I have recently brought a focus to providing clinical supervision for other counselling professionals – whether you are just starting out or a seasoned practitioner seeking a fresh perspective. Call to discuss your supervision goals and what you are looking for in a supervisor.
A personal insight…
Melbourne-born, I grew up on the beautiful beaches of Cairns and the Gold Coast and have settled happily north of Brisbane, Queensland with my husband and two smoochy cats. On a sunny weekend, you will find me pottering in my veggie gardens or wandering along Redcliffe’s foreshore. My healing practices are yoga, meditation, gratitude, laughter, collecting shells and rocks, and macro-photography!
I adore Greek islands, New Zealand hot springs and Swiss wildflowers … but my heart belongs to Australia’s eucalypts and bird-songs. Hamilton Island is a favourite escape.
My great uncle Bill was the incredibly talented artist William Ricketts and I highly recommend a visit to his wildlife and sculpture sanctuary if you want to see where pure talent married a deep love and respect for indigenous Australians and wildlife..
I find real and utter contentment in the marriage of radiant health and pure joy. My life philosophy goes like this…
Eat real food, mostly vegetables, organic where you can. Drink pure water. Still the mind, calm the heart, move the body. Take deeper breaths. Say kind things to yourself and others. Read nourishing books. Listen to soul-stirring music. Make time for laughter and leisure. Get off your computer and social media. Become involved – no person is an island. Step outside and get sunlight on your skin. Grow a garden. Take a hike (literally). Stretch. Let go of what you can’t change; change what you can.
I look forward to working with you! ~ Kylie
