counselling
Counselling from a lived experience perspective
At Brook RED, we get it - because we've been there.
Hello from Maddie, Eddie, and Emma - counsellors at Brook RED. We’re not just trained professionals; we also bring our own lived experience of mental health challenges, which shapes everything we do.
We know how tough it can be to open up, especially if you’ve felt judged, misunderstood, or like no one truly “gets it.” That’s why our approach is grounded in honesty, empathy, and lived understanding. We walk alongside you, not ahead of you.
Brook RED Counselling is available for individuals aged 18 and over.
People reach out to us for many reasons, including support with:
-
Anxiety, stress, and depression
-
Grief and loss
-
Identity and self-esteem
-
Trauma and Suicidal ideation
-
Sexual health and addiction
As a lived experience organisation, we understand how powerful it is to speak with someone who really gets it. Our counsellors combine trauma-informed skills with both professional training and personal insight. We work collaboratively - recognising your strengths, skills, and knowledge - to explore what needs to shift so that challenges become less influential in your life.
We’re open, transparent, and committed to creating a space of hope, healing, and possibility. Whether you're navigating something new or feeling stuck, we're here to offer support that feels real, safe, and human.
We aim to make counselling accessible, so please get in touch to discuss flexible pricing options based on your circumstances.
If you’re ready to connect with someone who truly understands - and who will meet you with honesty, compassion, and respect -we’re here for you.
For enquiries, or to make a booking: use the buttons below or email counselling@brookred.org.au
NDIS
Plan Managed or Self-Managed
Cost: $145 for 50 minute session
Report Writing: $156 per hour
Counselling Sessions
Cost: $132 (inc GST) for 50 minute session.
Note: we can be flexible with this cost depending on your financial circumstances. Please contact us to discuss this further.
Meet our Counsellors
Madeleine Brown (She/Her)
BPsychSc | GrapDipClinCouns
Hello! I’m Maddie, I am a registered counsellor who is passionate about exploring people’s experiences bravely together. I am eager to journey together and increase understanding of how experiences shape how people may view the world and navigate day-to-day life.
I have been working with the Brook RED team for over 1 year now. In this time, I have worked across the Highgate Hill Community Mental Health Centre, Crisis Support Space, and Alt2Su. Working across multiple areas within Brook RED has enhanced my passion and interest in suicidality, and the LGBTQIAP+ experience.
I have an integrative therapeutic approach to counselling, with focus on the individual needs of each person. From my own Lived Experience, I have learnt that recovery is not a straight line or single direction, recovery looks different for everyone and each person has their own recovery path.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Science, and a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Counselling.
I am an open-minded and kind counsellor with a passion for human rights and creative expression.
Eddie Holmes (He/Him)
BSC | BPSC(Hon) | Master of Counselling (UQ)
Hi I’m Eddie, and I love empowering ourselves by taking charge of our own stories. Especially if it involves opening up the ways in which we make sense of the world and ourselves.
Collaboratively working as equals is central to me. With my own recovery and agency in life, working with Brook RED as a peer in our community, and within counselling.
I have been with Brook RED for 6 years as a mental health peer worker, integrating my experience of supporting my own and others mental wellbeing, with my approaches as a counsellor. Including building awareness of our emotions and thoughts, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, existential discussions, and re-authoring our narratives.
When not talking about counselling, I can also be seen in the wild wandering in between trees, talking about classic style sci-fi, or with a camera looking for the perfect lighting.
Emma Faulkner (She/Her)
BSocSc(Psych) | PGradDipSexology | Masters of Counselling
Hi I’m Emma, and I have worked in the mental health space for 8+ years, working with a wide range of concerns, life changes and big feelings. I am a bubbly, passionate person who appreciates in-depth conversations about life and sitting in the space of unknown or thought provoking conversations. I am honest, caring and humorous in my approach to counselling. I acknowledge the differences our lived experience brings us and how this shapes our narratives.
I believe that sharing our story with someone builds strength, helps process emotions and helps find ways to understand or cope with this thing called life.
In my counselling I use skills from DBT, ACT, Narrative, Solution focused, Trauma informed and strength based. Alongside my work, I have studied a Bachelor in Behavioural Science Psychology (QUT), Graduate Diploma in Sexology (Curtin) and a Masters in Counselling (QUT).
I have learnt that life will teach us big lessons whether we are ready for it or not. I would say I've learnt to adapt to these moments and how to navigate my feelings when life feels overwhelming. I love to spend my spare time reading books, camping, wakeboarding, drinking coffee and sunset watching.
Note: Emma is available for face to face sessions on Monday and for online sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday