Counsellor profile
Stephen Peterson, PACFA
Australia
PACFA counsellor - stress and codependency
Continue with StephenWhere Stephen stands
- Credentials
- PACFA
- Registration
- PACFA, Australia / 27601
- Experience
- 3 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Australia
About
- Stress and anxiety
- Codependency support
- Parenting concerns
About Stephen
Stephen Peterson is a PACFA counsellor with three years' experience based in Australia. He sees people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting strains, low self-esteem and depression. He also supports people facing codependency, attachment and family problems. Stephen speaks English and works with adults who want clearer thinking and calmer responses.
Stephen listens actively in sessions and encourages reflective thinking when it helps. He asks questions that make people notice patterns in their thoughts and behaviour. He focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions to test new ways of relating and coping.
Clients often arrive feeling overwhelmed by other people's needs or by past hurts. Stephen helps them name what is happening and spot how old habits keep repeating. He talks through small changes that can make daily life feel less chaotic and more manageable.
He attends to how beliefs and self-talk shape choices. That means looking at unhelpful thinking and practising different responses. Stephen aims for straightforward conversations rather than technical language so people can use what they learn right away.
Sessions include time to reflect, plan and practise. He encourages checking what works and adjusting the approach if needed. If someone wants to start, they complete a short questionnaire and schedule a first session to see how it feels.
How sessions work
How therapeutic approaches are applied online
Stephen uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques in practical ways. One common approach is reflective questioning - this helps people spot thought patterns that fuel anxiety, shame or over-responsibility and try different responses in daily life. Another approach focuses on behaviour change and simple experiments to test new ways of relating, which can help with setting boundaries and reducing people-pleasing habits.Finding the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, test methods that fit their situation, and adjust plans based on what is helpful. This is a collaborative process rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.
Session formats are not specified in the profile, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. They can also suit quieter conversations when someone prefers not to be on camera or needs lower bandwidth. Discussing practical arrangements at the first appointment helps match the format to daily life while working on stress, codependency patterns and parenting challenges.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting difficulties, self-esteem struggles and depression, plus related areas such as codependency and family problems.
What is his approach in sessions?
He listens actively and uses reflective questioning to help people notice patterns in thoughts and behaviour and try practical changes between sessions.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has three years' experience working as a counsellor with adults in Australia.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and practices in Australia.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside Australia work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed in the profile.
How are sessions paid and how do I begin?
Session cost varies with location and uses a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To start, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.