Our Team

Marcus Read – – Director & senior therapist

Masters of Counselling Practice; Member of Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA); Member of Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Marcus has a passion to help people move forward by actively caring for, committing to, and challenging them. His professional counselling is founded in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Recovery approaches, including getting in touch with what people value, mindfulness and focusing on people’s strengths. Marcus has a high level of knowledge and experience working in the Mental Health sector, and an understanding of the unique challenges this brings to individuals, carers, and the community.

Marcus has a passion for diversity and inclusion within all areas of our communities. Marcus brings experience providing support work and advocacy for people on the Autism Spectrum, with ADHD, as well as mental health and medical conditions.

Mark – Therapeutic assistant

My name is Mark, and I have a passion to help people live the best life they possibly can.

I did not discover my calling for helping and understanding people until part way through my first degree in mechanical engineering. After its completion, I have since transitioned into studying Psychology at Flinders University (commencing in 2020).

Having worked as a support worker at Counselling& for over a year and a half, and having completed the first component of my Psychology degree, I am now working as a Therapeutic Assistant at Counselling&. I also work as Youth Mentor, Research Assistant at a Sleep Laboratory and am the executive advisor of the Psychology Students’ Association at Flinders University, after my Presidency in 2022.

I have a diverse range of interests, many of which are in the areas of health, self-development, music, and nature. Specifically, I love being active, reading and learning, playing guitar and getting outdoors to hike as much as a I can. Otherwise, you’ll find me in the veggie garden!

Sarah – Therapeutic Assistant

My name is Sarah, and I am a therapy assistant with Counselling&.

I have a passion for supporting people that has led me to both work and study in the field of mental health; I began working with Counselling& in 2022 and I am currently undertaking my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University. My thesis is concerned with vicarious trauma, but more generally, I am interested in wellbeing and using mindfulness and connection to bolster mental health. I love working with Counselling& because of the welcoming nature, participant-centred approach, and empowering values practiced by the team.

Outside of study and work, I enjoy reading, practicing meditation and yoga, swimming in the ocean, and going on walks with my dog.

Shelly – Therapeutic Assistant

My name is Shelly. Two years ago I moved from Alice Springs to Adelaide to start a new adventure. I am very excited to be coming on board with Counselling& as a Casual Support Worker. I have been working the last 1.5 years as a Youth Support Worker and studying psychology part time at Flinders University.

I love connecting with people and helping them grow to see their potential to live for a better tomorrow. This is what led me to studying in the field of mental health. I love to see people flourish, and we can all use a helping hand with that sometimes.

Outside of work I enjoy volunteering twice a month at my church. I enjoy getting an ice cream and going for a walk along the beach. I love a good adventure, but most of all I love being in nature and watching nature.

Kirsten – Co-director

My name is Kirsten and I am co-director of Counselling&.

I have worked for many years in disability access and inclusion, aged care and within the NDIS.

I love the Counselling& values of participant-centred care, neuro-affirming practice and providing inclusion and access for all people.

I love to see people engaging with their values and their people within an inclusive environment.

Ready to get started?

What keeps you from getting started?
What’s holding you back from your next big adventure or the change you have been wanting?
Do you have a feeling of not being good enough?
A fear of being criticized by others?

“Imperfect action beats non-action every time.” – President Harry Truman. So if you are ready then I am too.