Doreen Patenall, PACFA

Doreen Patenall is credentialed in Australia and brings 25 years of professional experience supporting people through periods of stress, anxiety, relationship difficulty, trauma and abuse, and grief and loss. She concentrates on helping clients take that first courageous step towards a more fulfilling and happier life, offering steady support as they explore feelings and practical ways to move forward.

Her practice emphasises an open, non-judgemental atmosphere where thoughts and emotions can be expressed and examined. Doreen works collaboratively with each person to identify concerns, clarify goals and develop strategies suited to their situation, pace and values. She draws on established therapeutic approaches to guide conversations and build coping skills that fit everyday life.

Doreen is listed with PACFA, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, which is a national professional association for practitioners in the field. With a warm, measured manner and a focus on practical outcomes, she aims to help people feel heard, regain balance and discover more constructive ways of relating to themselves and others.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and focuses on actions that align with personal values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress and life transitions where unhelpful patterns hold a person back.

Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current connection patterns and emotional responses, and supports building safer, more secure ways of relating. This approach can be helpful for relationship difficulties and for healing from trauma and loss.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is best done collaboratively. Doreen works with clients to match methods to their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting interventions over time so the work remains relevant and practical.

Online therapy by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging offers flexibility for people balancing work, family or mobility needs. These options make it easier to keep regular appointments, access support from home or elsewhere, and maintain continuity of care when life circumstances change. Appropriately qualified or registered professionals can adapt their methods effectively to these formats so therapy stays focused and useful.