Irene Hughes, AASW

Irene Hughes is a counsellor in Australia with more than 15 years of professional experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, parenting challenges and struggles with self-esteem. Holding AASW, she draws on evidence-based methods while offering care that often integrates clients' spiritual convictions when desired. Her work blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and client-centred therapy to create a compassionate, collaborative space where psychological practice and faith can coexist.

Irene provides an approach that honours each person’s faith journey and personal pace, inviting clients who wish to explore biblical truth, Scripture and prayer as part of therapeutic work. She frames healing around the conviction that identity and worth are rooted in God’s love, and she aims to walk alongside people rather than to 'fix' them, supporting renewed thinking, emotional wellbeing and spiritual growth.

With a focus on dignity, purpose and practical movement toward wholeness, Irene seeks to help clients align thoughts and values with their goals so life can shift from the inside out. She welcomes enquiries from those seeking a therapy experience that integrates psychological practice with Christian spiritual principles in a respectful, client-led way.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Irene commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people identify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. ACT is useful for issues such as anxiety, stress and patterns that block engagement with what matters most.

She also draws on client-centred therapy, a warm, non-judgemental approach that prioritises the client’s own perspective and fosters self-discovery and resilience. This style suits those seeking empathetic listening and support for relationship, parenting or self-esteem concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; Irene works collaboratively with clients to decide which methods best fit their needs, goals and preferences. An appropriately qualified or registered professional will tailor sessions so therapy evolves in partnership with the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and regional constraints. These options expand access to therapists and allow people to engage in ongoing care in ways that suit their schedule and comfort.