WELCOME
Taking the first steps to improve yourself takes courage, so I’m glad you've found Better Man Counselling. I’m David Contarini – dad, husband, and counsellor. I specialize in helping men and young adults ease their emotional distress to get closer to who they aim to be. You're here, no doubt, because there's room in your life to improve. Maybe your relationship is in trouble, or you're lonely. Maybe you have lost your job or lost someone. Perhaps you have an addiction, low self-confidence, feeling stuck, or struggling with anxiety, trauma or 'burn-out'. Before you know it, you're diving into behaviours you’re not proud of, right? I get it...
​
My counselling practice is a safe and welcoming place for everyday blokes - an opportunity to tell me what's on your mind, to make a plan and build new skills so you can get back to what's important to you - becoming a better man.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
Counselling is pretty simple really. You talk and I listen and together we make a plan to get you where you want to be in your life. I don't formally diagnose like a psychologist can nor do I prescribe medication like a psychiatrist. But what I can do is lend a qualified ear, listen to your struggles and together we’ll find a way through your distress.
WHY YOU MAY NEED IT
In my experience, us men aren’t that complex (sorry blokes but it’s true!). We work hard to build a career, provide for our ourselves and our families to be the best we can be. But things don’t always go to plan. We ruminate over the past, are insecure in the present and get anxious about the future. To make matters worse, we don’t tend to want to talk about the ‘hard’ stuff – we’re too busy getting on with it, toughening up or 'building a bridge'. Being mentally healthy plays an important role in your happiness, relationships and work interactions leading to higher level of satisfaction, peace and joy within your life.
HOW IÂ CAN HELP
Well, one thing’s for certain, I don’t dish out a whole heap of advice, pat your back and send you on your way! We talk about the issues you’re struggling with and together we make a plan to view or do things differently. This means helping you see your issues from another perspective or teaching you new skills to lessen the impacts of your unhelpful thoughts and feelings. At the end of the day my goal is to get you moving towards a life you're proud of.
Q & A
It's normal to have a few questions before diving in, so ask away!
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ME AND A PSYCHOLOGIST?
If you feel you would be best served by a formal diagnosis, a psychologist offering a mental health care plan (through your GP) may be your best path forward. My counselling approach, which also uses many of the evidence-based interventions of a psychologist, centres on you, the person, and how to build new skills to deal with your situation and the often difficult thoughts and feelings that go with it. Unlike a health care plan, no record of counselling appears on your health record. Oh, and you can often see me within a week of our initial phone contact.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY DOCTOR?
No. Many of my clients simply book in via phone to make an appointment.
WHERE ARE SESSIONS HELD?
​
I conduct in-session at my private room in Cashmere, north of Brisbane. I can also conduct sessions by phone or virtually on the Microsoft Teams App.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
A 60 minute session is $125.00 for the first session and $110 for subsequent sessions payable at the completion of the counselling session. You can pay by cash, Eftpos, tap or mobile facility. I also offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss your situation and next steps. The session cost is comparable to a mental health care plan out-of-pocket ('gap') payment to a psychologist.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
It depends on your particular requirements - everyone is different. Most clients will see me weekly for between three to six visits. Some clients will also book 'booster' sessions once per month. It is completely up to you.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
I generally like to find out more about you, why you have come to counselling and what you would like to achieve through counselling. We then set a plan to achieve these goals and monitor progress along the way. I also like to set tasks which you complete each week so you can practice new skills.
​
HOW DO I MAKE CONTACT WITH YOU?
Simple! Just leave your details below and I'll call you within 24 hours. No pressure...let's just have a chat to see if I can help you in some way.
DO YOU ONLY COUNSEL MEN?
Nooooooo! I kinda counsel men because I am one and I know how we tick. But our pain and struggles are universal, right? So if you need help regardless of your x or y chromosomes, please reach out.
IS THERE A CANCELLATION POLICY?
Cancellation fees are as follows:
1. 0-24 hours' notice - full fee payable.
2. 24-48 hours' notice - 50% fee payable.
​
Please be respectful of my schedule and contact me via email or phone to re-book.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?
I'm a registered counsellor through the Australian Counselling Association and hold a Diploma of Counselling qualification. I also have a Masters Degree in Sports Management; Diploma of Teaching (Physical Education); and Diploma of Events Management. I have worked in the education, hospitality, professional sport and major events sectors before pursuing my passion into men's health.
DO YOU OFFER ONLINE COUNSELLING?
Yes and it's a convenient way to access help when you need it. I operate via the Microsoft Teams or Google Meet platforms so get in touch via my Let's Chat form.
LET'S CHAT
Leave your details and I'll return your call within 24 hours.