A warm, collaborative space to navigate emotions, relationships, life transitions and the changes that shape who we are. Sometimes being heard and understood is where meaningful change begins.

A little about me

I believe effective counselling begins with a genuine therapeutic relationship built on trust, curiosity and respect. My role is to create a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood and able to explore what matters to you.

Contact Bridget

I take the time to understand your experiences, listen without judgement and work collaboratively with you to make sense of what is happening.

My approach is grounded in the belief that you are the expert in your own life. Rather than telling you what you should do or how you should feel, I work alongside you to draw on your strengths, develop greater self-understanding and find a way forward that feels right for you.

With almost two decades of experience supporting individuals, couples and families, I bring extensive clinical experience alongside a genuine understanding of how complex life can feel. I am particularly passionate about helping women find their voice, develop a deeper understanding of themselves and feel more confident navigating the challenges, choices and changes in their lives.

I have a particular interest in women’s wellbeing, fertility, parenting and perinatal and infant mental health, supporting people through the many emotions, decisions and transitions that life can bring.

Bridget Veld Portrait

I draw on current evidence-informed therapeutic approaches and work from a strengths-based, person-centred perspective. My practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and narrative approaches, alongside attachment-based and emotion-focused therapies.

I tailor these approaches to each person, drawing on the therapeutic strategies and frameworks that best fit your circumstances, goals and needs. This may include exploring patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviours, building emotional awareness and practical coping strategies, strengthening relationships, developing self-compassion and identifying the values and strengths that can guide you forward.

My work is grounded in trauma-informed and neuro-affirming practice, recognising that our experiences, relationships, environments and individual ways of experiencing the world can shape how we understand ourselves and respond to life.

I aim to create a space that is respectful, inclusive and free from judgement, where you can explore your experiences at your own pace.

With almost two decades of experience across mental health, counselling, education, fertility, and child and family services, I bring broad clinical experience and a deep understanding of the many factors that influence emotional wellbeing.

After graduating from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Social Work, I moved to Ballarat and began my career as a Social Worker and Youth Counsellor within the primary and secondary education sector. I am passionate about supporting children and young people to recognise their strengths, build confidence and develop a greater sense of empowerment and direction, including through the development and delivery of group programs.

Throughout my career, I have supported individuals, couples, parents, children and young people across a range of emotional and mental health concerns. My experience within the Department of Education, alongside counselling and clinical mental health settings, has given me a broad understanding of the relationship between individual wellbeing, family relationships, education, work and the wider systems around us.

I have also worked at a university level as a lecturer and student placement supervisor, supporting the development of emerging social workers. As a trained supervisor, I provide professional supervision and mentoring to Social Workers seeking AASW Mental Health Accreditation, as well as clinical supervision to Social Workers, counsellors and professionals working with children and young people in education settings.

I have undertaken further professional training in perinatal mental health, parenting and relationship support, including through the Centre for Perinatal Excellence (COPE), PANDA and the Seleni Institute. I am also a Tuning in to Kids® trained facilitator.

My practice is informed by extensive clinical experience, ongoing professional learning and reflective practice, with a commitment to providing evidence-informed, contemporary and individualised counselling.

  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) — La Trobe University, 2006
  • Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) — Australian Association of Social Workers
  • Full Member — Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
  • Full Member — Australia and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA)
  • Tuning in to Kids® Trained Facilitator
  • Perinatal Mental Health Professional Development — Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), PANDA and Seilini Institute
  • Clinical Supervision & Professional Supervision Training

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), I am recognised to provide focused psychological strategies under the Medicare Better Access initiative.

Mental Health Social Workers bring a holistic perspective to mental health and wellbeing, recognising that our emotional wellbeing is influenced not only by our thoughts and feelings, but also by our relationships, family, work, environment and broader life circumstances.

My role is to work collaboratively with you to understand the factors affecting your wellbeing, develop practical strategies and draw on your existing strengths and resources. This may include supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment difficulties and other mental health concerns.

My training and clinical experience also support me to work with complex and co-occurring mental health presentations, while considering the wider circumstances and systems that may be impacting your wellbeing.

A Mental Health Social Work approach recognises that you are more than a diagnosis. Understanding the whole person and the context in which they live is an important part of meaningful and sustainable change.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I provide counselling for a range of mental health and wellbeing concerns and can work with clients referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

I also offer Non-directive Pregnancy Counselling through Medicare, providing a confidential and supportive space for women experiencing concerns, uncertainty or mixed emotions about a pregnancy. This counselling is non-directive, meaning the focus is on supporting you to explore your own feelings, circumstances and options without judgement or being directed towards a particular decision.

Eligible clients may be able to access a Medicare rebate for counselling sessions. I welcome referrals from GPs and other health professionals.

If you’re unsure whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan or pregnancy counselling referral is appropriate for you, your GP can discuss this with you.

As a full member of the Australia and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA), Bridget has specialist knowledge and experience in the emotional, psychological and relational aspects of infertility and assisted reproductive treatment.

Infertility and fertility treatment can affect many parts of life — including relationships, identity, expectations, decision-making and emotional wellbeing. Specialist fertility counselling provides a space to explore these experiences alongside the medical aspects of treatment.

ANZICA counsellors have specific knowledge of the psychosocial issues associated with infertility, assisted reproductive treatment, donor conception, pregnancy loss and family building. Counselling can support individuals and couples to navigate the emotional challenges of treatment, consider their options and make decisions that reflect their own values and circumstances.

Bridget’s approach is non-judgemental, collaborative and respectful of self-determination. She recognises that there is no single way to experience fertility treatment or build a family, and provides a space where individuals and couples can explore what their journey means for them.

Specialist knowledge. A compassionate space. Support through your fertility journey.

I welcome people from diverse backgrounds, identities, relationships and family structures.

My practice is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and inclusive, and I am committed to creating a counselling space where you can feel respected, safe and accepted for who you are.

LGBTQIA+ clients are warmly welcomed.

Ready to take the next step

Contact Bridget

You don’t need to know exactly what you need before reaching out. If you’d like to talk about whether counselling with Bridget might be right for you, get in touch.