Counselling on the Tweed Coast, Banora Point and online
Support for personal & relationship concerns and addiction recovery
Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to explore what is happening in your life, relationships and recovery, understand the patterns holding you back and find a clearer way forward.
In-person in Banora Point and available online.
How Ian can help
You do not have to work everything out yourself
When personal concerns, relationship difficulties or addiction recovery struggles begin to feel overwhelming, counselling provides a safe and supportive place to explore what is happening and identify a healthy way forward.
Addiction Recovery Coaching
Coaching and counselling for people struggling with recovery from alcohol, drugs or other addictions and compulsive behaviours, including partners and couples dealing with broken trust, relapse patterns and relationship conflict.
Explore addiction recovery supportPersonal Counselling
Support for personal and relationship problems, unhealthy patterns, past hurt or trauma, emotional overwhelm, self-regulation issues, mental health concerns, family relationships, workplace stress and difficult life challenges.
Learn about personal counsellingCouples Counselling
A supportive space to understand your relationship dynamics, repair relational ruptures, manage conflict, rebuild trust and develop healthier communication and intimate relationships.
Learn about couples counsellingCounselling that begins with you
Are you struggling with personal or relationship concerns?
Navigating personal and relationship concerns can feel daunting when you are facing them alone. Feelings and emotions can become overwhelming, leaving you confused and unsure about what to do next.
Counselling offers a valuable opportunity to focus on what is happening in your life right now. Together, we can explore the personal patterns, emotional responses and behaviours that may be creating conflict or holding you back.
You will be offered a safe and supportive space where you can speak openly about what is really going on for you. The aim is to help you feel genuinely heard, develop greater awareness, create healthier connections and move towards a more fulfilling, joyful and authentic life.
Private counselling practice
Based in Banora Point and serving the wider Tweed Coast
Ian works from a private counselling practice in Banora Point. In-person and online appointments are available by arrangement.
The exact practice address is provided privately when an in-person appointment is confirmed.
- Banora Point
- Coolangatta
- Tweed Heads
- Tweed Heads South
- Kingscliff
- Pottsville
- Murwillumbah
- Online counselling
Supporting clients from Coolangatta south to Pottsville and west to Murwillumbah, centred around Banora Point, Tweed Heads and Tweed Heads South.
Hi, I’m Ian Waugh
Founder of Bridging the Barriers and Genuine Relating
Genuine Relating is my unique, dynamic and interactive approach to recovery coaching, psychotherapy and counselling, enabling people to heal, grow and flourish while creating healthier and more intimate relationships.
In my 30 years of practice, I have worked with individuals, couples and people affected by addiction recovery, emotional distress and relationship challenges.
I do not see my role as simply diagnosing a problem, giving advice or telling you what to do. I work alongside you as a co-inquirer, helping you become more aware of how you relate to yourself, to others and to the challenges within your life.
I now work from my private practice in Banora Point, supporting clients locally across the Tweed Coast and through online counselling.
- Master of Gestalt Therapy
- Diploma of Human Services
- Recovery coach
- Private Banora Point practice
Ian’s therapeutic approach
What is Genuine Relating?
Genuine Relating is the approach to recovery coaching, psychotherapy and counselling that I have developed through my many years of clinical and personal experience.
It values heartfelt connection while honouring each person’s individuality and wholeness. Rather than asking only, “What is wrong with you?”, together we become curious about what has happened, how your lived experiences and relationships have shaped your life, and what may become possible when we explore that together.
Many of the patterns that now limit your relationships, connection, freedom or vitality originally developed as creative ways of protecting yourself. In our work together, we seek first to understand these relational patterns and woundings through self-awareness and acceptance. As old patterns become visible, self-compassion, healing and choice can emerge.
What to expect
Counselling as a shared inquiry
Sessions are not organised around fixing you or forcing you into a predetermined solution. Ian works with you to slow down, pay attention to what is happening and discover new possibilities through awareness, dialogue and relationship.
A safe place to begin
You can speak honestly about what is happening without judgement or pressure to have everything worked out.
Awareness in the present
Together, you notice the emotions, bodily responses, thoughts and relationship patterns active in the here and now.
Curiosity instead of judgement
Protective patterns are understood in context before being challenged, creating room for responsibility, compassion and choice.
New ways of relating
New awareness is brought into real conversations, boundaries, choices and relationships beyond the counselling room.
Possible outcomes
What can begin to change?
Change is often quieter and more gradual than people expect. It can appear through ordinary moments in which you notice that you now have more awareness, more choice and a different way of meeting yourself and others.
The aim is not perfection. It is a life increasingly organised around honesty, connection, responsibility and vitality rather than fear, avoidance or survival.
- Understand recurring emotional and relational patterns
- Remain present during difficult conversations
- Communicate more openly and listen more deeply
- Develop clearer and healthier boundaries
- Repair ruptures and begin rebuilding trust
- Take responsibility without collapsing into shame
- Reconnect with your body, emotions and needs
- Move towards greater connection, vitality and joy
The foundations of the work
Gestalt therapy and relationship-centred counselling
Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy is a relational and present-focused approach to psychotherapy and counselling. It pays attention to the whole person: body, emotions, sensations, thoughts, perceptions, experiences and relationships.
The work supports awareness of what is happening now so that old patterns can be recognised and new choices can become possible.
Learn more about Gestalt therapyRelationship-centred recovery
Addiction rarely remains confined to one person. It enters the relationships around them, affecting trust, communication, boundaries, responsibility and connection.
Recovery can therefore involve more than stopping a substance or behaviour. It can also become the gradual restoration of relationship and the return of vitality to the person, couple or family.
Explore addiction recovery coachingClient experiences
What others have said about counselling with Ian
The session was very powerful and insightful. The support you shared helped me to understand what is below the surface and how to express myself. Now equipped with some new tools, it has been very beneficial in my relationship. I highly recommend a session with Ian.Roxanne A
I have found the counselling offered by Ian Waugh to be very helpful in addressing stuck patterns from my past and increasing my awareness of how I am in relation to others and myself. Ian is a skilled therapist who brings safety and insight, and I feel that I am benefiting from having counselling with him.Annie F
Great help. I highly recommend trusting the process and the people who guide you through this at Genuine Relating. Thanks so much, Ian.Lance
Meditation and self-practice
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Book a free introductory call
Choose a suitable time to speak with Ian
This free 15-minute phone call gives you an opportunity to briefly explain what is happening, ask questions and decide whether working together feels right. There is no obligation to continue.
If the calendar does not display, contact Ian by phone on 0413 653 396, email ian@genuinerelating.com.au, or use the contact page.