Individual adults
One-to-one space for anxiety, low mood, grief, stress, life changes, or simply feeling stuck.
Telehealth counselling for country Australia
A calm place to talk, and a way forward.
Warm, confidential counselling by video or phone for adults, couples, young people and workplaces across rural and regional Australia. Good support shouldn't depend on your postcode.
Video or phone · Confidential · No referral needed
About
Hello, I'm Matthew Hardy
I'm a qualified counsellor and the person behind Hope Inspired Counselling, a telehealth practice focused on the underserved mental health needs of country Australians.
I grew up in a small country town of about 8,000 people in the Central Coast and Newcastle region of NSW, so I know life outside the cities first-hand. From early on I was fascinated by how people think and relate to one another: what holds us back, and what helps us thrive.
After school I worked in a range of jobs, and kept finding that what I cared about most was helping people break through mental barriers. Much of my work now is turning the complex tools of emotional intelligence into simple, practical steps.
My Christian faith is what moves me to meet people with compassion in times of need and crisis. Along the way I've come to believe that everyone needs a place where they feel understood, and where they can build safety and acceptance within themselves.
Most of my work is general counselling, and I welcome people of every background, of any faith or none. For those who want it, I also offer faith-based counselling and work with all Christian denominations. The choice is always yours.
I hold a Bachelor of Counselling, have completed Lifeline training and training in suicide and critical care, and am a member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). I have been in practice for three years.
I believe that with the right support, change is possible, and that hope is often the first step.
Who I help
Support that fits where you are
Every person and every situation is different, so we go at your pace and focus on what matters most to you.
Couples
Help to communicate, rebuild trust and understand one another, whatever stage your relationship is at.
Young people (14+)
A safe, confidential space for teenagers aged 14 and over to make sense of what they're going through.
Organisations
Confidential counselling and wellbeing support for your team, arranged around the needs of your workplace.
Getting started
Three simple steps
Get in touch
Send a message, email or call. There's no need to explain everything, a line or two is fine.
A free first call
The first 20 minutes are free. At that point I'll ask whether you'd like to continue. If you do, we carry on as a full session at the standard fee. If not, there's nothing to pay.
Begin sessions
We agree a regular time that works for you and begin, by video or phone, at a pace that feels right.
Sessions
Counselling by telehealth
Sessions happen by video or phone, so distance is no barrier. You can talk from home, the farm, or anywhere you have some privacy.
How it works
- Video sessions on Microsoft Teams, or by phone if you prefer
- All you need is a private space and a phone or internet connection
- Available wherever you are in Australia
- Appointments are offered during NSW business hours (Sydney time)
Why telehealth
- No long drives or time away from work and family
- The same counsellor each session, wherever you live
- Private and discreet, which can matter in a small community
Fees
Sessions are one hour and cost $150, whether for an individual, a couple, or a young person. Organisations: please enquire.
Your first 20 minutes are free. If you choose to continue past that point, the call becomes a full session at the standard fee.
Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed sessions are charged the full fee.
Common questions
Things people often ask
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between us. The rare exceptions, such as a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, will be explained clearly before we begin.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some people come for a handful of sessions around a specific issue, others prefer longer-term support. We'll review together as we go, and you can stop at any time.
What happens in the first session?
It's a chance to talk about what has brought you here and what you'd like to be different. There is no pressure to share more than you're ready to.
Is the counselling faith-based?
Only if you want it to be. Most of my work is general counselling. I also offer Christian counselling for those who ask for it, whatever their denomination. I respect every person's beliefs, and faith is only brought into sessions if you ask for it.
How does counselling work for young people?
I see young people aged 14 and over. Anyone under 16 needs the consent of a parent or guardian to begin. Sessions are the young person's own safe, confidential space, and a parent doesn't need to be nearby during a telehealth session. I aim to involve parents and carers where it helps, and only with the young person's consent.
I'm an employer. How can you support my team?
I can provide confidential counselling for staff, either as needed or as an ongoing arrangement. Get in touch and we can talk through what would suit your organisation.
Get in touch
Take the first step
Reaching out can feel like a big thing. I aim to reply within 48 hours. If you need to talk sooner, say so and I'll do my best to arrange an urgent session.
Need help right now? This is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For support at any hour:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25): 1800 55 1800
- 13YARN, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: 13 92 76