Portia Freeman, AASW

Portia Freeman provides evidence-based, compassionate counselling and practical support to individuals and families at every stage of life. She draws on broad clinical training to shape an approach that matches each person’s needs, combining structured interventions with a strengths-based, client-centred style that prioritises collaboration and realistic goals.

Her clinical focus includes trauma, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence, including Autism and ADHD. Portia works with both individuals and families, helping clients build resilience, increase self-understanding, and move toward meaningful change in everyday life. She adapts techniques to suit different ages and family configurations, and she offers intervention for relationship concerns, grief, coping with chronic illness, and a range of other challenges.

Portia draws from a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-e), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Cool Kids program for childhood anxiety, and Theraplay for attachment-based work. Her practice emphasises collaboration - working alongside clients to identify values, build skills, and develop sustainable coping strategies.

Portia holds the AASW credential, which indicates membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and reflects professional training and standing within the social work field.

Therapeutic approaches for online care and recovery

Portia Freeman uses evidence-based approaches that translate well to online formats. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify personal values and develop psychological flexibility - it supports people who are managing anxiety, low mood, or life transitions by focusing on meaningful action rather than symptom elimination. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; through practical exercises and skill-building it helps clients reduce anxiety, manage depressive patterns, and improve daily functioning. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method used to process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity; when appropriate, adaptations can be made for remote sessions to support trauma recovery.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and will adjust techniques over time to ensure the best fit for individual circumstances. Clients are partners in planning and can expect clear explanations about why particular methods are chosen.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - clients can attend sessions by video call or phone, or use live chat and text-based messaging depending on what suits their schedule and communication style. These options make it easier to maintain regular work on goals, access support from home or work, and fit therapy into busy lives while still working with licensed professionals and therapists who guide treatment.