Compassionate therapy for navigating life’s challenges.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, or just ready for change, I offer a calm and supportive space where we can explore what matters most - together.

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About Anne Dowling

Counselling & Psychotherapy

Hi, I’m Anne - a counsellor and psychotherapist based in Australia, passionate about creating a warm and collaborative space for healing and growth.

With over 20 years of experience working closely with people as a primary school teacher, and later through children’s play and arts-based therapy, I’ve seen the many ways we express, process and make sense of our inner worlds. These years of experience gave me deep insight into how people - young and old - develop, relate, and carry emotional pain or unmet needs.

Today, I work predominantly with adults who are seeking clarity, peace, and connection. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or navigating life changes, our work together will be grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect. I offer a non-judgemental space where your experiences are heard and your goals are supported.

My approach is trauma-informed and draws on a range of therapeutic modalities, including creative and body-based methods when helpful. Whether it’s anxiety, grief, identity exploration, burnout, or patterns in relationships, I see therapy as a journey we walk together - towards understanding, resilience and deeper self-trust.

  • “My 10 year old son could only attend school for half the day before seeing Anne for play therapy. He would get heightened and upset for even small miscommunications, and could become violent with his educators and peers, including using scissors and sticks. Now he is at school all day with little to no problems. He hasn’t been suspended in over a year. He’s a lot happier, more confident, and has had the best report card I have ever seen. He even attended school camp for 4 days! I am more confident now that he will have a bright and happy future.”

    - Angela

  • "I found Anne Dowling to be empathetic and kind. She is a very supportive therapist. EMDR took counseling to a powerful, new level for me. I finally feel like I am making progress, personally . Prior to this, I had been to see counsellors and felt like I was going around in circles dealing with the same issues - but not really seeing lasting change. I highly recommend Anne Dowling."

    - Anne

  • "Prior to EMDR treatment i suffered a lot of personal childhood trauma. I didn't tell anyone at the time, and I suppressed it, but I carried a heavy burden. I didn't even know how much these experiences had affected me. EMDR enabled me to overcome and conquer all that had happened to me. It also resolved the triggers I was experiencing. It was quite weird to find out how much I had been affected by these traumatic events in my life and my taking them in and denying what had happened . EMDR unburdened me, and rebuilt my self esteem. I highly recommend Anne and the work she does."

    - Samantha

  • "From a fearful beginning, to tiny step of faith, Anne has been patient and consistent over the two+ years I been working through my childhood trauma. Under Anne's guidance I have explored art therapy and EMDR. Anne has guided me through this process with grace and genuine care. Always accountable, understanding and professional. Anne has listened and validated my experiences. I highly recommend Anne to anyone seeking trauma therapy. The process has changed my life."

  • "I’ve been through a lot of therapy and found that EMDR has really helped me process the past so I can be in the present. Anne creates a safe and welcoming space for me to express myself and heal from trauma that EMDR processes. I can’t recommend her enough."

    - Sam

  • "I have been a patient of Anne for approximately 12 months, and my experience working with her has been incredibly positive. Her therapy has helped me develop practical strategies to manage my emotions and navigate the grieving process with greater clarity and confidence. I was initially sceptical, but I am so grateful for the guidance Anne has provided. The strategies she has shared, and the way she has helped me apply them to my life and relationships, have been hugely beneficial. The resources she has offered have also given me valuable support outside of our sessions. Anne has a remarkable ability to offer insight and create a space where I can reflect more deeply on my feelings and behaviour. Through our work together, I have gained greater self-awareness, accountability, and a clearer understanding of the improvements I can make in my everyday life. Anne was always approachable, pleasant, and could not do enough for me throughout the process. I would highly recommend Anne to anyone seeking compassionate, insightful, and effective therapeutic support."

    Jeff

  • Anne has treated me off and on over 10 years through art therapy.She is truely one of the most AMAZING and talented! I love her gently approach, non judgemental, just listening and always helping me through art. I discovered something quite sinister through her sand tray therapy, and to this day I am blown away by it! Thank you Anne. I am positive that you will give this help to everyone who needs it, young or young at heart. Bless you Anne

    Cornelia