Counsellor profile
Pauline Sten, PACFA
Based in Australia ยท 6 years of experience
Counsellor for anxiety, addiction and relationships
Continue with PaulineAt a glance
- Registration
- PACFA, Australia (28656)
- Qualifications
- PACFA
- Experience
- 6 years
- Languages
- English
- Based in
- Australia
Details come from information Pauline supplied to BetterHelp.
- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Relationship communication
About Pauline
PACFA, 6 years' experience. Pauline Sten works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem and depression. She describes clients as experts in their own stories and focuses on building on existing strengths to manage current problems.
Pauline uses straightforward conversations to identify what is causing strain. She helps people talk through patterns of thought and behaviour that feed anxiety and low mood. For addiction concerns she works on coping strategies and motivation to change, and for relationship issues she looks at communication and commitment patterns.
Her approach is practical and goal-oriented. Sessions focus on small, manageable steps that can be tried between meetings. Pauline encourages reflection on how past family and attachment experiences affect present relationships and choices.
She also addresses topics such as abandonment, attachment issues, blended family concerns, co-morbidity, control issues and dissociation. Other areas noted in her work include divorce and separation, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, family of origin problems, guilt and shame, and impulsivity.
Pauline works in English and is based in Australia. Her profile notes a PACFA credential. To begin, clients follow the service booking flow to match with her and schedule a first session via the online counselling options button.
Evidence-based techniques and remote counselling
Pauline describes her work as using evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and changing everyday behaviours. One common approach is cognitive-based work, which helps people spot and reframe anxious or self-critical thoughts to reduce distress and improve mood. Another practical method involves behavioural strategies to build routines, coping skills and motivation for change, which can be useful for addiction and low mood.Choosing the right approach is part of the counselling process. The counsellor will discuss your needs, goals and preferences and together decide which techniques to try first. This collaborative exploration means plans can be adjusted as therapy progresses to find what helps best.
If you are considering remote sessions, confirm the available session formats before booking since formats are not specified here. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Discuss practical arrangements and scheduling when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions fit with work, study and family commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work on?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem and depression, plus related topics like attachment and family of origin problems.
What is her counselling style?
Her style is practical and goal-focused, emphasising conversations that identify patterns and small steps to try between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has six years of professional work experience in counselling.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She holds PACFA and is based in Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I see her from outside Australia?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Checking a registration
Professional bodies keep public registers. If Pauline lists a membership, you can look it up on that body's own website:
Online counselling is not emergency or medical care. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers