John Waters

COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST
PSYCHOTHERAPIST

BBSc; DipEd(Psych); Dip(Psychotherapy); MEdSt; MAPS

John is a counselling psychologist and psychotherapist with over 30 years’ experience. He has completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Studies; a Diploma of Educational Psychology; a three-year Diploma of Psychoanalytic-Oriented Psychotherapy; and a Master of Educational Studies.

John works primarily with younger and older adults across the lifespan. John enjoys working with a wide range of presentations including anxiety, phobias, stress, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, identity crisis, life transition and adjustment concerns, relationship conflicts, and trauma.

John’s wealth of experience has seen him work in a variety of settings, including private practice and the tertiary education field where he provided colleagues and early career psychologists with specialised training and supervision. John is naturally skilled at supporting others on their journey of self-discovery and brings humour and compassion to his therapeutic relationships.

John’s approach is based on psychodynamic therapy, which encourages the client to reflect on their life experience and develop insight into the limiting beliefs and emotional patterns that impact their personal lives and relationships. Through dialogue and active listening, John gently guides his clients towards awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and reactions. This practice supports their emotional healing, mental clarity, and self-acceptance.

John also offers mindfulness-based therapies including meditation, relaxation, and visualisation techniques. These teachings equip clients with the skill to calm a distracted or reactive state of mind. When the mind is focused on sights, sounds, and other natural impressions, the surface activity of the mind quietens. It is during these experiences of stillness that John’s clients gain a deeper understanding of their true self and what may be contributing to their symptoms. John’s approach focuses on the integrated healing of the mind, body, and spirit that leads to wholeness.

John is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a fellow of the APS College of Counselling Psychologists.