Bárbara Leal Reis, ACA

Bárbara Leal Reis trained as a psychologist in Brazil and brings more than seven years of professional experience across counselling, clinical psychology, neuropsychology and sport psychology. In Australia she practises exclusively as a Counsellor, working within the ethical and professional boundaries of that role and focusing on emotional support, coping strategies and wellbeing rather than diagnostic or medical assessments.

Her practice supports people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self esteem and challenges related to ADHD. She has experience working with neurodivergent clients, including those on the autism spectrum, and has previously supported women affected by abusive relationships and domestic violence. Additional areas of focus include body image, communication problems, separation and divorce, eating and food-related issues, guilt and shame, immigration concerns and feelings of isolation or loneliness.

As an immigrant, Bárbara understands the complexities of cultural adjustment and the emotional impact of moving to a new country, and she integrates that lived experience into her counselling. Her approach is person-centred and evidence-based, emphasising attentive listening, practical strategies and the strengthening of personal resources. Bárbara holds the ACA credential and delivers therapeutic support tailored to each person, helping clients navigate everyday challenges and work towards a more balanced and meaningful life.

Evidence-based counselling online and practical support

Bárbara works from a person-centred counselling approach, which focuses on attentive listening and supporting each person to explore their feelings and strengths. This style helps with relationship issues, low self esteem and the emotional impact of life transitions by placing the client at the centre of the process.

She also uses skills-based strategies that teach practical coping tools for managing stress, anxiety, panic and ADHD-related challenges. These approaches emphasise concrete techniques clients can practice between sessions to improve daily functioning and emotional regulation.

For those affected by trauma or abuse, Bárbara offers trauma-informed support that prioritises safety and pacing, helping people process difficult experiences while building resilience and personal resources in a compassionate way.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process and will be decided collaboratively. Bárbara will work with each person to identify goals, preferences and needs, and adapt methods accordingly in partnership with the client.

Online therapy offers flexible access to counselling through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and daily life, allow continuity of care when schedules change, and support people who face geographical or mobility constraints.