John Obalum, AASW

John Obalum is an AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) credentialed practitioner based in Australia with 7 years of professional experience. He has worked across mental health and child protection sectors and has supported children and young adults who are navigating questions of identity. John specialises in family issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, parenting difficulties and anger management, and also works with a wide range of related challenges including attachment and abandonment issues, caregiver stress, communication problems, separation and divorce, and struggles with guilt, shame and life purpose.

John adopts a non-judgemental, empathetic stance and aims to create an open space where thoughts and feelings can be expressed safely. He uses active listening to help clients explore patterns of behaviour and relationships, and he supports people taking the first steps toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. John works collaboratively to understand each person’s goals and tailors his approach to meet individual needs, offering practical support alongside emotional exploration.

Fluent in English and Igbo, he is available to work with people in Australia who are seeking a thoughtful, experienced counsellor for family, trauma, parenting and related concerns.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

John often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful actions aligned with their values. ACT can be useful for managing anxiety, trauma-related avoidance and finding direction during life transitions. He also draws on Client-Centred Therapy, an approach that prioritises empathy, unconditional positive regard and collaboration so clients can explore issues like relationship conflict, parenting concerns and identity without fear of judgement. Mindfulness Therapy is another element in his work - simple attention and breathing practices that help reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation in day-to-day life.

Finding the best therapeutic approach is part of the therapeutic journey. John works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences, and he is willing to adapt techniques as progress unfolds. This collaborative process helps clients feel involved and understood.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging, giving flexibility to fit therapy into busy schedules and to accommodate different communication styles. For many people, these options make accessing support easier and more consistent, enabling ongoing work on relationships, trauma recovery and problem solving with appropriately qualified or registered professionals and therapists.