About Indigo

Indigo Wellness Counselling was created to support parents of neurodivergent children in an empathic, insightful and non-judgemental manner.
Whether you’re seeking parent counselling or support in navigating neurodivergent parenting, this is a space grounded in both therapeutic insight and lived experience.
About Nikki
Founder of Indigo Wellness Counselling
Shaped by insight, strengthened by understanding, and a belief in the power of self-trust.
I’m Nikki Stear, a registered counsellor and the heart behind Indigo Wellness Counselling. My path into this work wasn’t linear—it was personal, complex, and, like many of the parents I support, filled with unexpected turns.
After working in a completely different industry, life shifted dramatically in the wake of personal loss and change. It was during that time—while navigating profound grief and unravelling long-buried patterns—that I found myself drawn deeply into the world of psychology, healing, and human connection.
My professional training in counselling, with a focus on psychodynamic and attachment theory, helped me understand how much of our present experience is shaped by our past. And more importantly—how awareness of those patterns can create powerful change. This lens now forms the heart of my approach: helping people reflect with compassion, rather than judgment, and reconnect with their own voice and wisdom.
As a parent myself, I’ve lived through the emotional complexities of raising a neurodivergent child—experiences that have profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience, advocacy, and the invisible emotional load so many families carry. It’s given me deep respect for the challenges of parenting outside the mainstream—and the immense strength it takes to do so with care, clarity and love.
At Indigo Wellness Counselling, I offer a space for parents to feel seen, supported, and never judged. I don’t believe in “fixing” people or telling anyone how to parent. Instead, I work with you to gently explore what’s happening, reflect on what matters, and help you reconnect with your own inner knowing.
Because I truly believe:
You are the expert on your life. My role is to help you hear yourself more clearly.
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, struggling to advocate for your child, or simply feeling lost in the demands of daily family life—I’m here to walk alongside you.
What I Believe
- You are the expert on your child and your life.
- There’s no one right way to parent—only what’s right for you.
- Healing doesn’t mean “fixing.” It means reconnecting with what matters.
- Parenting can be challenging, beautiful, and overwhelming—all at once.
- You don’t have to do this alone.
Why Choose a Counsellor?
You may be wondering whether to see a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Each plays an important role—but counselling may be the right fit if you’re seeking a more flexible, reflective, and person-centred approach.
Here’s how they compare:
Counsellor
Counsellor | |
---|---|
Approach | Reflective, exploratory, person-centred |
Referral Needed? | No referral required |
Records / Health Plan | Not recorded on a mental health plan |
Prescribes Medication? | No |
Medicare Rebate? | No |
Wait Times | Often minimal |
Cost Per Session | Lower average cost |
Best For | Emotional support, parenting, stress, grief |
Psychologist
Approach | Diagnostic, evidence-based interventions |
Referral Needed? | GP referral required (for Medicare rebates) |
Records / Health Plan | Linked to your Medicare health record |
Prescribes Medication? | No |
Medicare Rebate? | Yes (with a mental health care plan) |
Wait Times | Frequently long |
Cost Per Session | Higher cost |
Best For | Diagnosed conditions, behavioural therapy |
Psychiatrist
Approach | Medical, clinical, and pharmacological |
Referral Needed? | GP referral required |
Records / Health Plan | Medical record maintained |
Prescribes Medication? | Yes |
Medicare Rebate? | Yes |
Wait Times | Long |
Cost Per Session | Highest cost |
Best For | Complex mental health, medication management |
Counsellor | Psychologist | Psychiatrist | |
---|---|---|---|
Approach | Reflective, exploratory, person-centred | Diagnostic, evidence-based interventions | Medical, clinical, and pharmacological |
Referral Needed? | No referral required | GP referral required (for Medicare rebates) | GP referral required |
Records / Health Plan | Not recorded on a mental health plan | Linked to your Medicare health record | Medical record maintained |
Prescribes Medication? | No | No | Yes |
Medicare Rebate? | No | Yes (with a mental health care plan) | Yes |
Wait Times | Often minimal | Frequently long | Long |
Cost Per Session | Lower average cost | Higher cost | Highest cost |
Best For | Emotional support, parenting, stress, grief | Diagnosed conditions, behavioural therapy | Complex mental health, medication management |
Counselling is often ideal when you need emotional support, clarity, or space to reflect—without navigating the medical system.
Qualifications & Memberships
- Registered Counsellor | Member of ACA (Australian Counselling Association)
With a focus in these modalities:
- Psychodynamic & Attachment Theory
- Solution Focused Therapy
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
- Mindfulness
Advanced Study Majors in:
- Relationship Counselling and Conflict Resolution
- Child Development and Effective Parenting
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies
How It Works
1
Book a Free 15-Minute Intro Call
A no-pressure space to talk about what’s going on, ask questions, and see if it feels like a good fit.
2
Choose your pace
If you decide to continue, we’ll set a frequency that works for you—weekly, fortnightly, or as needed. No lock-in. No expectations.
3
Explore What Matters
Each session is a space to reflect, unpack, and understand what’s really going on beneath the surface—guided gently by therapeutic frameworks and grounded support.
4
Feel More Confident and Gain Clarity
Over time, you’ll feel more connected to your own wisdom, more equipped to support your child, and more grounded in your parenting journey.
Ready to begin?
Ready to begin? Book your free call and let’s take the next step—together.