Mary-Sue Sarkis
Mrs Mary-Sue Semaan
Phone
Mobile
0403809821

Professional Profile

Qualification(s)
BA Psych; GradDip Couns;
Languages
Arabic
Registration Number
22423
Registration category
Clinical
Additional PACFA credentials

College of Counselling


Accredited PACFA Registrant

Offers telehealth
Yes

* Certified Practicing PACFA members have studied at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or above, with a minimum of 400 hours instruction in counselling or psychotherapy subjects, plus have a minimum of 40 hours client contact, and 10 hours of supervision.

Clinical PACFA members have met the education standards above and have accrued a minimum of 750 client contact hours, including 75 hours of supervision.

About me

My practice
I am clinical counsellor governed by ARCAP and PACFA with over a decade of experience supporting young people, individuals, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. My work is grounded in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a strong belief in each person’s capacity for healing and growth. I am an approved counsellor with Victims Services NSW, providing trauma-informed counselling support for individuals impacted by crime, violence and trauma.

Professional Background
I have worked across a range of settings, including individual, youth, and family counselling, as well as within services supporting culturally diverse communities, trauma, and family conflict. These experiences have strengthened my ability to work with complex presentations, including trauma and high-risk situations, with steadiness, care, and professionalism.

How I Support Clients
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each individual’s needs. I draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, including:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Radical Exposure Tapping

I have supported clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, behavioural challenges, and family conflict. I also have experience facilitating therapeutic groups, delivering wellbeing programs, and providing clinical supervision to other counsellors.

Working with Families and Young People
A significant part of my work focuses on supporting adolescents and families. I help young people navigate identity, relationships, emotional regulation, school pressures, and the impacts of trauma. I also work alongside parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and foster safe and supportive home environments.

A Trauma-Informed, Culturally Sensitive Approach
My experience working with culturally diverse communities and refugees has shaped a practice that is inclusive, respectful, and responsive to each person’s unique background and experiences. I place strong importance on creating a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment within the therapeutic relationship.

What You Can Expect
Clients often describe me as honest, approachable, and deeply committed. I aim to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported—whether you are working through trauma, navigating life transitions, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself.

Currently offering online and telephone counselling.
Practice opening hours
Please contact Stand By Me Counselling to make an appointment and check availability
Issues I can help with
Anger, Anxiety, Childhood or adolescent issues, Conflict resolution, Cultural issues, Depression, Family or parenting, Gender Identity and Intersex issues (undefined), Low self-esteem, Mental health issues, Migrant issues, Posttraumatic stress disorder, School counselling, Social skills, Stress, Trauma recovery, Violence
Type of therapy offered
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focussed Therapy, Family therapy, Motivational interviewing, Person-centred counselling, Psycho-education, Solution-focussed therapy

Practice addresses