JR Richards
Mr John Richards
Phone
Mobile
Email
Website
sicaniacounselling.com.au

Professional Profile

Qualification(s)
Master of Counselling Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
Registration Number
28229
Registration category
Certified Practising
Additional PACFA credentials

College of Counselling
Private health rebate/NDIS provider
Offers Private Health Fund Rebates
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
OVERVIEW
Experienced, PACFA registered specialist counsellor for adults dealing with alcohol and other drug use, behavioural addictions, trauma, anxiety, stress, and low mood. Based in Frankston, available in person on the Mornington Peninsula and online across Melbourne.

EXPERIENCE
I've spent many years working as a senior counsellor in Melbourne's alcohol and other drug sector, supporting people with substance use, trauma histories, and complex mental health challenges that often overlap and at times lead to crisis. Alcohol and other drugs and trauma are my core areas of specialist practice, with behavioural addictions closely connected to both.
That work has taken me across diverse communities including community and forensic settings and court diversion, working with individuals and families, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, multidisciplinary teams, and in supervision and mentoring roles with counsellors and students in training.

PERSPECTIVE
I came to this work through experience, not just training. That includes my own, and years spent close to someone navigating serious mental illness and addiction.
What drew me to counselling specifically was watching a skilful drug and alcohol counsellor do real, meaningful work with someone I loved. That stayed with me. It's directly why I'm here.
That background shapes what I notice in sessions, what I take seriously, and what I know from the inside rather than from a textbook.
Practice opening hours
Issues I can help with
Gender Identity and Intersex issues (undefined), Lesbian & Bisexual issues (undefined), Addiction, Anxiety, Gambling or gaming, Gay (undefined), Mental health issues, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Stress, Transgender (undefined), Trauma recovery
Type of therapy offered
Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Motivational interviewing

Practice addresses