NS Portrait of Narelle Simmons

Narelle Simmons, AASW

Practical social work for anxiety and life stressors

18 years in practice · based in Australia · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Narelle

Narelle Simmons is an AASW social worker with 18 years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and parenting concerns. She focuses on practical strategies that fit each person’s life. Narelle aims to make the first steps into therapy feel manageable and respectful.

She listens to a person’s story and looks at the larger context around them. That includes social systems, power dynamics and the effects of past experiences.

Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Background and approach

Narelle works collaboratively to turn those insights into clear, doable plans that suit day-to-day life. Her approach is grounded in real-world problem solving rather than abstract theory. Sessions typically involve talking through current difficulties, identifying patterns and testing small changes.

The therapist encourages skills that build resilience and improve coping in stressful moments. Narelle also pays attention to attachment, abandonment concerns and how early relationships shape present behaviour. She helps people address panic, social anxiety, mood swings and issues tied to pregnancy, childbirth and women's health.

Guilt, shame and communication problems are commonly discussed and translated into practical steps. People who meet with Narelle can expect a candid and compassionate style. She treats clients as the experts in their lives and adapts strategies to their history and goals.

The emphasis is on steady progress, connection and realistic change.

How evidence-based approaches work online

Evidence-based therapeutic techniques often used in social work focus on understanding patterns and building practical skills. One common approach is skills-based work that teaches breathing, grounding and behavioural strategies to manage panic and anxiety. These techniques help people handle intense moments and reduce avoidance.

An attachment-focused perspective looks at how early relationships affect current behaviour. It helps people identify attachment patterns, work through abandonment concerns and improve communication in important relationships. This approach can be especially useful for relationship strain and persistent worry about rejection.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, life context and what feels most doable. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility and practical options. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for deeper work. Phone sessions suit people with limited bandwidth or who prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging allow brief check-ins, ongoing support and written exercises between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and varied routines.
Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Narelle commonly help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and parenting worries. Relationship difficulties, panic and social anxiety are also areas of focus.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. Sessions centre on understanding context, identifying patterns and testing manageable changes.
What experience does she bring?
Narelle has 18 years of experience in clinical and community social work settings. She has worked across a range of roles supporting mental health and wellbeing.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an AASW social worker practicing from Australia. The AASW credential is displayed as provided.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently working with international clients.
Which session formats does she offer?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. These formats allow a range of interaction styles.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
18 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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