Johanna

Miss Johanna Waugh

Psychosexual Therapist

My background includes counselling across a broad range of areas including trauma, anxiety, relationships, intimacy concerns, sexual and reproductive health, sexual wellbeing, emotional regulation, grief and loss, self-esteem, and life transitions. I also have experience supporting people impacted by domestic violence, childhood trauma, attachment difficulties, and complex emotional experiences.

About Me

I am an ACA Level 3 registered counsellor and psychosexual therapist with a strong passion for providing compassionate, trauma-informed support to individuals navigating life’s challenges. Originally from London, England, I now practice in Australia and bring a warm, down-to-earth, and culturally sensitive approach to therapy. Alongside my work as a psychosexual therapist, I am trained in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support and understand the ways substance use can intersect with trauma, mental health, relationships, and coping strategies. I aim to create a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental environment where clients feel genuinely heard and supported. I support adults from diverse backgrounds and value inclusivity, authenticity, and compassionate care. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, understood, and supported in creating meaningful and lasting change within their lives.

Approach

My approach to counselling is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and person-centred. I believe every person’s experiences are unique, and therapy should feel like a safe, supportive space where clients can speak openly without fear of judgement or shame. I work alongside clients at their own pace, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. I draw from a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches depending on each client’s individual needs, goals, and circumstances. These may include person-centred therapy, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based approaches, psychoeducation, emotional regulation strategies, and mindfulness-based techniques. In psychosexual therapy, I provide a respectful and compassionate space to explore intimacy, relationships, sexual wellbeing, communication, identity, and sexual concerns in a sensitive and professional manner. I understand the significant impact that trauma, adverse life experiences, relationships, grief, anxiety, addiction, and emotional stress can have on overall wellbeing. My approach focuses not only on symptom management, but also on building self-awareness, emotional resilience, healthier coping strategies, and stronger connections with self and others. As an ACA Level 3 counsellor with experience in psychosexual therapy and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support, I work holistically and recognise the connection between mental health, emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships, sexuality, and life experiences. I aim to create a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment where clients feel respected, valued, and supported regardless of their background or personal experiences. Above all, I believe therapy should feel human, genuine, and supportive. My goal is to help clients feel safe enough to explore challenges, gain insight, develop confidence, and create meaningful change in their lives.
Contact Johanna

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Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

I provide therapeutic support for adults across a broad range of emotional, psychological, relational, and personal concerns within a safe, compassionate, and trauma-informed environment. My services are tailored to each individual’s unique experiences, goals, and needs, with a focus on creating a supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My therapeutic services include support for trauma, anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, attachment concerns, and personal growth. I also work with individuals experiencing the impacts of childhood trauma, domestic violence, emotional distress, and complex life experiences. As a psychosexual therapist, I provide specialised support in areas relating to sexual wellbeing, intimacy, communication, sexual functioning, reproductive and sexual health, relationship concerns, sexual confidence, and psychosexual issues. I offer a respectful, inclusive, and non-judgemental space for clients to openly explore sensitive or personal topics at their own pace. I also have experience in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support and understand the ways substance use can intersect with trauma, mental health, relationships, and coping strategies.

Services Offered:

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)

    A form of therapy that teaches acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while guiding action aligned with personal values.

    Learn more about ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • Family Therapy

    A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.

    Learn more about Family Therapy
  • Sex Therapy

    Specialised therapy addressing sexual concerns such as low desire, performance anxiety, pain during sex, or mismatched needs between partners.

    Learn more about Sex Therapy
  • Stress Management

    Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.

    Learn more about Stress Management
  • Addiction Counselling

    Counselling specifically focused on substance use or behavioural addictions, addressing the psychological drivers and patterns of dependence.

    Learn more about Addiction Counselling
  • Advocacy

    Services that help individuals navigate healthcare, education, or social systems to ensure their mental health needs are recognised and met.

    Learn more about Advocacy
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Individuals
  • Parents
  • Children

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Sex Addiction

    A pattern of compulsive sexual behaviour that feels out of control and causes harm to one's relationships, work, or well-being.

  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • Men's Issues

    Psychological challenges commonly experienced by men, including difficulty expressing emotions, anger, relationship struggles, fatherhood pressures, and societal expectations of masculinity.

  • OCD

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a condition involving unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or rituals (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety.

    Learn more about OCD
  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Divorce Coping

    The emotional upheaval of separation or divorce, including grief, anger, identity disruption, and the challenge of restructuring family life.

  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • Intimacy Issues

    Difficulties with emotional or physical closeness in relationships, including fear of vulnerability, avoidance of connection, or sexual concerns.

    Learn more about Intimacy Issues
  • Self-Care

    Deliberate actions taken to maintain or improve one's own mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

    Learn more about Self-Care

Professional Title:

  • Psychosexual Therapist

    A therapist specialising in sexual difficulties and the psychological dimensions of sexual well-being within relationships.

Credentials

Registrations

Australian Counseling Association

Level 2 Membership

Qualifications

Jansen Newman Institute

Jansen Newman Institute

University of Sydney

Service Areas

Stickbymecounselling

In-person & Online

Pyrmont

Sydney, New South Wales

Australia

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Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia