About Simone Clare
Psychologist & Couples Counsellor in Noosa
🌸 My Approach & Background
I founded NextSteps Counselling in 2018 as a boutique, relationship-focused service for people seeking meaningful and lasting change.
In 2024, after many years of study alongside life’s commitments — including family and relocation — I completed my psychology training and became a registered psychologist. This has allowed me to deepen my work and offer a more comprehensive level of support for individuals and couples navigating mental health and personal challenges.
Today, my practice brings together both counselling and psychology, offering thoughtful, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
🌿 Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Alongside approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, I draw strongly on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in my work – particularly for relationships.
I use EFT because it:
- Is one of the most well-researched and effective approaches for relationship therapy
- Focuses on genuine, supportive connection with you as the client
- Helps uncover the deeper emotions and needs beneath conflict
What I value most about EFT is its ability to make sense of the difficult moments where we feel disconnected — and gently guide us back toward understanding and connection.
🌸 Understanding What’s Beneath
Often, our reactions in relationships are driven by deeper feelings and needs that we’re not fully aware of.
This can leave us stuck in painful patterns – repeating the same conversations, feeling misunderstood, or unsure how to move forward.
In our work together, we slow things down and gently explore what’s underneath these moments. As we bring clarity to these deeper layers, things begin to shift – allowing for more meaningful connection and understanding.
🌿 Communication & Connection
When we feel truly heard and understood, something important changes.
The intensity of conflict softens. Defensiveness eases. It becomes easier to speak openly and respond with care.
In session, we practise new ways of communicating – expressing what matters, listening differently, and reconnecting. Over time, these ways of relating begin to feel more natural, helping you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
🌸 Creating Lasting Change
As therapy progresses, many people begin to notice real shifts – in how they relate to themselves and to others.
These new ways of understanding and connecting become more natural, and sessions often begin to space out as confidence grows.
The goal is to help you build something steady and lasting – a connection you can continue to nurture beyond therapy.
🌿 My Philosophy
My approach is compassionate, responsive, and grounded in real connection.
I offer a tailored experience for each client, with flexibility and ongoing support to meet you where you are.
🌸 What Sessions Feel Like
Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping you feel heard and understood.
At times, the work can feel challenging — especially when exploring deeper emotions or difficult experiences. You may find yourself reflecting, listening, and sharing in new ways.
Throughout this process, I provide a steady and attuned presence, supporting you as things begin to shift and open up.
🌿 My Style
My style is warm, approachable, and professional.
If this feels like the right fit for you, you’re welcome to get in touch.
🌸 Qualifications
Registered Psychologist | Provider No. 1683932A
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Basic & Advanced Training
(Australian Centre for EFT & ICEEFT, Ottawa) - Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – University of the Sunshine Coast
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology – Monash University
- Bachelor of Arts – University of Melbourne
🌿 Closing
Reaching out can feel like a big step — but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change.
When you’re ready, I’m here to support you.
Client Feedback
“Simone is a perceptive, knowledgeable and caring practitioner, with inherent ability, recent training and fresh energy“- Catherine, Newcastle.
“I was very grateful to Simone for her very thorough summary and understanding of our situation when she prepared materials for my own ongoing individual work” – Evie, Peregian.
“Super impressed by the amount of content this lady can throw out at the drop of a hat. Really helped my partner and I nut things out” – Neil, Yandina.
“I didn’t know therapy could be like this? Someone who follows up and spends time? I didn’t expect it but it was neat” – Taj, Marcoola.
“Thanks for getting to the core of things. And for the reassurance” – Lauren, Brisbane.
