Navigating Life’s Challenges Together

Part of being human is experiencing challenges in life. Whether it’s struggles with thoughts or emotions, coping with loss, or managing chronic health issues, we all face difficult times. Not surprisingly, having support can be immensely beneficial as we navigate these challenges and explore new ways of living. Ferniks was developed with a focus on providing individually tailored therapeutic support, allowing each person to explore ways to live rich, full, and meaningful lives amidst their challenges.

Whether you are seeking support for sudden life changes or longer-term issues you'd like to explore in depth, Ferniks is here to support you. Whether it’s exploring your challenges, learning new skills, or find deeper meaning and richness in your life.

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Meet Our Lead Therapist: Cleo

Cleo Stevenson, B Sc., MCouns Psych. Clinical Psychotherapist and Counsellor

Embracing individuality, facilitating transformation, and providing a supportive space for you to navigate life's challenges.

Cleo specialises in supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, burnout, and the impacts of living with trauma and other challenges. Cleo is particularly interested in supporting neurodivergent people, especially women navigating an adult diagnosis of ADHD or ASD.

Cleo is a clinical psychotherapist and professional counsellor registered with ARCAP*, ACA**, ACBS***, and ANZACBS****. Cleo works both in-person and online therapy sessions to meet your needs.

Cleo is passionate about helping people navigate their unique challenges and explore life directions. She uses a collaborative approach, working with each person to explore their individual goals, desires, gifts, and challenges.

Learn More About Me

It may feel like there is never a ‘right time’ to start therapy; but right here, right now is the best time to start doing things differently and you don’t have to do it alone.

Cleo Stevenson, B Sc., MCouns Psych. Clinical Psychotherapist and Counsellor

Frequently Asked

Questions

Find More faq's

No you don’t need a GP referral to make an appointment or access counselling and psychotherapy services.
Please note that Ferniks doesn’t offer formal assessments or diagnosis nor do we prescribe medication.
Ferniks aims to support each person holistically, and at times this means working in partnership with GPs and allied health practitioners, with your permission, to ensure best quality of care is given to you.
No you can’t.
Counselling & psychotherapy services are currently ineligible for Medicare rebates and Mental Health Care Plan subsidies. Please visit your GP for further information on Medicare subsidised treatment.
It’s normal to feel apprehensive about coming to see a mental health practitioner for the first time. If you have seen other therapists or psychologists before, seeing a new one for the first time can still feel challenging, especially if you have had some negative experiences.
Cleo is aware that this is not uncommon and to support you through this experience offers a free 10 minute phone consultation to ask a few questions and get to know her before you book a session. If you are interested in this option, please email and request a time for this.
Yes,
If you would like to meet outdoors near the clinic (beach, river or park perhaps), online or over the phone, these requests can be accommodated. Just let Cleo know what you would prefer.

Client’s Testimonials

I have been seeing Cleo for therapy, and I am truly grateful for the positive impact she has had on my mental health. From the moment I first walked into her office, I felt welcomed and supported in a safe, non-judgmental space. Cleo’s approach is compassionate, attentive, and insightful. She takes the time to truly understand my concerns and offers thoughtful strategies and tools to navigate the challenges I face.

What I appreciate most about Cleo is her ability to listen deeply and create a collaborative environment where I feel empowered to explore my feelings and work through difficult topics at my own pace. Her professionalism, empathy, and expertise have made a significant difference in my personal growth and overall well-being. I highly recommend Cleo to anyone looking for a therapist who is not only skilled but genuinely cares about their mental health journey.
Seeing Cleo has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my personal growth. She has been incredible in helping me understand and process my emotions. Her supportive and insightful approach has made such a difference in my ability to set healthy boundaries and improve my relationships. Each session with Cleo leaves me feeling more confident and equipped to handle life’s challenges. If you’re looking for a therapist who truly listens and provides practical, effective guidance, I can’t recommend Cleo enough.
I cannot recommend Cleo enough! From the moment I met Cleo, I felt a sense of warmth and safety. This feeling has not wavered. Cleo listens with compassion and empathy, creating a safe and non-judgemental space where I could comfortably open up. I leave each session feeling more empowered and at peace. If you’re looking for someone to feel safe with and receive compassionate guidance, I totally recommend Cleo.
Cleo provides a very kind and thoughtful and supportive environment. I am a busy working mum and Cleo have given me great insight and a lot useful strategies to help me navigate my life in a more positive and productive way. I am making progress and taking time to improve myself which is helping my family a great deal. I highly recommend Cleo.
Ferniks, by Cleo Stephenson, a powerful place to be securely held in emotional safety. I feel honoured to be able to be in consultation & therapy with Cleo. As the name suggests, Ferniks is Norwegian for Phoenix - a spiritual being that cannot die & rises from the ashes, in perpetuity.

Cleo encourages me to be Present, I appreciate Her focus on meditation & Her capacity to follow my eclectic synopsis at times. She encourages an insightful & deliberate forward movement into my Self Concept, and is a support in my life 🙏

Totally recommend Ferniks.

5 out of 5 Stars

Cheers,