Child, Adolescent, Adult and Family Therapy
Counselling with Suzy
Suzy Manning is an experienced counsellor in Newcastle and Accredited Social Worker who provides strengths-based, trauma-informed counselling for children, adolescents, adults, families, and carers. She works collaboratively with clients to build on existing strengths, develop practical coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change. With the client’s consent Suzy often provides intermittent updates to the referring practitioner.
CoastWell is committed to providing culturally safe, gender-affirming, and inclusive counselling services in Newcastle for people of all ages, cultures, abilities, genders, sexualities, and family structures. Suzy has particular experience supporting people affected by domestic and family violence, LGBTQIA+ individuals, young people, families, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Evidence based therapeutic approaches Suzy uses:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Strengths-Based Practice
Trauma-Informed Practice
Psychoeducation
Mindfulness-based approaches
Walk-and-talk therapy
Art-based (jewellery) and creative therapies
Horticultural based therapies
Animal-assisted therapy with Honey, her qualified therapy dog (upon request)
Victim Services Support
As a Victim of Crime Counsellor, Suzy has extensive experience supporting people directly affected by trauma, crime, domestic and family violence, grief and loss, including forensic death, abuse, and other complex life experiences. Her approach focuses on safety, empowerment, resilience, and recovery.
To apply for Victims Of Crime Counselling click the link:
OR
When your application has been processed you will then receive a Victim Services Reference number. You can then choose your VS counsellor on the portal.
For help phone 1800 633 063 OR 1800 019 123 for Indigenous clients.
Email completed paper-based applications to VS@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Some common reasons people seek therapy with Suzy:
ADHD management strategies and coaching
Problematic substance use (drug and/or alcohol)
New health diagnosis, chronic illness and health related anxiety
Social Isolation , loneliness and loss of community
ATSI loss of connection to Country due to current and historic oppressive systems
Mental health and wellbeing
Social and community participation
Anxiety and stress
Depression low mood, anxiety and self-esteem
Victims of crime
Grief and loss including forensic loss
Domestic & family violence
Family and relationship challenges including parenting strategies
sexuality, gender and LGBTQIA+ identity exploration
Life transitions and adjustment difficulties
NDIS participants
Can access counselling or therapy through CoastWell under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget.
Supports may include:
Counselling and therapeutic intervention related to the participant's disability.
Building emotional regulation and coping skills.
Improving social and relationship skills.
Developing strategies to increase independence and community participation.
Support with adjustment to disability, life transitions, and psychosocial wellbeing.
Family and carer support where it relates to the participant's NDIS goals.
CoastWell is currently able to support self-managed and plan-managed participants only.
Honey - Therapy Dog
Fully qualified and insured
As the co-founder of CoastWell, Honey takes her job very seriously. She is a fully qualified therapy dog and loves cuddles, treats and a good belly rub.
She is available upon request to attend sessions and work her magic.
When Honey is not working she is laying in the sunshine, living her best life and pretending to be a real dog.
Honey is fully vaccinated, wormed and registered with Newcastle Council. She is fully insured and gained her therapy dog license in 2025, gaining a HD in the cuteness and obedience section of the exam.
