Welcome to Awake Counselling, and thank you for finding your way here. We’re delighted that you’ve connected with us. The essence and motto behind Awake Counselling revolve around the idea that one must be awake, prepared, and in a space to embark on their healing journey.
Our symbol, the rooster, carries multiple meanings. It signifies the rooster’s crow, symbolising the commencement of a new day, new beginnings, and transformative change.
At Awake Counselling, our mission is to assist individuals who are ready to utilise their therapy journey as a tool to comprehend their trauma, address issues, tackle challenges, and enhance their overall well-being. We understand that counselling isn’t a magic fix that eradicates trauma instantly or a switch that we can click; rather, it’s a journey of healing and awakening that we can embark on together as a team.
We’re here to support you in navigating this journey towards a brighter, more awakened future.
My name is Elvis Caus (pronounced Chaush) and I was born in Bosnia, my family arrived in Australia in 1993 as refugees, and this vibrant country has been my home ever since.
As a dedicated social worker, my journey began in 2005, and I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse communities, including children and adults with disabilities, child protection, mental health, individuals living with HIV, and male survivors of childhood sexual trauma, along with their supporters. My professional path has led me to collaborate with LGBTIQA+ individuals, First Nations people, refugees, and those from various cultural backgrounds. From my modest beginnings in Melbourne to the bustling streets of London, I’ve called Sydney home since 2015.
Counselling isn’t just a profession for me; it’s a calling, a fascination, and a life purpose. Guided by a passion for helping people, my unwavering commitment is rooted in the transformative power of empathy, compassion, connection, and collaboration. These values shape the foundation of the safe and supportive space I aim to create for your personal growth and healing.
I believe we all embark on a journey to discover our life’s purpose, and I consider counselling to be not just a career but a deeply ingrained part of who I am. It’s my way of joining others on their paths to recovery and self-discovery, offering support, understanding, and a helping hand, one step at a time.
We provide individual therapy for those who have a genuine need and a yearning to talk through their challenges. Taking the step to be awake, wanting to make positive changes for yourself, is a significant stride forward — just like finding us here.
You don’t have to navigate your journey alone. Whether you’re seeking a brief respite or a more extended partnership, Awake Counselling can be the stepping stone to support you. We’re here to offer a listening ear, collaborative problem-solving, and a safe space for your personal growth, behaviour change and well-being.
My specialties and focus include:
💡Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) via mental health plan
📍Approved Counsellor (NSW Victim Services) and other Victims of Crime
👁️ EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapist
🔑 Authorised Visitor (Corrective Services NSW)
🪴Surry Hills near Central Station (Sydney in-person)
🎍Telehealth (video/telephone)
👤Individual counselling
🌻Supporting folks with mental health, victims of crime, survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters, LGBTIQA+ community, anxiety, trauma, depression, PTSD, ADHD (neurodiversity), grief and loss, attachment issues
❤️🩹 (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing Therapy, Trauma-informed counselling, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Relational Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strength-based approach
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
"But we cannot simply sit and stare at our wounds forever."
Available for a complimentary initial 10-15 minute consultation, allowing us to discuss your goals and for you to get a sense of my approach.
In-Person Appointments: Available in Surry Hills, conveniently located near Central Station, within a secure and comfortable counselling space.
Online and Telephone Sessions: Many clients opt for online or telephone appointments. If preferred, an initial in-person meeting can be arranged to facilitate getting to know each other. I am happy to discuss this further.
Counselling Fees: Individual counselling sessions are $195.20 each. With a Medicare rebate of $85.20, your out-of-pocket cost is $110. You can receive up to 10 Medicare sessions per calendar year with a mental health plan prescribed by your GP.
Approved Funding: NSW Victim Services Approved Counselling and NDIS Improved Daily Living funding are accepted.
Cancellation Policy: A minimum of 48 hours (2 days) notice is required for any appointment changes. Without sufficient notice, the appointment will be considered a cancellation, and the session fee will be applied.
Payment Methods: Cash, mobile PayID, and Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) are accepted.
Session Duration: Each one-hour session includes 50 minutes of counselling, with the remaining time allocated for notes. Arrangements can be made in advance for longer sessions if needed. Double session is required for the first round of EMDR reprocessing.
**First session payment requested in advance.
**First double EMDR reprocessing session payment requested in advance.
Awake Counselling acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea on which we live and work. We pay our respect to Past, Present and Future Elders.
Helpful numbers to save in your phone:
13YARN – 139 276
Lifeline – 131 114
Qlife – 1800 184 527
SAMSN’s Peer Support Line – 1800 472 676
Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.
6. Social
“Connection is at the heart of being human.”
SOCIAL goals are about creating and sustaining meaningful relationships. Whether it’s catching up with friends, joining a community group, or attending events you like, I prioritise connection. Remember, nurturing friendships enriches life in so many ways. We also have to be aware of our social battery. What’s your favourite way to stay social?
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #wearesocialanimals #findyourtribe #prioritiseconnection #friendshipsmatter #socialbattery #makeafriend #connection #socialbattery #goalsforthenewyear #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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5. Family
“Family is where love grows.”
FAMILY goals focus on building strong, loving connections. Whether it’s spending more quality time together, creating traditions, or supporting each other through challenges, family/chosen family is a priority. I find joy in small moments — like sharing a meal or simply being present. What’s one way you nurture your family bonds?
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #yourfamilyconnections #adoptedfamily #chosenfamily #familyconnections #friendsarefamilytoo #nurturebondswithpeople #goalsforthenewyear #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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Howdy everyone!
As the year winds down, I wanted to share that Awake Counselling will be taking a short break for some well-deserved rest and recharge. 🌟
Our practice will be closed from midday Friday, 20th December 2024, and we’ll be back, refreshed and ready to support you, on Monday, 6th January 2025. 🌻
Thank you for being part of this journey throughout the year. Wishing you a joyful, peaceful holiday season and a bright start to the New Year. 🩷
Take care,
Elvis | Awake Counselling
#awakecounselling #timetorefresh #timetoreflect #timetorelax #selfcare #holidays #findjoy #findingglimmers ... See MoreSee Less
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Have a wonderful much needed break! 🤩
4. Intellectual
“A curious mind is a growing mind.”
INTELLECTUAL goals keep life interesting and meaningful. For me, reading, listening to podcasts, attending workshops, and learning from my clients are all ways I stay curious. Whether it’s taking a course, picking up a new book, or trying something creative, invest in your growth. What are you excited to learn next?
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #buildyourintellect #growthmindset #alwayslearning #sparkyourinterest #honeinyourskills #masteraskill #goalsforthenewyear #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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3. Career
“Your career is your journey—make it one you’re proud of.”
Setting CAREER goals is about more than promotions; it’s about fulfillment. I’ve always focused on creating meaningful impact through Awake Counselling. Whether it’s improving a skill, mentoring someone, or finding work-life balance, your career goals should align with your purpose. How do you define success in your career?
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #yourcareerplanning #managingworkstress #sidehustle #careerplans #honeinyourskills #masteraskill #goalsforthenewyear #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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2. Financial
“Financial goals aren’t just about money; they’re about freedom.”
A solid financial plan allows you to feel secure and chase your dreams. Whether it’s saving for a holiday, building an emergency fund, or reducing debt, your financial goals should align with the life you envision. For me, mindful spending and gratitude for what I already have keep me balanced. What’s your top financial goal right now?
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #yourfinances #financialfreedom #getridofdebts #investinyourgoals #budgetplanning #goalsforthenewyear #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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Beautiful reminder.
Be kind, always. ... See MoreSee Less
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1. Values
“Your values are your compass.”
Making VALUES the foundation of your goals ensures you’re guided by what truly matters. For me, the values of Awake Counselling — empathy, compassion, connection, and collaboration — are not just professional, they shape my personal life too. I also lean into JOY, finding fun and mindfulness in my daily approach. What values guide you?
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #yourvalues #nurtureyourvalues #letvaluesguideyou #empathy #compassion #connection #joy #goalsforthenewyear #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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Focusing on your goals for 2025 and making a list that matters to you:
1. Values: Living true to what matters most to you, like honesty, kindness, or growth.
2. Financial: Managing money wisely to feel secure and achieve goals, like saving or reducing debt.
3. Career: Progressing in your job or profession to feel fulfilled and successful.
4. Intellectual: Learning and growing your knowledge or skills to stay curious and sharp.
5. Family: Building strong, supportive, and loving relationships with family members and adopted family.
6. Social: Connecting with friends and the community to create meaningful relationships.
7. Spiritual: Exploring purpose, mindfulness, meditation or faith to find inner peace and fulfillment.
8. Fitness: Staying healthy and active through exercise and good nutrition.
9. Good Habits: Developing positive routines that make life easier and more productive.
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #values #managingfinances #careerplans #IntellectualGrowth #familycloseness #socialconnections #spirituality #fitnessgoals #goodhabits #goodhabitbuilding #HabitStacking #goalsforthenewyear ... See MoreSee Less
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Love the list Elvis! Especially values #1, Values may also guide, support some of the other areas
This is such a comprehensive and inspiring framework for setting meaningful goals! I especially appreciate the focus on aligning goals with personal values—it’s such a powerful way to stay grounded while striving for growth. For me, fitness and good habits are top priorities for 2025, as they lay the foundation for everything else. I’m also working on intellectual growth by committing to learning new skills and career progression to feel more fulfilled in my professional life. Thanks for sharing this—such a great reminder to approach the new year with intention!
Sometimes, we need to give ourselves permission to simply rest. In a world that often pushes us to “do more” or “be more,” it’s okay to pause, breathe, and just be. Rest is not a sign of weakness; it’s an essential part of being human.
Take time to find those moments of peace — those glimmers of light amidst the busyness of life. These are opportunities to recharge, reconnect, and allow ourselves to take off the mask we wear to hide pain or frustration.
Today, let’s celebrate rest as an act of strength and self-care. 🌱
www.facebook.com/share/p/1D6FuChH5x/?mibextid=WC7FNe
#awakecounselling #restandrecuperate
#mentalhealthsupport #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #emdrtherapy #emdr #NSWVictimServices #approvedcounsellor #counsellor #therapist ... See MoreSee Less
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The recent news of Alan Jones being charged with years of sexual abuse against young men is both troubling and a stark reminder of how those in positions of power can exploit the vulnerable. This is not an isolated case; it reflects a broader issue where individuals with influence — whether in public or private life — manipulate their environment to target those who are less able to protect themselves.
While abuse against women and girls remains alarmingly high, research shows that men and boys are significantly less likely to come forward, often carrying their trauma in silence for many years.
For survivors, media coverage of cases like this can be deeply triggering, reigniting trauma and distress. Please remember, you are not alone. Support is available.
As a therapist, I know how powerful it can be to speak to someone in a safe, compassionate space. If this news has affected you, or if you’re struggling with the weight of past experiences, I encourage you to reach out — for yourself or someone you care about.
Help is here, whenever you’re ready.
Approved Counsellors are available to support you once the application is approved:
victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/victims-services/how-can-we-help-you/victims-support-scheme/co...
13YARN - 13 92 76
Lifeline - 13 11 14
MensLine - 1300 789 978
Full Stop - 1800 385 578
QLife - 1800 184 527
1800Respect - 1800 737 732
SAMSN Peer Support Line - 1800 472 676
#awakecounselling #sexualabuse #sexualviolence #childsexualabuse #csa #victimsurvivor #victimofcrime #sexualabusesurvivor #malesexualabusesurvivor #nswvictimservices #nswvs #approvedcounsellor #traumahealing #counselling #counsellor #counsellingsupport ... See MoreSee Less
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The other weekend, I had a deeply moving conversation with a friend Carol who’s a Registered Nurse working in oncology. Together, we spoke about life and death and how fragile our time here truly is. Talking with someone who spends their days supporting people in the final stages of life reminded me just how precious our days are.
Any of us could receive news that changes everything, at any moment. Yet, so often, we say “I’ll do it later” or “I don’t have time for that now.” But what are we waiting for? Life is already short, and putting things off can mean missing out on what matters most.
So maybe today is the day to prioritise what brings us joy, connection, and meaning. If not now, then when? 🌅
#awakecounselling #ifnotnowthenwhen #mentalhealthsupport #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #emdrtherapy #emdr #NSWVictimServices #approvedcounsellor #counsellor #therapist ... See MoreSee Less
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Love this 💙
🥰🥰🥰