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.
*First 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.
As we recently marked National Coming Out Day on October 11th, I was reminded of a moment from my professional journey. I once worked with a senior clinician who, when I suggested we increase visibility to support our LGBTIQA+ community, responded by taking down the posters*, saying, “it’s presumed.”
As an openly gay man who has walked his own path of coming out, I can tell you – it’s never presumed. Those small markers, whether visual or verbal, are vital. They signal that this is a safe and welcoming space. And no matter how subtle they are, we see them, and they matter. 🌈🏳️⚧️
*You can also order your own posters from @minus18youth
#awakecounselling #nationalcomingoutday #lgbtiqa #safespace #amhsw #approvedcounsellor #mentalhealthplan #nswvictimservices #surryhills #counsellor #therapy #telehealth ... See MoreSee Less
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Had a wonderful visit back to Melbourne, a city filled with rich culture and charm, where I once called home. It’s where I formed some of my most meaningful friendships and memories — many of which remain strong today. Feeling grateful for the chance to rest, relax, and reconnect.
#awakecounselling #melbourne #privatepractice #socialworklife #smallbusiness #counsellor #therapist #restandrelax #totebagtravels ... See MoreSee Less
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🌍 Today is World Mental Health Day 🌍
This day serves as an important reminder to pause and check in with ourselves. Our mental health is just as vital as our physical health, yet we often forget to nurture it. Let today be the day you take a moment to reflect on how you’re really feeling.
But let’s not stop there — mental health thrives in connection. We are social beings, and sometimes the smallest gesture of kindness can have the biggest impact on someone else’s well-being. Whether it’s a listening ear, a message to check in, or simply offering a smile, these moments of connection can mean the world to someone who may be struggling in silence.
Take care of yourself, take care of each other, and let’s work together to build a community where mental health is prioritised and compassion is a constant. 💛🌻🌞
#awakecounselling #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthplan #counsellor #therapist #emdrtherapist #approvedcounsellor #selfcare #gratitude #hope #love #compassion #youarenotalone #kindnessmatters #communitywellbeing ... See MoreSee Less
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Excited to be joining Peter Gormly and an incredible panel next Monday, 14th October, at 7:00pm for ‘Navigating Private Practice: From Dream to Reality’! If, like me, you’ve already had your share of WTF moments in private practice, this is the place to share, laugh, and learn together.
I’ll be speaking alongside Ally Smith and Jonathan Derkenne with Pamela Seraskeris hosting the event. It’s all organised by the NSW Branch of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Register through the AASW website — free for members and those signing up (no payment needed): bit.ly/4dgPBJ3
Venue: Zoom - details will be emailed the day of the meeting
If you are a social worker in private practice, just starting out or curious to see if private practice is for you, you will be most welcome to attend.
#awakecounselling #privatepractice #socialworklife #AASW #smallbusiness #counsellor #therapist ... See MoreSee Less
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Turning 45 feels like starting the day with a bit of extra fuel — after that essential morning coffee, of course!
Each birthday for me is a moment of reflection, where I ask myself some of life’s big questions. Have I achieved what I set out to do? Do I embrace a more spiritual mindset, letting go of expectations? It’s never quite that simple, but these moments offer valuable insights.
After the initial wave of self-doubt passes, I’m always brought back to hope, compassion, and gratitude. I’m thankful for both the highs and lows of my journey, as each has shaped who I am today.
Looking ahead, there’s still so much to explore and accomplish — whether it’s pursuing personal growth, traveling more, or learning new skills like swimming and pushing past fears. Here’s to embracing the journey ahead!
#awakecounselling #therapist #counsellor #bekind #compassion #lifejourney #happybirthday ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy birthday Elvis!
Happy birthday!
Even therapists need moments to pause and embrace self-care. ❤️🩹 This week, I’m dedicating time to unwind, reflect, and restore my energy, so I can come back with a renewed spirit and a brighter outlook.
This morning, I woke up with a heart full of love, hope, and deep gratitude. ❤️
Take time for yourself, too — nurture your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being with gentle self-care, compassion, and gratitude for the journey you’re on. 💛🌻🌞
#awakecounselling #smallbusinessowner #selfemployed #counsellor #therapist #emdrtherapist #approvedcounsellor #selfcare #gratitude #hope #love #compassion #totebagtravels ... See MoreSee Less
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Working with people who live with neurodiversity such as ADHD has been exciting and inspiring. So many daily challenges faced by neurodiverse people and being able to fit into the neurotypical world.
Adult ADHD has become one of the most diagnosed conditions around the world…like it wasn’t there before. People living with ADHD have always been there, they were once upon a time, the explorers that went places and made the leaps and bounds.
We work on ways of being able to find ways to stabilise the overwhelm and to find strategies to apply to help manage the overthinking and negative self-talk.
Counselling is just one of the steps to take towards support and understanding.
#awakecounselling #adhd #adhdawareness #adhdlife #adhdtips #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #counselling #therapy
www.facebook.com/share/p/VUt2k3uTmPZUEjkx/?mibextid=WC7FNeFriendly reminder to look after yourself 🫶 ... See MoreSee Less
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Hello everyone,
I’m excited to share that I currently have availability for new clients seeking counselling support. If you’ve been considering starting therapy, this could be the perfect time to take that step.
Attached is a fresh image of my newly designed poster, showcasing my local private practice based in Surry Hills, along with telehealth options for added flexibility.
I’m a registered Medicare provider (offering 10 rebates per calendar year), an approved counsellor with NSW Victim Services, and I also support clients with NDIS Plans.
If you’d like a PDF version of the poster (complete with clickable links), feel free to email me!
#awakecounselling #mentalhealthsupport #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #emdrtherapy #emdr #NSWVictimServices #approvedcounsellor #counsellor #traumahealing #smallbusiness #mentalwellness #anxietyrelief #traumarecovery #socialanxietysupport ... See MoreSee Less
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When working with (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing sessions, as part of preparation, we talk about how the eyes get taxed due to the required movement for this type of therapy. I spoke to my fellow small business owner @luciaveronica__ who explained a bit more about the types of products she would use to help calm after that type of work. Here’s @peretmarsi modelling this for us with the hygienic tissue used for the eye area contact.
Thanking Lucia for this wonderful gift to use for future post-EMDR sessions and feel free to grab yours from her page.
#awakecounselling #luciaveronica #emdr #emdrtherapy #smallbusinessowner #socialanxiety #anxiety #reprocessing #traumareprocessing #eyerest ... See MoreSee Less
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You’re a small business owner.
You’re the photographer.
You’re the content creator.
You’re the planner.
You’re the operations manager.
You’re the admin person.
As someone that’s coming up to a year of doing it full-time, it is something of a revelation and realisation working for yourself.
I’ve always known that these folks will more than often be switched ‘ON’ about their business 24/7 and I’ve certainly experienced this. Awesome perks of freedom and flexibility, that also come with doing the hard yards. Perhaps with almost a year behind me, it’s finally ‘sinking in’…in a good way. 😉😆😁
Shout out to all the other small business owners! Big thanks to all those that support us. 💖
#awakecounselling #smallbusinessowner #selfemployed #workingformyself #counsellor #therapist #emdrtherapist #approvedcounsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations on one year in PP Elvis Caus, amazing achievement. Yes all the hats we wear as business owners, therapists, partners, etc. Well done and thankyou for sharing your knowledge.
One of the most fascinating steps in Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) is establishing the positive cognition due to the negative belief the person has attributed to themselves. We ask what would you rather believe about yourself?
One of my awesome therapy clients started his EMDR positive cognition as ‘I want to be confident’ due to the anxiety we were working on. By the end of the session he changed this to very strongly ‘I am confident’ as we both spoke these words during reprocessing.
#awakecounselling #emdr #emdrtherapy #emdrtherapist #socialanxietyrecovery #socialanxiety #anxiety #reprocessing #iamconfident #postitwisdom ... See MoreSee Less
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How is your haal? How is your heart? ❤️
Have a read of below and next time you ask someone ‘how are you’ do this with real intent, pause, breathe and make a conscious connection.
We can all benefit from a good and thoughtful check-in with our mid, body and spirit.
#awakecounselling #howsyourheart #howareyou #pauseandbreathe #haal #consciousconnection
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