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
"Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear."
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 $200. With a Medicare rebate of $85.20, your out-of-pocket cost is $114.80. 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 to my mobile direct 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 you need this. 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.
I’ve been following Dean from manflowyoga for years - both personally and professionally - and often recommend his content to others. His YouTube channel is full of excellent beginner-friendly videos (and more), making movement accessible to all.
His #1 tip? Walking. And I couldn’t agree more! Walking daily, walking as a couple to talk things through, or simply walking with friends - this simple movement can do wonders for our well-being, mental health, and relationships.
So go on, get your mince, sassy walk, and stride on! Your body and mind will thank you for it.
www.instagram.com/reel/DGQpJC6vXRO/?igsh=NmYyYWQ0NnF5MjN0
#awakecounselling #manflowyoga #walkinghabits #walking #moveforlife #moveforhealth #yourbodyisyourtemple #healthmatters #healthyhabits #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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Yesterday, I had the joy of popping into @sydneymardigras Fair Day, soaking up the energy, supporting local businesses, and enjoying some incredible entertainment. This year’s theme, ‘Free To Be’, was felt in every corner of the day - a beautiful reminder of the power of authenticity and community.
But while events like this celebrate progress, they also highlight why Pride is still necessary. Every year, we see micro and macro aggressions against the LGBTIQA+ community, reinforcing that not everyone is free to be their true selves. Representation and visibility aren’t just important - they’re vital.
In therapy, I often support people navigating identity, belonging, and the challenges of being seen for who they truly are. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. You deserve to be free to be.
#awakecounselling #sydneymardigras #privatepractice #nswvictimservices #nswvs #approvedcounsellor #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealth #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #medicare #emdrtherapy #amhsw #counsellor #therapist ... See MoreSee Less
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With everything happening in the world - and our collective obsession with our phones (I’ll be the first to admit it!) - it’s worth thinking about how we can reduce digital dependency and be more intentional with our social media use.
One way to start? Curate your feed to bring in content that uplifts, informs, and supports your well-being. Here are some useful hashtags I often share with clients to help welcome more positive and meaningful content into their social media spaces.
Small changes can make a big difference in how we engage with the digital world. What are some of your favourite positive hashtags or inspiring accounts to follow?
#awakecounselling #glimmer #glimmers #glimmermoments #vagusnerve #vagusnerveexercises #vagaltoning #breathingtechniques #breathwork #gratitude #gratitudepost #joy #findingjoy #joyspotting #joyfulmoments #bepresent #kindnessmatters #mindfulpractice #mentalhealth #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #medicare #emdrtherapy #counsellor #therapist ... See MoreSee Less
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Visiting Melbourne always brings a sense of nostalgia - I spent about six years here before moving to London, and the city’s warmth and energy always feel like home.
This trip has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends while also sharing more about Awake Counselling. With Telehealth (online & phone) counselling, people across Australia can access mental health support no matter where they are - because healing and connection shouldn’t be limited by geography.
Wherever you are, I’m here to listen, help, and support.
#awakecounselling #privatepractice #telehealth #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealth #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #medicare #emdrtherapy #amhsw #counsellor #therapist #totebagtravels #midsummafestival ... See MoreSee Less
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I want that gnome!!
Isn’t the universe amazing?! For weeks, I’d been meaning to connect with Alex from @breathesydney to chat about her incredible breathwork practice and explore collaboration. Then—out of all places—we randomly bumped into each other at Hobart Airport!
Breathwork and conscious breathing techniques are powerful tools for connecting with your body, regulating emotions, and finding grounding. If you’re not already following Alex, I highly recommend it!
Watch this space. Exciting things ahead!
#awakecounselling #breathesydney #breathwork #breathingtechniques #groundingtechniques #groundingpractices #collaboration #universespeaks ... See MoreSee Less
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One of the best parts of running my own private practice is the flexibility to work from different places - and this week, that place is Hobart!
I’ve had the chance to catch up with my wonderful colleague @masterofsex_ology (Lia), explore the beautiful sights of Hobart and its surrounds, and soak in the unique energy of Tasmania. Grateful for the opportunities that come with being my own boss and creating a work-life balance that truly works for me.
See you soon, Tassie! 😁
www.psychologytoday.com/au/counselling/awake-counselling-elvis-caus-surry-hills-nsw/1126600
www.connectingmentalhealth.com.au/therapist/Awake+Counselling/
#awakecounselling #privatepractice #hobart #taspride #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealth #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #medicare #emdrtherapy #amhsw #counsellor #therapist #totebagtravels ... See MoreSee Less
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What a great opportunity and fab photos too 👌🏻
I had the pleasure of completing an introductory IFS therapy course with Karen Reid (IFS Trainer) just before the year wrapped up. While I first heard about IFS years ago, it became more prominent for me during and after EMDR training. Now, it’s an essential part of my approach with clients.
Exploring our inner “parts” and understanding how they work to protect us can be a powerful way to connect with our emotions and ourselves. Grateful to integrate this transformative framework into my practice!
#awakecounselling #internalfamilysystems #internalfamilysystemstherapy #ifstherapy #partswork #partsworktherapy #counsellor #therapist ... See MoreSee Less
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🌈 🌈 🌈
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the René Magritte exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. It was a beautiful and thought-provoking experience, filled with incredible works by this iconic artist.
One painting, in particular, stopped both my friend and me in our tracks — a piece depicting clouds in a window with darkness beyond. We reflected on how it reminded us of the contrast between the bright, happy exterior people often present to the world and the sadness or struggles that might lie behind.
Therapy can be a powerful way to explore what’s behind your “window” and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. It’s a space to acknowledge both the light and the dark, and to find meaning in what lies beneath.
#awakecounselling #renemagritte #learningaboutyourself #deepemotions #deepfeelings #partswork #partsworktherapy #emdrtherapy #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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Speaking to my mentor Russ this morning, I learnt that aconnsw and other partners are putting on free workshops for anyone to attend to learn more about advance planning and end of life planning.
You can get more information from Love Project - Living Older Visibly and Engaged post below:
www.facebook.com/share/1CurdupAYJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
This is something that is important for all of us and our loved ones. Yes it’s a scary topic and we’d rather turn away from it, yet it’s something that’s inevitable and better faced with more information and knowledge. Hope to see you there. 💛
#awakecounselling #acon #advancecareplanning #loveproject #endoflifeplanning #advancecareplan #willplanning #endoflife #deathliteracy #deathanddying ... See MoreSee Less
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Did you know that all Australians are eligible for up to 10 Medicare rebate-approved counselling sessions each calendar year, starting from January? 🌟 Simply visit your GP to discuss your needs and get a referral.
At Awake Counselling, I currently have capacity to welcome new clients — whether in person at my Surry Hills practice or via telehealth for flexibility. If you’re considering counselling or have any questions, I’d be happy to help guide you through the process.
Feel free to check out my website and the attached links for more information. Let’s start 2025 by prioritising your mental health and well-being.
awakecounselling.com/
www.psychologytoday.com/au/counselling/awake-counselling-elvis-caus-surry-hills-nsw/1126600
www.connectingmentalhealth.com.au/therapist/Awake+Counselling/
#awakecounselling #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealth #medicarerebate #mentalhealthplan #medicare #emdrtherapy #emdr #amhsw #counsellor #therapist ... See MoreSee Less
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As we step into 2025, I’m reflecting on what I’ve learned and setting my intentions for the year ahead.
In 2024, I stayed grounded in my VALUES — compassion, connection, empathy, and collaboration — both in Awake Counselling and my personal life. These will continue to guide me in 2025, along with a renewed focus on JOY, finding more moments of fun and mindfulness in my daily life.
This year, I aim to strengthen my FINANCIAL goals by planning wisely and maintaining balance. In my CAREER, I’ll continue seeking growth and purpose, building on the work I love. I’m excited to deepen my INTELLECTUAL curiosity, learning from new experiences and perspectives.
With FAMILY, I’ll nurture stronger, more meaningful connections. I’m also committed to fostering SOCIAL bonds, sharing laughter and creating memories with friends and my community.
SPIRITUAL growth will remain a priority, with practices like gratitude and mindfulness keeping me grounded. I’ll also continue working on my FITNESS goals, prioritising health and energy. Above all, I’ll focus on building GOOD HABITS, knowing small, consistent steps lead to lasting change.
Here’s to making 2025 a year of growth, connection, and joy. What’s one goal or value you’re bringing into the new year?
#awakecounselling #goalplanning #goodhabits #goodhabitbuilding #goodhabitstacking #mindfulhabits #practisinggratitude #habitstacking #smallhabits #buildyourdreams #goalsforthenewyear #yourvalues #financialgoals #careergoals #intellectualgoals #familygoals #socialgoals #spiritualgoals #fitnessgoals #therapist #counsellor ... See MoreSee Less
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