Counselling Canberra, for individuals, couples and families
Compassionate, practical support through life’s harder seasons, face to face in Canberra or online across Australia.
Life does not always go the way we hoped. Whether you are navigating conflict in your relationship, carrying anxiety or grief, working through a separation, or simply feeling stuck, counselling gives you a calm, confidential space to understand what is happening and find a way forward. DIPAC has supported individuals, couples and families across Canberra since 2009, and you do not need to wait until things reach crisis point to reach out.
Our counselling services
Support tailored to you, whatever has brought you in. Every service is available in person in Canberra or online across Australia.
Couples & relationship counselling
For partners who are stuck in the same argument, drifting apart, or rebuilding after a breach of trust. A neutral space to understand each other and reconnect.
Individual counselling
For anyone carrying anxiety, low mood, stress or a sense of being stuck. A structured, supportive conversation to help you work through what is weighing on you.
Sex & intimacy therapy
For couples and individuals wanting to rebuild physical closeness, navigate mismatched desire, or simply feel connected again, with warmth and without judgment.
Family counselling
For families working through tension, change or difficult transitions. Space for everyone to be heard, and practical ways to move forward together.
Family & conflict mediation
For separating couples and families who need a calm, structured path through parenting arrangements and conflict, with an accredited mediator alongside you.
Assessments & coaching
Adult ADHD and psychological assessments, plus life and executive coaching, for those seeking clarity, direction or a considered next step.
Whatever you are carrying, you are not the only one
People reach out to DIPAC at all sorts of moments, big and small. We regularly help people work through:
- Communication breakdowns and the same arguments on repeat
- Rebuilding trust after infidelity or betrayal
- Anxiety, stress, low mood or feeling overwhelmed
- Grief, loss and major life changes
- Loss of intimacy, closeness or connection
- Separation, co-parenting and family conflict
- Deciding whether to stay together, separate or reconcile
- Strengthening a relationship before problems take hold
Experienced, local and genuinely caring
Around 25 years’ experience
Founded in 2009, DIPAC brings around 25 years of experience across counselling, therapy and family mediation, with couples, individuals and families.
Recognised and trusted
Ranked among Canberra’s best counselling practices in the Business Quality Awards 2025, with work featured across national media.
In person or online
Meet face to face at The Realm in Barton, or online anywhere in Australia. The same experienced support, whichever suits you.
Meet Darleen Barton
Founder and Director of DIPAC
In 2009 I founded DIPAC with a simple vision: to create a place where individuals, couples and families could find compassionate, practical support during some of life’s most challenging moments. My passion has always been helping people strengthen relationships, resolve conflict, and build healthier futures for themselves and the people they love. Over the years that has grown into a practice dedicated to emotional wellbeing, family connection, counselling, therapy and mediation, still guided by the values it was founded on: compassion, integrity, professionalism and respect.
Professional memberships and accreditations
- Australian Counselling Association
- Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM)
- International Institute for Complementary Therapists
- International Coaching Federation
- Accredited Private Health Provider
Reaching out is simpler than you think
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Here is what it looks like when you are ready.
Reach out
Book online any time, or call us on (02) 6198 3423. A short, no-pressure enquiry to find a time that suits you.
Your first session
A relaxed, judgment-free 45-minute conversation about what has brought you in and what you would like to be different.
A way forward
Together we agree on the best approach for you, and work through it at a pace that feels right.
In person in Canberra, or online across Australia
In person at The Realm, Barton
DIPAC is based at The Realm in Barton, a short distance from Canberra’s city centre and easily reached from across the ACT and the surrounding region.
Online across Australia
If getting to an appointment is difficult, or you would prefer the comfort of your own home, we offer secure online sessions to clients anywhere in Australia. Sessions run in your browser with nothing to download, couples can even join from separate locations, and you receive the same experienced support. Learn more about online counselling across Australia.
The 7-Step Couples Counselling Programme
If you would like more than open-ended sessions, our 7-Step Couples Counselling Programme offers a guided path to rebuild intimacy and reconnect over 60 days. A practical, step-by-step way to work on your relationship with clear focus and momentum.
Rebuild intimacy and reconnect over 60 days
What our clients say
Couples counselling, I would never have considered it in the past, but our friends said you saved their marriage, so we thought we would try. We have learned so much in these last 12 weeks, and we have new skills that are working. We are so happy we met you and so grateful for what you have taught us. Forever thankful our children have happy parents again.
Donna and Brad
I came to you on my own as my marriage had reached an all-time low. Within a very short time you identified that my husband had suffered childhood trauma and was bringing his pain into our relationship. It has been a long journey, but so worth it. Our children are happy, they laugh a lot, and their father laughs with them. You have been our light at the end of a very dark tunnel. You never once gave up on us.
Brenda and Doug
Latest from the blog
Gentle, practical writing on relationships, counselling and the questions people bring to us most.
I’m Losing Sexual Desire for You Because: The Conversation Kim and Kain Are Not Having
Family Estrangement, Abandonment & Elder Abuse. When Adult Children Cut Off Their Ageing Parents
Book counselling in Canberra
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. When you are ready, booking an initial session is simple, and it is a chance to see whether we are the right fit for you. Sessions are available in person in Barton or through online counselling anywhere in Australia.Book an appointmentContact us(02) 6198 3423