My happy place is the beach.
Pauline Ford
Counsellor
Meet Pauline,
Pauline brings a beautiful blend of life experience, warmth, and dedication to the Thryve team. Originally born in South Africa, she moved to Australia at the age of eight. Outside of the practice, Pauline has been happily married for 30 years and is a proud mother of three. To recharge, you will find her at her absolute happy place—the beach—or staying active through walking, hiking, and playing netball.
Pauline’s deep capacity for supporting others is evident throughout her diverse career. Before joining Thryve, she spent nine years working within an alternative high school, walking alongside students navigating complex learning and social engagement challenges.
Experience & Approach
Pauline is a highly versatile counsellor who creates an inclusive, welcoming space for individuals and couples from all walks of life. Her extensive background includes specialized experience supporting:
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Individuals & Couples: Navigating relationship dynamics, life transitions, communication blocks, and everyday life stressors.
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Youth & University Students: Managing academic pressure, identity, anxiety, and the hurdles of moving into adulthood.
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Complex Life Challenges: Drawing on years of experience working within alternative education and supporting refugees, Pauline brings a deeply trauma-informed, patient, and grounded approach to those facing complex situational or emotional hardships.
No matter what challenges you are facing, Pauline is committed to providing a compassionate, stable environment where you can feel secure, understood, and empowered to navigate your unique journey.
More About Pauline
Areas of Focus
Academic Performance | Adolescents | Anger Management | Anxiety | Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) | Autism Spectrum Disorders | Christian Counselling | Conduct disorders | Conflict Resolution | Coping with disability | Couples Counselling | Employee Assistance Program | General Counselling | Grief and Loss | Impulsive Behaviours | Learning Difficulties | Personal Development | School Issues | School readiness | Self-Esteem and Self-Development | Teenagers | Workplace Issues
Accreditations
Member of the Australian Counselling Association – Level 2 (MAC Level 2)
Private Health Rebates
Pauline is approved with the following providers:
ARHG (including St Luke’s Health, Police Health, GMHBA, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, see-u by HBF (previously CUA), AIA Health, Mildura Health, Teachers Union Health, Westfund, Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwives Health, UniHealth, Doctors Health Fund, HBF, and the Australian Defence Force Family Program via ARHG)
Please check with your private health provider to confirm whether your sessions with Pauline are eligible for a rebate before booking.
Patient Focus
Children | Teenagers | Adults | Older adults | People with disabilities | Culturally and linguistically diverse communities | Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Modalities
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | Ericksonian | Gestalt | Narrative Therapy | Psychoeducation | Solution-Focused Therapy
Education
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)
Certifications
Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Prepare & Enrich – Couples Program
Book Now With Pauline
Please Note:
If you plan to claim a private health rebate, please ensure the counsellor you are booking with is approved by your private health provider. Coverage varies by counsellor and provider.
View private health information for Pauline in the ‘Private Health Rebates’ drop down on your left, on the About Us page, or contact our team if you’d like help confirming eligibility before booking.
It’s important to find a good fit. Let’s chat!
Sharing the Load
At the core of Pauline’s practice is a lifelong passion for truly connecting with people and listening to their stories. She believes that no one should have to navigate life’s hardest moments alone, and she takes great pride in “sharing the load” with her clients—stepping alongside you to lighten the weight of your challenges.
Empowering Your Journey Pauline’s approach is deeply collaborative and outcome-focused. Rather than telling you what to do, she finds immense joy in helping you explore your options, uncover your own inner resources, and actively work toward the meaningful, positive outcomes you desire for your life.