28/07/2026
In addition to counselling, I’ve been working as a supervisor for other counsellors since 2015.
Professional supervision is a requirement to maintain our accreditation with either the ACA or PACFA (our two peak bodies).
Today I had several supervision sessions online. I was sitting in the counselling rooms at Warrandyte. While it was windy, the sky was a deep blue, the morning sun was streaming in the window, I could see the Yarra River flowing, and birdsong filled the air.
One of my supervisees logged on for their monthly session.
They work for a mental health organisation and were in their usual counselling room.
It was dark.
There were no plants. There was no art on the walls. There were no windows to the outside world. A single fluorescent light in the ceiling.
I asked them how they felt about spending most of their days in this space. They hated it. Their clients hated coming there.
It seemed to work against everything the organisation, and my supervisee, was trying to achieve.
Since becoming a counsellor myself, I have taken many of my clients outside for their sessions, and discovered constantly how much more we can achieve under the trees than we can in the room.
But sometimes the weather, or health, or circumstance means that we need to have an indoor session. In both my Warrandyte and Croydon Hills rooms, I’ve done my best to bring outside inside, utilising all the senses, to create a space that promotes calm.
A room with no windows and a flouro light does not. I know that working for myself brings with it some privileges. I can decorate my counselling rooms how I like. Not everybody gets that opportunity.
If you work in a space with no window to outside and no natural light, it will affect your mental health over time. As much as your schedule will allow, get yourself outside at every opportunity.
Have a cup of tea outside
Sit under a tree for lunch.
Each lunch quickly then go for a walk.
If you’re doing boring admin stuff, take your laptop outside and do it on the park bench.
On December 1st last year, workplace laws here in Victoria were changed to include psychological safety.
Being locked in an artificially lit room for hours on end is not safe.
Take green breaks regularly.
Please.
