Why I Meet Clients at Brisbane Parks (And Why Location Matters in Therapy)

Last week, I had a session with a client while walking along the river at New Farm Park. The formal quiet of a therapy room can sometimes feel intense, but out in the open, with the gentle hum of a CityCat passing by, the conversation flowed differently. My client, who had been feeling stuck for weeks, paused to watch the current. "That's how my thoughts feel," he said. "All jumbled and moving too fast."

That single, spontaneous observation, prompted by the world around us, opened up a more meaningful conversation than we’d had in weeks.

This is the essence of community-based therapy. As a counsellor, I’ve learned that the environment where therapy happens can be just as important as the therapy itself. While my practice is grounded in clinical methods like SFBT and Motivational Interviewing, the setting is always guided by the client.

"Why this Brisbane counsellor meets NDIS clients at local parks. Community-based therapy across Brisbane Metro South and East."

Beyond the Four Walls: The Power of a Different Setting

Moving therapy out of a traditional office and into a community space like a park, a quiet local library, or even a client’s own home can be transformative. Here’s why:

• It Reduces Pressure and Stigma. For many, walking into a clinic feels daunting. A neutral, public space like a park bench in the Redlands or a quiet corner of a Capalaba library can feel more accessible and less intimidating, making it easier to open up.

• It Brings Therapy into the Real World. Change doesn't just happen in a therapy room; it happens in daily life. Discussing social anxiety while sitting in a gently buzzing café or working on mindfulness during a walk through the Roma Street Parkland connects therapeutic skills directly to real-world situations.

• It Offers Natural Metaphors for Growth. Just like my client at the river, nature and community settings provide powerful, real-time metaphors. A stubborn weed can represent resilience; a fork in a path can symbolise a major life decision. These tangible examples make abstract concepts easier to grasp and work with.

My Flexible, Person-Centred Approach

My work as an NDIS psycho-social recovery counsellor is built on meeting you where you are—both emotionally and physically. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and that includes knowing the environment where you feel safest and most able to talk.

That’s why I offer flexible sessions for clients across Brisbane Metro South and East. Whether it's in your home in, a community space in Logan City, or a park in East Brisbane, my focus is on creating a therapeutic relationship that is effective, comfortable, and tailored to you.

A Note for Fellow Professionals

For my colleagues and fellow support workers, I encourage you to consider how location can be part of your therapeutic toolkit. Especially within the NDIS framework, offering community-based sessions can significantly improve engagement and help clients generalise their skills into their everyday environments.

Could a Different Setting Be Right for You?

If the idea of traditional, office-based therapy doesn't feel like the right fit, please know there are other options. A change of scenery can make all the difference.

To discuss flexible therapy locations that work for you—whether that’s your home, a local park, or an online session—please call me directly.

Contact Michael on 0402 710 285 to have a chat.

Michael Anderson is a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor (#25995) providing person-centred, community-based NDIS therapeutic supports across Brisbane.