ABOUT HAVILAH SOCIAL WORK AND COUNSELLING SERVICES
Supporting Recovery and Growth
At Havilah Social Work and Counselling Services, we believe recovery is about more than overcoming challenges—it is about rediscovering hope, strength, and purpose. Through compassionate, trauma-informed support, we walk alongside individuals as they heal from adversity, build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and create meaningful lives. We honour each person’s unique journey, supporting both recovery and the possibility of growth, renewed confidence, and a stronger sense of self.
Our Fees and Philosophy
We are committed to providing accessible services through reasonable and competitive fees, with concessions available on a sliding income scale. We embrace a user-pays philosophy, recognising that meaningful change often requires personal commitment and investment in one’s own wellbeing and future.
Professional Standards and Accountability
As members of relevant professional associations, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical and professional practice. We continually enhance our knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development, training, technical reading, and regular professional supervision, ensuring accountability, reflective practice, and quality service delivery.
Our Approach
Our practice is founded on a bio-psychosocial and spiritual framework (where applicable), recognising the interconnected nature of physical, psychological, social, relational, and spiritual wellbeing. We integrate evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Practice, tailoring interventions to each individual’s unique needs.
Christian Principles and Empowerment
For clients who desire it, we offer a faith-informed approach that incorporates Christian principles to foster hope, purpose, resilience, and healing. We believe lasting change occurs when individuals actively participate in their recovery, and we support this through psycho-education, reflective practices, goal setting, and practical therapeutic strategies.
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish the Havilah Trauma Recovery Centre, providing comprehensive and integrated services that support healing, restoration, and resilience following trauma and life-changing events.
How We Support Growth
Our approach combines compassionate listening with practical support so people, families, and communities can move toward healing and restoration.
Our Story
Compassionate Care
We believe counselling and social work should feel welcoming, respectful, and deeply human. Every conversation is shaped by empathy, honesty, safety, and genuine care.
Our Focus
Practical Guidance
Alongside emotional support, we help clients find direction, build resilience, and take meaningful next steps with clarity and confidence.
Our Hope
Healing Together
We support individuals, families, and communities as they process experiences, reconnect with hope, and move forward with renewed purpose.
Meet the Director and Principal Social Worker
Hello, I’m Susan Shelton, Founder, Principal Social Worker, and Counsellor at Havilah Social Work and Counselling Services.
I am a qualified Social Worker and Counsellor with a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and extensive experience across the mental health, family violence, social services, and disability sectors. Throughout my career, I have worked as a Support Worker, Case Manager, NDIS Support Coordinator, and Social Worker, supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, adversity, and significant life transitions.
My professional experience includes working with the National Redress Scheme at Services Australia, where I supported survivors of institutional child sexual abuse through the redress process. I have also worked as an After Hours Support Worker with Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, providing crisis support to women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Before entering social work, I spent more than 15 years in the disability sector, supporting children, young people, and adults with diverse physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities.
I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals affected by trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, grief and loss, domestic and family violence, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and strengths-based, with a commitment to empowering clients to heal, build resilience, and create meaningful, fulfilling lives.
“You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” Dr. Brené Brown
★★★★★
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health.” — Bessel van der Kolk
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to talk, seek support, or learn more about how Havilah can help, we invite you to reach out. We’re here to offer compassionate care and practical guidance.
❦ ❧ Testimonials ❧ ❦
Kind words from clients and colleagues who have experienced Susan’s compassionate, trauma-informed support.
★★★★★
Susan was one of the warmest and most caring therapists I’ve ever met. I met her when I was experiencing depressive symptoms and feeling very distressed. She built a beautiful therapeutic alliance with me and made me feel safe and heard. She knew exactly where I was emotionally, and I felt immense comfort knowing I wasn’t alone in my adversity. I absolutely recommend Susan.
J.L
Client | THE BREAK
★★★★★
Susan combines professional excellence with a deeply personalised and empathetic approach, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing. Her thoughtful methods and individualised strategies have led to steady improvements in my mental health, fostering resilience, clarity and personal growth. Her Counselling services are truly exceptional and highly impactful.
T. A
Client | HAVILAH SOCIAL WORK AND COUNSELLING SERVICES
★★★★★
Susan is incredibly dedicated. She brings compassion and understanding to all of her efforts. She is able to understand the context of her work and how her actions will impact the stakeholders with whom she operates. Susan holds great attention to detail and is always interested in self-improvement and learning. A great asset to any workplace.
A.M.I
Colleague | SERVICES AUSTRALIA