- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Faith-integrated support
About Irene
Irene Hughes is an AASW social worker with 15 years of experience based in Australia. She works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, parenting strain and self-esteem concerns. Irene also lists a range of related focus areas such as attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, isolation and communication problems.
Irene uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and client-centred therapy as the core ways she works. In sessions she aims to help people notice unhelpful thoughts, reconnect with what matters to them, and practise small behaviours that match those values. Conversations often include practical exercises, reflection and checking which strategies fit daily life.
Her style places attention on personal beliefs, including spiritual faith for those who ask for it. When faith is part of someone’s life, she can integrate Scripture, prayer and Christian principles alongside therapeutic tools. She follows AASW standards while combining psychological approaches and spiritual perspectives when requested.
People usually start by describing one or two immediate problems and what they hope to change. Irene supports setting short, practical steps and reviewing progress over time. Sessions are paced to suit each person and to fit around work and family commitments.
Before booking, readers should confirm current session options and practical details. The first meeting is used to clarify goals, try an approach, and decide how to continue.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that line up with what matters to them. It is often useful for anxiety, avoidance and feeling stuck. Client-centred therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so a person can explore their own answers and make choices at their own pace; it supports emotional processing and clearer self-understanding.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and try methods together, adjusting approaches based on the person’s goals, preferences and how they respond. That collaborative process helps decide whether ACT, client-centred work, or a mix of both fits best.
Confirm the current session formats before booking, as the biography does not specify them. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins if needed, and remove travel time. Some people find phone or video sessions helpful when they prefer not to travel or need to fit appointments around work or family commitments. Irene will discuss practical arrangements and how sessions can be shaped to suit everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she focus on?
Irene works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting strain and self-esteem problems, plus related areas such as attachment, body image and isolation.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centred methods, with practical exercises and reflective conversation to help people notice thoughts and try different behaviours.
How much experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional experience working with people on a range of emotional and relational concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is listed with the AASW and practises in Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside Australia work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I do to start?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.