Dr Averil Cook is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychologist based in Leichhardt, NSW. You can find the practice at 33 Balmain Raod, Leichhardt NSW 2040. Sessions are calm and practical, with an emphasis on helping people feel more steady in their day to day life.
Dr Cook works with adults and people dealing with common mental health and wellbeing concerns. In many cases, that means working through stress, worry, and low mood. At times, people also come in after big life changes, burnout, relationship stress, or when they just feel “stuck” and can’t switch their mind off.
Counselling is tailored to the person in front of you. Dr Cook often uses approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), along with behaviour based strategies. The goal is usually to understand what’s going on, then build some useful steps for what to do next. This can include anxiety management, practical stress management techniques, and learning ways to respond differently to tough thoughts and feelings.
Over time, therapy can help people notice patterns sooner. For example, you might start catching the early signs of overwhelm, or learn how to slow down the stress cycle before it takes over. Many clients find it helpful to practise tools between sessions, so progress feels real and not just something that happens in the room.
Dr Cook brings experience from everyday clinical work, supporting clients through both short term and longer term challenges. Education and clinical training are part of the foundation of the work, with a focus on evidence informed psychology and safe, respectful care.
Research and clinical trials aren’t the main focus here, but Dr Cook’s approach stays grounded in approaches that are used widely in mental health care. If you’re unsure where you fit, that’s okay. Many people start by talking through what’s been hardest lately, and then work out a plan that makes sense for their situation.