MGA Counselling Services

28/04/2026

Our first Forest Family event for Nature Play 4 Kids is on this coming Sunday (3rd May) at 9:30am, Warrien Reserve in Croydon North. This will be fun, but it’s more than that.

This will be educational, but it’s more than that.

Our Forest Family program is about connection. Connection with nature, with each other, and with a greater sense of wellbeing.

All of our NP4K programs have been designed from scratch, drawing on our years of experience in the counselling space with MGA Counselling Services, and in nature with Forest Therapy Victoria. The aim is to enhance creativity, enhance wellbeing, facilitate better regulation, stress management and anxiety levels.

And help families make this a normal part of their weekly rhythm.

The central philosophy of NP4K is “Bring nothing. Leave with Everything”.

You won’t need to bring lots of equipment, or spend hours preparing activities. Nature will dictate what we do and how we do it.

Our guides will teach families to do the same.

Come and join us this Sunday for “Forest Families” or join one of our other events in the coming months.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/forest-family-event

www.natureplay4kids.com.au
www.foresttherapyvictoria.com.au
www.mgacounselling.com.au

02/07/2025

Have you ever wished there were Australian-based resources, trainings and person gatherings created by highly sensitive people, for highly sensitive people? ...

24/06/2025

The best place to be for creative thinking and inspiration (for me, at least) is in nature.

Here’s a few moments from my planning meeting this morning. The trees had far better ideas than I did!

13/04/2025

02/03/2025

The team at MGA Counselling Services have been working on a new wellbeing offering for small and medium sized businesses that usually find current Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) cost prohibitive.

Today we launch a fully customisable, affordable EAP model with no annual fees, tailored to enhance the wellbeing of employees in SMBs in Australia.

From the MGA Counselling Services website:

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the well-being of employees is paramount. For small and medium-sized businesses in Australia, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) offer a lifeline, providing essential support to enhance productivity and morale. At MGA Counselling Services, we understand the unique challenges faced by these businesses and are committed to offering tailored solutions that foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Whether you have five employees or over one hundred, the MGA EAP can be designed specifically to your industry and your needs. We will work with you to ensure your workforce is supported and cared for.

In person sessions are located in some areas, with online and phone sessions available everywhere. After hours and weekend appointments are also available.

For more information, visit the website: https://mgacounselling.com.au/mga-employee-assistance.../

If you're an owner of a SMB feel free to get in touch and organisae a no obligation chat. If you work for one, please pass this on to your business owner.

Regards,

Matt

08/10/2024

Since the start of the year I've been working on a mindful garden and outdoor counselling space at the Manna Gum Studio.

I find myself sitting out there most days, and when I do this piece by my son Tom Glover come to mind.

it suits the peaceful mood of nature beautifully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikuw2f2I6Ks

His first big show is happening next month. If you're free on November 9th and want to hear this and the rest of his album live, grab a ticket and come along.

Tickets here: https://www.tomglovermusic.com.au/shows/

Proud of my boy!

'Song for a Sunrise' - from my new EP: 'In the Garden, Under the Moon'Tabs available here: https://www.tomglovermusic.com.au/store/Tom Glover:Website & Tab S...

05/09/2024

Low cost counselling available at MGA Counselling Services

At MGA Counselling Services, we're dedicated to making support accessible to as many people as possible. This commitment extends not only to our clients but also to those beginning their journey as counsellors or enhancing their qualifications.

We currently have three students on placement offering affordable counselling services in Boronia (VIC), East Doncaster (VIC), and Potts Point (NSW). All students are also available for online sessions.

Gigi, placed with Forest Therapy Victoria, has a special interest in working with both children and the elderly, utilising nature-based interventions to support wellbeing. She has a background in early childhood education and is completing her Master’s at James Cook University.

Laura, placed with MGA, offers both in-clinic and outdoor counselling. She has a background in Bush Adventure Therapy and is completing her Master’s at Monash University.

Kaytie, also placed with MGA, provides in-clinic and outdoor sessions. Her experience includes adult education and eco-therapy, and she is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree at Ikon Institute.

All three students bring a wealth of experience in the wellbeing sector and have joined MGA to further develop their expertise and credentials.

There is no waiting list to see them, and sessions are available for $80.

If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out via private message or through our website: http://www.mgacounseling.com.au.

24/08/2024

I've just finished (I think) giving the Forest Therapy Victoria website a long overdue overhaul.

The public walks are still there, but I've made a point of emphasising the corporate wellbeing days and individual, nature-based counselling.

Take a look: https://www.foresttherapyvictoria.com.au/

Let me know if you find any really bad typos or broken links!!

Of course, please share with anybody that you think might be interested or could benefit from non-counselling room counselling!

Thank you always for your support.

Matt

22/08/2024

Forest Therapy Victoria is coming to Sydney in September!

So far we have two events planned.

The first is a four hour professional development workshop designed for counsellors and others in the people helping professions. This will start at 1pm on Friday 20th September.

The second is a public three hour event for whoever wants to be there! This will start at 9:30am on Saturday 21st September. A second event will be scheduled if this sells out quickly.

Both events are being held at Cann Park in La Perouse and will include both beach and forest therapy. Maximum numbers for both is 15 people.

For more information, visit the newly revamped Forest Therapy Victoria website: http://www.foresttherapyvictoria.com.au

To book your place in the PD, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sydney-using-forest-therapy-in-your-counselling-practice-tickets-976087362577?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

To book your spot in the public event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sydney-forest-therapy-experience-cann-park-la-perouse-tickets-999916074897?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Sydney friends - please share to folk you think might be interested.

Pic: Hollow Mountain in the Northern Grampians, July 2024

21/08/2024

Was wiped out by the dreaded gastro bug over the weekend. Apologies for taking so long to share this after asking the questions last week.

The top three presenting issues in my counselling practice over the last twelve months:

Grief - a universal human experience that our western culture does little to prepare us for. Whether it is the death of a loved one, loss of a job, moving house, or lost hopes and dreams, grief is everywhere.

Relationships - I suspect we're now in the thick of relationships that were hit hard during the lockdowns in Victoria. Most make it through. Some don't.

Trauma - this will always be a presenting issue in the counselling room. But over the last year, the number of people bring stories of religious and spiritual trauma as a result of abuse within their faith communities is quite alarming. Not necessarily sexual abuse, but an assault on personhood.

Keep in mind, every counselling has it's own areas of speciality, and these issues reflect mine. the centre up the road may have a different story to tell.

Photo: Spider web yesterday morning in my garden.