"Like the great Australian family therapist and teacher, Moshe Laing, I have always loved "a good story".

In many ways each of our lives constitute such a story.

What fascinates me is how we can change the nature of the story we are living out.

I see my role in assisting people in changing their story and helping them to remember aspects of it they may have "accidently" forgotten,

I like to work in relaxed way, weaving stories into conversations to promote change. I also like to provide practical tools for people to achieve the same outcomes.

I deeply appreciate the generosity of thousands of clients, students and colleagues who have involved me with their story of change"

- Robert Quinlan

AHA CM0408247 AASW 194017

Robert Quinlan

Robert has been involved in counselling, therapy, teaching and social advocacy for over 30 years.

Professional Qualifications and Memberships

He is a graduate of Melbourne University ( Australia) in both Arts and Social Work and holds a Diploma in Solution Oriented Hypnotherapy. He is a Clinical Member of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association, an accredited member of Australian Association of Social Workers and an accredited Mental Health professional. ( In Australia he is a provider of services via Medicare the national health scheme and through various private health insurers)

Therapeutic Approaches

Robert has broad experience in the use of various therapeutic methods including Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Body Focused approaches to change. In the last ten years his primary approach ( HealingDialogue) draws on the work of Milton Erickson and post Ericksonians and solution oriented approaches whilst contextualizing this within more ancient healing and meditative traditions.

He works with individuals, couples and groups.

Professional and Work Experience

Robert has extensive experience as a lecturer, trainer and workshop leader. He was the Co-ordinator of the Substance Abuse Education Unit at Phillip Institute of Technology/ RMIT University and trained undergraduate and graduate students as well as health care professionals. He has had a keen interest in teaching motivational approaches to change and the use of relaxation and imagery techniques . His training in Ericksonian approaches and hypnotherapy were a natural extension of this interest.

He has worked in senior capacities in public welfare and has extensive experience in working in therapeutic teams in community health, hospital and rehabiltiation settings. Robert has also involved himself in public advocacy around addictive behaviour issues related to alcohol use, minor tranquillizers and gambling.

In recent years Robert has relocated to the Byron Bay / Tweed Coast region of Australia. His practice caters for residents of these areas including clients in Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby and parts of the Tweed Coast - Cabarita, Pottsvile, Kingscliff and Tweed Heads.

In 2008/9 Robert spent a year in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand - during this time he provided counselling services and also presented a range of workshops. Chiang Mai has a wonderfully vibrant, healing and yogic community - Robert will be leading a tour group to Chiang Mai in November 2009 - please contact for more details.

The Now

His approach to facilitating change is practical, with an emphasis on "the now" and desired outcomes.His orientation is to brief interventions ( usually up to six sessions.However, this is also tailored to the needs of his clients and he works with clients for longer periods where this is appropriate.

Other Interests

Robert is a keen reader, photographer and computer geek. He loves nature in all its forms and enjoys bush walking ( ask an Australian to translate), bicycle riding and the surf. Poetry ( particularly that of Rumi) is another love.

Robert has three children ( now adults) through his first marriage and one grandchild ( who was instrumental in his visit to Chiang Mai).

Robert has pursued a meditative path ( with some digressions!) since the mid-seventies. He enjoys the deep exploration of consciousness - the understanding of and resting in the delight of who we are......

Reading for pleasure