Accredited Mental Health Social Worker – Maryborough QLD
Who We Are
Hi, I’m Shaun — an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker based in Maryborough and the founder of Nautical Minds Fraser Coast.
I work with adults and adolescents where mental health difficulties are closely tied to psychosocial stressors — things like work pressures, relationship and family issues, financial strain, housing instability, or major life transitions. In these situations, therapy often focuses on stabilising, improving day-to-day functioning, and helping people make sense of — and respond to — the systems and life circumstances contributing to their distress.
With a background in psychology and social work, my approach is person-centred, practical, and relational. I draw on evidence-based psychological strategies while also helping people make sense of, and respond to, the real-world circumstances contributing to their distress.
At Nautical Minds Fraser Coast, therapy is about stabilising, understanding, and regaining a sense of agency — so you can move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and direction, even when life feels complex or overwhelming.
Is this right for me?
You might find working with us a good fit if:
- Your mental health concerns are closely connected to life circumstances, such as work stress, relationship or family difficulties, financial pressure, housing issues, or major life changes
- Your distress makes sense given what you’re dealing with, but it’s still affecting your day-to-day functioning
- You’re looking for support that goes beyond coping strategies alone and also considers the real-world systems and pressures in your life
- You value a practical, relational approach that balances emotional support with clear thinking and problem-solving
- You’re wanting to better understand what’s happening for you and regain a sense of agency and direction
This approach is often helpful when anxiety, low mood, trauma responses, or stress are shaped by ongoing psychosocial factors rather than occurring in isolation.
You may prefer a different type of service if you’re looking for:
- Highly structured therapy only
- Short-term skills training without broader exploration of context
- Crisis or acute risk management services
If you’re unsure whether this fits your situation, you’re welcome to reach out for a brief conversation or question.
Navigating Life’s Storms with Confidence
Life’s challenges can feel like uncharted waters, but with our psychotherapy services, you don’t have to steer through them alone. We provide expert guidance to help you regain control and chart a course toward stability and growth.
Whether you’re weathering a storm, feeling adrift, or simply seeking a new direction, we are here to support you—every step of the way.
About Nautical Minds Fraser Coast
Our Values
Our Expertise
Our Expertise
We are guided by our core values of compassion, integrity, respect, and social justice. Through our psychotherapy services, we believe in treating each person with empathy and respect, upholding the highest ethical standards, while working towards a more equitable society.
Our Expertise
Our Expertise
Our Expertise
Evidence-based psychotherapy includes various approaches such as psychoeducation, problem-solving, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Additionally, our holistic assessments takes into account biological, psychological, social, and systemic factors to provide comprehensive support. We also delve into mind-body science, exploring the intersection of emotional and physical health.
Focus areas
Our Expertise
Focus areas
Individuals - including stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. Family & Relationship Support - help with navigating conflict, improving communication, managing parenting challenges, and strengthening connections. Youth & Adolescent Support - We offer guildance for young people facing school stress, friend
Individuals - including stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. Family & Relationship Support - help with navigating conflict, improving communication, managing parenting challenges, and strengthening connections. Youth & Adolescent Support - We offer guildance for young people facing school stress, friendship and self-esteem challenges, identity concerns, social media pressures, and emotional wellbeing.
Types of Services
What is Psychotherapy?
What is Psychotherapy?
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that supports individuals and couples in navigating mental health challenges, enhancing self-awareness, and developing practical coping strategies. Our psychotherapy services are person-centered and trauma-informed, integrating evidence-based therapy techniques such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that supports individuals and couples in navigating mental health challenges, enhancing self-awareness, and developing practical coping strategies. Our psychotherapy services are person-centered and trauma-informed, integrating evidence-based therapy techniques such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Encouraging psychological flexibility and values-based living; Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Strengthening motivation for change; and Mindfulness – Enhancing emotional regulation and resilience. Each session is tailored to your unique needs, with the goal of helping you achieve your personal objectives!
NDIS and Employment
What is Psychotherapy?
What is Psychotherapy?
We support individuals navigating the practical and emotional challenges of work, as well as participants of the NDIS. Our Work Support includes managing stress, conflict, and adjustment during the return-to-work process, while also building routines, motivation, and resilience.
In terms of NDIS Support, we focus on building coping skill
We support individuals navigating the practical and emotional challenges of work, as well as participants of the NDIS. Our Work Support includes managing stress, conflict, and adjustment during the return-to-work process, while also building routines, motivation, and resilience.
In terms of NDIS Support, we focus on building coping skills, confidence, and independence, as well as managing the emotional and social impact of disability, thus helping you achieve both your short and long-term goals.
Relationships
What is Psychotherapy?
Relationships
Healthy relationships play a crucial role in mental well-being, but they can also be a source of stress and emotional challenges. Our services provide support through areas including: Family & Parenting Challenges – Managing family dynamics, communication breakdowns, and parenting stress. Interpersonal & Social Connections – Building con
Healthy relationships play a crucial role in mental well-being, but they can also be a source of stress and emotional challenges. Our services provide support through areas including: Family & Parenting Challenges – Managing family dynamics, communication breakdowns, and parenting stress. Interpersonal & Social Connections – Building confidence in social interactions, setting boundaries, and improving communication skills. Navigating Separation & Conflict – Coping with breakups, co-parenting, or relationship stress. Healing from Toxic or Unhealthy Relationships – Understanding patterns, rebuilding self-esteem, and fostering healthier connections. Whether you're facing difficulties in personal, family, or social relationships, we provide a supportive space to explore challenges, strengthen communication, and create meaningful change.
"Calm seas never made a skilled sailor."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity".
Albert Einstein
