Meet Jac

Explore your past,
understand your present,
create your future.

Whether you are a hardworking adult living in a constant state of anxiety & unease, an adolescent feeling anxious, sad & alone, or a family struggling to communicate & connect.. this is a place for you.

I will help you shed light onto the patterns and beliefs that are holding you back from the life you deserve.

Clients describe me as kind & compassionate.

I am a clinically registered psychotherapist & counsellor with over 10,000 hours of face-to-face engagement with clients, providing therapeutical support to adults, adolescents, & families. 

I established my private practice in 2012 on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. My clinical niche is adolescent development specialising in supporting young people with depression, anxiety/stress and relationships/connection.

I began my journey at Macquarie University undertaking a psychology degree when my own children were very young. Due to a relocation to the US (Atlanta, GA) I transferred to Deakin University’s distance education program earning a BA majoring in Psychology. 

Not long after graduation, another relocation took us to the UK (London) where further studies were required for professional registration. In between ferrying my three children to school and activities, I managed to achieve a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, gaining membership to the British Psychological Society (MBPsS). Following graduation I was engaged as a corporate behavioural psychologist in London, for the world’s largest environmental services company (Veolia), working within both the QHSE area and providing therapeutic support for the workforce of 15,000 employees.

Upon my return to Australia in 2012, I embarked on a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling whilst also establishing my private practice, Beanstalk Consulting. During this time I also developed social and emotional learning programs (SEL) which I delivered in schools and small group environments. I have also volunteered my time and expertise in the wider community, mentoring teen Mums through RAISE Foundations BUMP program, and co-facilitating programs and camps with the cancer charity CanTeen. 

My greatest achievement, and the source of my joy, is my own precious family, my husband, myself and three children (all ‘big kids’ now) have navigated the bumps and strains of life together. As adults now, I relish the time spent with my kids as I proudly watch them carve their own way in the world. Authenticity and connection are my strongest values in both my personal relationships, and in my working world with clients.

Training & Education

Jac Payne Beanstalk Consulting psychotherapist Northern beaches counselling psychologist high heels

  • BA Psychology

    BSc. (Hons) Psychology

    Masters Psychotherapy & Counselling

  • PACFA #22963

    Clinical Psychotherapist & Counsellor

    British Psychological Society

    • DBT - Intensive course with Marsha Linehan

    • Treating Complex Trauma

    • Youth Mental Health Summit: Polyvagal theory, IFS therapy, Motivational interviewing and more for anxiety, school refusal, grief, addiction & other challenges

    • Breaking the cycle of unhealthy family relationships: Top tools for better boundaries

    • Evidence based parenting: Raising children to thrive.

My goal is to help you…

My goal is to help clients achieve a sense of steadiness in their lives: a confidence in themselves & their relationships that comes from knowing they can be “ok” in the face of life’s ups & downs.

Therapy isn’t just about making life easier—difficult moments are a part of life. Instead, it’s about uncovering the root of your struggles and equipping you with the tools and resilience to navigate challenges with confidence. When you receive the deep, personalised support needed for healing and growth, everything else starts to shift. You no longer feel the pressure to be everything for everyone, allowing you to make choices that align with the authentic life you truly deserve.

Therapy Investment

Therapy is an investment of time, energy & money. An initial 90m session to allow us time to share your story, and understand each other is $295.00 (inc GST). My standard fee is $220 (inc. GST) for individuals & families per 50-minute session. Sessions can occur weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on your needs and goals. 

I reserve your appointment time just for you. By carefully limiting the number of clients I choose to work with at any given time, allows me to serve you best. 

As a therapist, it’s essential to live what I teach my clients. I take your investment seriously & do a lot of behind-the-scenes work outside of our counselling sessions so I may serve you better. This includes reading, learning, attending advanced trainings, gathering resources and preparing for our time together. 

When you enter into therapy with me, I commit to you. I ask you to be equally invested.

Cancellation policy: You will be charged the full fee for cancelled or rescheduled sessions with less than 24 hours’ notice. In the event of an unavoidable conflict or emergency, we may be able to make other arrangements to avoid the cancellation fee.

Jac Payne Beanstalk Consulting psychotherapist Northern beaches psychologist Sydney Coffee therapy

YOU ARE WORTH IT

Jac Payne Beanstalk Consulting psychotherapist Northern Beaches psychology Sydney health insurance

Private Health Insurance & Medicare Rebates

Psychotherapy & Counselling services for individuals, families & teens.

As a psychotherapist, I do not need a referral but I cannot offer you a rebate through Medicare, or utilise a GP's Mental Health Plan.

I am a provider for many of the private health insurers & depending on who you are covered by (and your level of cover), you may be able to claim back some of my fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • During the first few sessions we will talk about the struggles that bring you to therapy, your history, and define your goals. As a therapist, I have a real-life, practical, and straightforward approach. This means I will be actively involved in our sessions, helping you to achieve your goals.

  • How long you will be in therapy depends on your needs. The research suggests that most therapy clients feel improvement in 6-10 sessions and I would expect the same for us. Some clients feel better within that time. Others find that they enjoy the process of therapy and want to continue as their lives change and evolve. My goal is to help you meet your goals as soon as possible. As long as counselling continues to be helpful, I’ll be here to support you.

    The length of time we’ll spend together will depend on your needs as a person/people. Some people come in to address a specific issue while others find that they stay with me for a while as their lives evolve and circumstances change.

  • While I can’t make guarantees, I can tell you that I know growth, healing and change are possible. I see it every day as I witness my clients' relationships evolve and improve.

    Study after study has shown that the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is the most reliable and the most powerful predictor of a positive outcome in therapy.

  • Feel free to contact me by email or phone, for you to determine if I might be the right fit for you. Alternatively, book directly through my online booking system, where you can see my availability. If your need is urgent, please get in touch, as I may have flexibility that cannot be seen online.

  • An initial 90m session to allow us time to share your story, and understand each other is $295.00 (inc GST). Ongoing 50m sessions are $220 (inc GST). The scheduling is up to you and there is no lock in.

    As a psychotherapist I do not need a referral but I cannot offer you a rebate through Medicare, or utilise a GP's Mental Health Plan.

    I am a provider for many of the private health insurers and depending on who you are covered by (and your level of cover), you may be able to claim back some of my fee.

    Let me help you to slow down & cultivate balance, learn to trust your instincts, redirect attention & adjust your attitudes.

Client Reviews

  • "Jac has been an incredible support for our family. We started seeing Jac to support the mental health needs of our teenage son. Faced with anxiety, depression & horrific bullying we were desperate to find the right support that resonated with our son, by the time we found Jac. While she wasn't the first person we'd been to, she was definitely the last - once we found her, we weren't leaving! She had this incredible way of making my son feel heard, seen, unjudged, unlike anything else I'd ever seen before (& we'd been to many other people prior to finding Jac). My daughter also expressed interest in seeing Jac too (to work through some dicey teenage girl issues) & Jac has made a profound difference in my daughter's life. Jac also has an incredible network within the school system & ensured that my kids have felt supported through her help, but also through their school. She advocates on behalf of the kids where needed, so between family life, school life & therapy time, the kids have felt holistically supported. She gets the kids. She understands everything they go through, & she works with them to find solutions. Oh & she's fun! Thank you Jac for all you've done (& continue to do!) for us."

    -S.G.

  • "I’ve been with Jac for more than a year. Her wisdom in the field is unmatched. Not only does she possess the expertise but her care & tenderness creates a safe & nonjudgemental space where I feel heard, understood & supported. Her ability to listen with empathy while providing honest, insightful guidance has helped me navigate through some of the most challenging moments in my life. With Jac, I’m not just working through isolated struggles - but growing as a holistic individual. I’m deeply grateful for her expertise & compassion."

    -L.M.

  • “I’ve had the privilege of having Jac as my psychologist for many years & can’t recommend her highly enough. Jac always makes me feel supported & understood. She is very kind & compassionate & creates a safe space where I can express my emotions without judgment, whilst also giving me the right practical tools to help me work on my mental health & personal growth. Thanks to Jac I can navigate through life’s challenges with greater confidence. If you’re looking for a therapist who truly cares & knows how to help, Jac is the one!

    -G.H.

  • “When Jac was highly recommended by our GP, I could never have imagined she would become so valued in our family. Jac has been a trusted guide, a voice of reason, a crucial "person in their corner" for each of our three children who always respect her advice (even if they don't always want to hear it!) We feel lucky to have her by our side as we navigate the joys & struggles of adolescence."

    -P.C.

  • "The minute I stepped into Jacinta’s practice & met her I felt like I was wrapped in a warm, safe & comforting hug. I was struggling with grief & childhood trauma & had no idea where to start. But I put my trust in Jacinta’s hands & through gentle discussion & questioning the conversation flowed freely. I thought I was coping balancing a family, executive role, whilst comforting & supporting those around me, personally & professionally. However, when I was faced with a significant loss in my life, I could feel myself slowly unravelling. Jacinta provided me with clarity, honest truths & so many tools to equip me with my personal healing journey. On days when I feel I am struggling, I often think ‘What would Jacinta say?’ It is enough for me to reframe my thought patterns and re-evaluate the situation at hand. I am forever grateful for Jacinta’s gentle, compassionate support in my own personal journey and value the support she has provided for those I love too."

    -L.M.

  • "Jac has an amazing ability to combine her professional knowledge with her genuine compassion, beautiful energy & great sense of humour, to create an authentic connection with her clients - (myself, the person who referred me, & others I have since referred to, to name a few!) I am always grateful to walk out of a session having felt heard, having gained insight (to my own or others actions) & importantly with strategy of how to either handle a current situation or move on from it."

    -G.S.

  • "Our experience with Jac has been amazing. my teenage daughter was struggling with anxiety/depression together with a lot of conflict at home with us. We were at a complete loss & didn't know how to help her. Jac provided a safe, non judgemental space where she felt she could open up & talk about her feelings. Over time we have seen our daughter grow into a more resilient, emotionally aware young lady & our relationship with her has turned around. Jac not only helped her navigate her emotions during difficult high school years, but has given her tools to use going forward with her anxiety. As parents, we really appreciated the way Jac kept us informed & involved in the process whilst respecting her privacy. Her guidance was always reassuring & helpful. I cannot recommend Jac highly enough for anyone who is seeking effective & compassionate therapy for their teenager."

    -P.M.

  • "Jac Payne is an exceptional psychotherapist whose warmth & genuine empathy create a safe & supportive environment for growth. She has a remarkable ability to truly listen, challenge you with honesty, & provide compassionate guidance. Jac has been instrumental in helping me navigate some very difficult times, & I deeply value the trust & insight she brings to every session."

    -B.M.