About Marcus

Counsellor in Ballarat and Online Across Australia

My approach to counselling

I believe counselling should feel like a real conversation — not something clinical, distant, or complicated.

Together, we focus on:

  • Understanding what’s contributing to stress, anxiety, or overwhelm
  • Identifying patterns that may be keeping you stuck
  • Exploring what matters most to you right now
  • Building practical strategies that support real change

I don’t believe in judgement or pressure.

I believe in meeting people where they are at and working at a pace that feels right for them.

My background

Through my own experiences of relationship breakdown, loss, and rebuilding my life, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of support during difficult times. These experiences inspired my transition into counselling, where I now help individuals navigate challenges such as separation, stress, grief, anxiety, and life transitions.

Helping You Find Your Way Forward.

Life doesn't always go to plan.

There are times when we can feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what comes next. Relationship breakdowns, family challenges, grief, stress, and major life changes can leave us questioning who we are and where we're headed.

Over the years, I have navigated relationship breakdowns, the loss of my father, career transitions, and periods where I needed to rebuild and rediscover my own sense of purpose. These experiences taught me that asking for support is not a sign of weakness—it is often the first step toward meaningful change

Today, I combine those life experiences with professional counselling training to help people navigate difficult periods in their lives and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and direction.

While I work with adults from all walks of life, I have a particular passion for supporting men who are navigating separation, divorce, fatherhood challenges, loss of identity, and significant life changes.

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

Sometimes the hardest part is simply taking the first step.

If you're ready to begin moving forward, I'd be honoured to support you on that journey.

Marcus Ross

What makes me different

The E.P.I.C. Framework

When life knocks us down, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what comes next.

My E.P.I.C. Framework is the approach I use to help clients move from simply surviving to creating a life that feels meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with who they want to be.

A practical approach to help you rebuild clarity, confidence, and direction when life feels overwhelming.

E – Emotions

Learn to understand and manage difficult emotions like anger, anxiety, and sadness instead of suppressing them.

Outcome: Emotional awareness and resilience.

P – Purpose

Reconnect with what matters most after separation, loss, or major life change.

Outcome: Clarity, motivation, and direction.

I – Influence

Positively influence others, improve communication, boundaries, and relationships with the people around you.

Outcome: Stronger, healthier relationships.

C – Credo

Develop a stronger mindset and internal stance that helps you take ownership of your life and respond to challenges with strength and clarity.

Outcome: Greater confidence, control, and personal power.

Imagine Where You Could Be:

Feeling more confident and in control

Better able to manage stress and emotions

Communicating more effectively

Reconnected with what matters most

Qualifications, Registration & Professional Training

I am committed to providing ethical, trauma-informed, and evidence-based counselling support, supported by formal training, professional registration, and ongoing development.

Professional Registration

Level 1 Counsellor – Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

Committed to maintaining professional standards, ethical practice, and ongoing supervision and development.

Formal Qualifications

Bachelor of Counselling (Final Stage)
ACAP University College
Expected completion: September 2026

Diploma of Counselling
Australian Institute of Professional Counselling (AIPC), 2021

Clinical, Crisis & Applied Training

Lifeline Australia – Crisis Support Skill Set (CHCSS00113), 2024

DV Alert Foundations Certificate, 2024

MARAM Identification and Screening Program, 2024

Trauma-Informed & Therapeutic Development

Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Advanced Workshop Certificate
ACT Mindfully, 2024

Polyvagal Theory – Principles, Science & Foundations
Presented by Deborah Dana, LCSW (PESI Australia, 2024)

Trauma Conference: The Body Keeps the Score – Trauma Healing Through the Senses
PESI Australia, 2023

Registered Level 1 Counsellor (Australian Counselling Association) providing professional counselling in Ballarat and online across Australia.

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