Heather Hanks (She/Her)
Counsellor

Organisation unit

Student Experience and Success Student Success Student Wellbeing and Safety
Profile of Heather Hanks

About me

Heather Hanks is an Accredited Social Worker with over 25 years of clinical experience across public mental health, education, and private practice. This background allows her to offer a deep level of understanding for the full breadth of human experience—from trauma, anxiety, perfectionism and grief, to the complexities of relational trauma, identity, sexuality, and family challenges. 

It can feel daunting to speak to someone new about personal concerns. Heather’s priority is to create a warm, calming, and non-judgemental space where you feel safe to talk through whatever is getting in the way of the life you want to lead. Her intent is for you to recognise your own wisdom and expertise, gaining the confidence to move on from the areas where you feel ‘stuck.’ Most of all, Heather wants you to leave the room with a genuine sense of hope. 

Heather's counselling is informed by Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative, Self Compassion and Solution Focused Therapy models, and she is a qualified EMDR therapist. Heather believes that clinical tools are only part of the story, and she will work closely with you to ensure counselling fits your personality, cultural context, and life experiences. 

When she’s not on campus, Heather finds balance by cooking, reading, and growing organic veggies. She loves hiking, being near the water, and spending as much time as possible with the people she loves.

Heather works at Adelaide University on Mondays and Tuesdays

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Last updated on 09/02/2026 by Heather Hanks