Who We Are

Counselling & Therapy in Sydney

Therapy research consistently demonstrates that the therapeutic relationship is central to successful psychotherapy.

We build a strong rapport with our clients and through authenticity and transparency, they know that we care and they trust that we will take them to where they need to go.

Jacqueline Stone and Associates combines the private counselling, therapy and psychotherapy practices of Jacqueline Stone, Jill Schmidt-Lindner and Dominique Smajstr.

Jacqueline first established her practice in Bondi Junction in 2003. She and her associate Heather Firth moved into the Sydney CBD in 2009. 

Jill Schmidt-Lindner joined the Sydney practice in 2017. Heather retired in 2018 after ten years with the practice and Annabel Birmingham retired in 2023 after nine years. We welcomed Dominque late in 2022 and are thrilled to have her join the team.

The three of us share a deep interest in human relationships and the human condition, and a natural inclination to listen to others with compassion. Both challenging and rewarding, we feel privileged to do the work that we do — to work in a personally engaging and authentic way, supporting and guiding people towards the changes they wish for themselves.

Our Therapists in Sydney

Jacqueline Stone

Counsellor & Therapist

Dominique Smajstr

Counsellor & Therapist

Jill Schmidt-Lindner

Counsellor & Therapist

Our Credentials

Each of us has attained the same high-level qualifications, similar work history and focus in ongoing training and professional standards:

  • Graduate Diploma and/or Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Clinical Membership with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)
  • Further training in Psychodynamic methodology and approaches that champion the mind-body connection, like Mindfulness and Yoga
  • Work history within a community counselling setting, and other various health and social services
  • Annual attendance at accredited workshops and conferences
  • Regular clinical and peer supervision

Personal therapy has been a key feature in our training, giving us firsthand experience of the incredible value of counselling and psychotherapy, assisting each of us to address stress and grief in our own lives, and further fuelling our passion to excel as psychotherapists in Sydney.

Personally and professionally, in our own lives and in working with you,
we strive for more meaning and balance, less stress and more joy in life.

What is the Difference Between Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Therapy, counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably. There are differences and overlap however, with debateable grey areas.

Firstly, “Therapy” is short for “Psychotherapy”.

Psychotherapy is usually more extensive, aimed at alleviating more complex, long-standing pain, challenges or esteem issues from dysfunctional family dynamics or past events.

Counselling is usually shorter in duration and more specific in scope, dealing with challenges you are facing in life now, like relationships, finances, work or health difficulties.

Psychotherapy and counselling are both considered to be professional help or treatment for psychological, emotional and/or mental discomfort or pain and we can help with both.

Are you looking for counselling or psychotherapy in Sydney?

We offer local Sydney psychotherapy and counselling in the Sydney CBD, and yes, we also offer online therapy too!

Testimonial