- Family and parenting
- Trauma and intimacy
- Mindfulness and ACT
About John
John Obalum is an AASW social worker who supports men and others facing family strain, trauma and abuse, intimacy difficulties, parenting stress and anger. He speaks English and Igbo and aims to make the first step into therapy feel straightforward and manageable. His approach is calm and down-to-earth, with an emphasis on listening and practical next steps.
John draws on seven years of experience across mental health and child protection settings. He has helped people navigate family conflict, healing after abuse, relationship breakdowns and parenting challenges. He also works with issues around abandonment, attachment, guilt and shame, and feelings of isolation.
In sessions he creates a non-judgemental space where people can talk about difficult thoughts and emotions. He uses client-centred principles to follow what each person brings, and he often integrates mindfulness and acceptance-focused ideas to build coping skills. Motivational interview techniques help when people want to make concrete changes but feel stuck.
John has experience working with children and young adults on identity concerns, though his practice also supports adults facing midlife or money-related stress. He describes therapy as a collaborative process and aims to help people identify small, workable steps toward clearer goals.
People can expect straightforward conversations, active listening and practical strategies for daily life. John encourages anyone unsure about therapy to try a session and see if his style feels like a fit.
Therapeutic approaches and online support
John uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and focus on valued actions. ACT is practical for managing difficult feelings and moving toward what matters. He also uses Client-Centred Therapy, which means sessions are shaped by the person's priorities and paced to their comfort. This approach supports clearer communication and trusting the client's own expertise about their life.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk through your goals, preferences and any previous experiences with therapy to find what fits. That collaborative discussion guides whether more acceptance-based, mindfulness, or motivational strategies are used.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, cut travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people join from different locations in Australia without changing their routine. Appropriately qualified therapists can help tailor session length and focus to suit work schedules and everyday commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English, Igbo
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does John help with?
He supports people dealing with family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting difficulties and anger. His practice also addresses abandonment, attachment, body image, isolation and financial stress.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Sessions are conversational and non-judgemental, with active listening and practical suggestions. He combines client-centred care with mindfulness and acceptance ideas to help people manage emotions and behaviour.
What background does he bring to sessions?
John has seven years of professional experience working in mental health and child protection settings. He has particular experience supporting young people with identity concerns and adults with family-related stress.
What credentials and location apply?
He is listed with the Australian Association of Social Workers, shown as AASW, and practices in Australia.
Which languages can sessions be held in?
Sessions can be conducted in English and Igbo.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Exact pricing will be provided during the booking process.
How do I start working with him?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.