Individual counselling

A smiling person with short hair sitting on a chair with one leg raised, in a room decorated with framed artworks and a bookshelf filled with books, with a potted plant and warm lighting.

I offer in-person sessions from my Castlemaine office, and Telehealth across the continent from Djarra Country. Telehealth may be unsuitable for those using AAC tools.

soft story has appointments available on

  • Tuesdays 10am - 7pm

  • Fridays 10am - 5pm

  • Saturdays 11am - 4pm

ready when you are
A collage of cut-out pieces arranged to resemble a face with what appears to be two strips for eyebrows, a curved strip for a nose, and a dark circular object with a handle for a mouth.

ways of working together

  • Abstract flower cut out of paper with shades of yellow, red and green.

    in-person

    35 Etty St, Castemaine, Djaara Country

    Our cosy velvet couch underneath you, a warm cup of tea in hand, or over the road in bushland.

  • Part of a stained glass window with geometric and floral patterns, framed by dark wood, and a wall-mounted light fixture with three lampshades

    telehealth options

    phone call // secure video

    Distance doesn't have to be a barrier to finding affirming, justice-oriented therapy.

  • Abstract flower cut out of paper with multicolored shades of purple, red, yellow, and green.

    equity sessions

    same support // tiered pricing

    soft story offers tiered pricing, so those who may not otherwise be able to access support.

  • Abstract flower cut out of paper that is white, black and rust coloured.

    session lengths

    30 // 60 // 90 minutes

    To squeeze in time to slow down, hit our regular rhythm, or dive deep on what matters.

click here to learn more about our pricing model
A person smiling and waving outside a building with a yellow sign that says 'All Welcome' and features a bowl with steam rising from it.

Rhiannon Williams-Demmon (they/them) is a social worker and counsellor who understands the power of being truly seen and heard.

Rhiannon brings a deeply personal understanding to their work as a chronically ill, queer, late-diagnosed neurodivergent person — and someone who has walked their own path of healing after relationship abuse. This lived experience sits alongside their Masters of Social Work, undergraduate studies in politics and gender studies, and professional training in EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, somatics, parts work, Intentional Peer Support, and Written Exposure Therapy.

Rhiannon’s practice is grounded in a justice-oriented worldview. They meet each client with curiosity rather than judgement, and hold space for the fullness of your experience – cultural, social, and everything in between. Their approach is relational, compassionate, and built on the belief that when your inner world makes sense to you, the outer world feels less overwhelming.

Above all, Rhiannon believes in meeting you exactly where you are, without expectation of where you "should" be.

meet Rhiannon

book your first convo, on us

〰️

book your first convo, on us 〰️

30 minute FaceTime // no-cost

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step – you don’t have to do it perfectly.

If you're curious about working together, you’re welcome to book a free 30 minute WhatsApp video call or phone call.

It’s your chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, and get a feel for whether soft story may be the right fit. No pressure, no expectations.

Collage of intertwined paper loops with various colors and patterns, resembling the Olympic rings.

Green Bottle sliding scale fees

〰️

Green Bottle sliding scale fees 〰️

Our pricing structure moves beyond traditional fee-for-service models toward equitable access and resource redistribution within our community, based on your ability to meet your basic needs or access to an expendable income.

Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.

Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.

We invite you to assess your circumstances honestly and choose the tier that most closely reflects your current reality. We trust your assessment completely — no questions asked, no documentation required.

click here to learn more about funding schemes for subsidised sessions
A flower made from black and white recycled paper, with petals pointing up.

tier 1 // $80 for a standard session

This tier is for community members who need extra support to access care. Consider this rate if you regularly:

  • I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them

  • I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs

  • I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing

  • I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car but I am not always able to afford gas

  • I am unemployed or underemployed

  • I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care

  • I have no access to savings

  • I have no or very limited expendable income

  • I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them

  • I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden

A flower made from recycles, cut out paper that is blue and red.

tier 2 // $120 for a standard session

Meet your basic needs but with little financial comfort

  • I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them

  • I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

  • I own or lease a car

  • I am employed

  • I have access to regular health care

  • I might have access to financial savings

  • I have some expendable income

  • I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others

  • I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden

A flower shape with petals facing up, with an abstract pattern green, blue, and yellow on a white background.

tier 3 // $160 for a standard session

Comfortably meet all basic needs without stress

  • I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs

  • I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

  • I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property

  • I own or lease a car

  • I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs

  • I have regular access to health care

  • I have access to financial savings

  • I have an expendable income

  • I can always buy new items

  • I can afford an annual vacation or take time off