Xavier King (he/him)
Xavier is a Registered Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist at Earth & Elm Studio & Wellness in Dungog, NSW. His practice is grounded in curiosity, compassion and respect for the many ways people learn to protect themselves, relate to others and make sense of their experiences.
Xavier offers individual and couples counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, therapeutic workshops and reflective groups. His qualifications and training include counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, Gestalt psychotherapy, NLP therapeutic coaching and Reiki Master Teaching. He is also continuing his formal studies through a Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
His integrative approach is informed by attachment theory, relational psychotherapy, parts work, acceptance-based approaches and trauma-aware practice. Sessions may also incorporate clinical hypnosis or body-based awareness where appropriate. Each person’s needs, preferences and capacity guide how the work unfolds.
Xavier works with people experiencing difficulties related to boundaries, relationships, identity, shame, self-criticism, trauma, burnout and significant life transitions. He has a particular interest in the patterns people develop to stay safe or connected, including people-pleasing, over-explaining, emotional withdrawal, perfectionism and taking responsibility for everyone around them.
Many of Xavier’s clients have spent much of their lives feeling misunderstood, different or responsible for holding everything together. His work supports clients in understanding the purpose behind their patterns, strengthening their sense of self, and developing ways of responding that feel more sustainable and aligned with their values.
Xavier provides an LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodivergence-affirming environment. He welcomes people whose experiences, relationships or identities have not always been adequately understood within traditional services. His approach values collaboration and informed choice, with space for clients to question ideas, disagree and decide what feels meaningful for them.
Originally from North Carolina, Xavier has maintained a strong connection with nature and its role in reflection, regulation and self-understanding. That relationship helped shape Earth & Elm as a practice centred around meaningful connection, personal agency and the belief that healing does not require someone to become a completely different person.
Xavier’s own lived experience of trauma, recovery, identity and rebuilding informs the warmth and honesty he brings to his work. He understands that insight can be valuable while lasting change often requires safety, practice and a therapeutic relationship where the whole person is welcomed.
Rather than positioning himself as the person with all the answers, Xavier works alongside clients to explore what has shaped them, what currently feels difficult and what they would like their lives and relationships to become.
View Xavier’s profile on Psychology Today.