5 GHP Mental Health Awards 2025 Your website mentions that you’ve personally experienced severe anxiety and depression. How has your own journey shaped your approach to helping others? “Living with severe anxiety and depression can make you feel like you are the loneliest, most helpless person in the world. It can be personality-changing and soul-crushing. My experience has made me passionate about helping my clients learn how to escape and maintain a fulfilling life rather than a nightmarish existence. “Through my personal struggles, I’ve come to understand the importance of empathy and the power of connecting with others who feel trapped in similar circumstances. This profound connection allows me to approach every client with genuine compassion, knowing firsthand what it is like to face an uphill battle against mental health challenges.” Being recognised as the best anxiety and depression counsellor in Australia for three consecutive years is a remarkable achievement. What do you believe sets your practice apart and resonates so deeply with your clients? “One thing my clients say is that I ‘get them’. This is crucial to developing a trusting relationship, the cornerstone of any successful counselling relationship. When a client trusts me, they feel safe and supported, allowing them to be vulnerable and share without fear of judgement. This openness is essential for understanding the root causes of their challenges and for exploring meaningful solutions. “In essence, trust creates a space where my clients can not only confront their struggles but also build the confidence needed to grow and heal. When this happens, it transforms the counselling experience from a transaction into a transformative partnership.” You emphasise measurable progress and personalised recovery treatments. Could you share some of the innovative techniques or principles you use that have proven most effective? “Self-reporting questionnaires, completed before and during sessions, provide clients with a continuous progress report that allows us both to objectively track improvements or identify areas that require more attention. When stepping into the world of mental health, few names shine as brightly as Leon Skaliotis – Founder of Be Happy Again. With an unwavering commitment to transforming lives, Leon has earned the prestigious title of Australia’s Best Anxiety and Depression Counsellor for three consecutive years, awarded by Global Health and Pharma magazine. His innovative, measurable approach to recovery, combined with a deeply personal understanding of mental health struggles, has positioned Leon as a trusted guide for countless individuals seeking hope and healing. In this exclusive interview, we delved into the philosophy, strategies, and vision of a trailblazer in mental health care. Best Anxiety & Depression Counsellor 2025 (Australia): Leon Skaliotis This process fosters accountability and encourages clients to remain focused on solutions throughout their journey. Additionally, these tools are tailored to each client, ensuring that progress is measured in a way that resonates personally with their specific goals and challenges. “Another key principle we emphasise is the profound interconnection between physical and mental health. By exploring each client’s life experiences, we help them uncover how their habits, routines, and underlying principles contribute to both their struggles and their recovery. From this foundation, we develop personalised strategies that empower them to create sustainable, positive changes in their lives.” Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Be Happy Again and how do you hope to continue making a difference in the mental health space? “The privilege of accompanying clients on their journeys to recovery is something I treasure deeply. However, I am mindful that there will come a time when I can no longer do so in the same capacity. This awareness has inspired me to think about how I might create something lasting – something that can continue to make a difference even when I step back from direct practice. “For a while now, I’ve been contemplating writing a mental health guidebook, detailing all that I have learned over the years. I hope to offer a carefully curated collection of insights, drawn from both past and current thinking on mental health, distilled into a handful of essential, life-long behaviours. These are principles I’ve seen help individuals move from struggle to a place of hope and fulfilment, time and time again. “What drives me is the belief that healing and thriving come down to simple, consistent practices rooted in integrity, gratitude, and principled behaviour. Seeing as I emphasise the importance of keeping promises, it feels only right to honour my own intention and put this plan into action. I hope this book, when completed, can serve as a tool for anyone navigating the challenges of anxiety and depression, making a positive difference – even if it touches just one life. After all, sometimes even the smallest ripple can set off waves of change.” Contact: Leon Skaliotis Company: Be Happy Again Web Address: https://behappyagain.com.au/ c
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