A Day in the Life with Certified Practising Counsellor, Tammi Miller
About Tammi
Hi, I’m Tammi Miller, a Certified Practising Counsellor with a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP). I’m passionate about supporting individuals through one-on-one counselling, particularly when their challenges stem from a lack of meaningful connection. I find it incredibly rewarding to help clients navigate life’s complexities and rediscover a sense of balance and purpose.
My practice, BARE Therapy, focuses mainly on working with professional women and single mothers who are striving to manage “the juggle” – balancing career, family, and personal growth while grappling with the societal myth that we can “have it all.”’ My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, addiction, interpersonal relationships, and self-actualisation. Many of my clients come to me seeking support for both immediate challenges and deeper, long-term transformations.
I use a client-centred approach, blending Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to tailor each session to the client’s unique needs. Together, we aim to create meaningful change and build a life aligned with their values.
A Day in the Life
7:00AM: Starting the Day
Let’s be honest: my mornings are far from perfect. After snoozing my alarm a few times, I finally crawl out of bed and head straight for a hot shower. This is my sacred thinking time, where I mentally map out my priorities for the day and brainstorm ideas for professional development or content creation. Refreshed and caffeinated (after a brisk walk to the café), I return home to scribble down the ideas sparked by my shower and walk. My rescue cat greets me, demanding cuddles and reminding me to pause before diving into the day.
8:30AM-10:30AM: Admin Time
The first part of my workday is dedicated to administrative tasks for BARE Therapy. This includes invoicing, documenting client session notes, and reflecting on professional development activities. I also track my counselling revenue to ensure I’m maintaining a healthy work-life balance. My favourite playlists, like Lyricless Background or Girl Crooners on Spotify, keep me focused during this time.
10:30AM-12:00PM: Creative and Professional Development
Next, I shift to creating social media content, drafting newsletters, and preparing for upcoming speaking engagements. As an author of my own book, "Paperback Therapy", one of my favourite ongoing projects is the ‘BARE Therapy Book Club’, where I curate a selection of books that resonate with the human experience. I also dedicate time to continuing professional development (CPD). Recently, I’ve been exploring grief counselling, focusing on how to support clients navigating loss related to perimenopause, divorce, or ageing parents.
1:00PM-2:00PM: Book Club Break
As an avid reader and author, I love spending my lunch break diving into a book from the BARE Therapy Book Club. Currently, I’m reading Things That Helped by Jessica Freedman, which explores postpartum depression. If the weather is nice, I’ll read outside or take an audiobook on a walk. A lighter, silly break afterward ensures I’m ready to tackle the rest of the day.
2:00PM-2:45PM: Lunch and Connection
Lunch is a mindful moment for me, ideally spent outside in the sunshine. I often catch up with friends or family back in Western Australia or unwind with an episode of Bob’s Burgers. The show’s themes of resilience and love always brighten my day.
3:00PM-4:30PM: Afternoon Prep
I use this time to prepare for evening sessions, respond to client enquiries, and draft notes for a potential second book. It’s a creative and reflective window where I can focus on deeper work without distractions.
5:00PM-9:00PM: Client Sessions
Most of my clients have demanding 9-to-5 jobs, so I offer evening appointments to make counselling more accessible. I cherish this time to connect with clients and support them in their journeys. The reduced stigma around therapy post-COVID has been heartening, but I remain committed to offering out-of-hours sessions for those who need them.
9:00PM-10:30PM: Evening Wind-Down
After a fulfilling day, I wind down with dinner and quality time with my husband and cat. I often read a lighter book or enjoy a relaxing bath to ease into the evening. Journaling and skincare are integral parts of my nightly routine, helping me reflect and prepare for restorative sleep.
10:30PM-10:45PM: Bedtime Routine
Before bed, I debrief the day with my husband and enjoy some final cat snuggles. This intentional wind-down ensures I’m ready to face whatever challenges or joys the next day brings.
Connect with Tammi
Website: https://baretherapy.com.au
Instagram: @bare_therapy