ANXIETY

“Could we take anxiety to be something that may be of importance, may even be meaningful?...Could we learn to sort of hold it in a way that’s more compassionate, to sort of bring the frightened part of you close and treat it with some dignity?"

- Steven C. Hayes

Our bodies cleverly respond to challenging or threatening situations to call us to action. For some however, this heightened response becomes a state of being, or may occur at times when there is no evident immediate cause.

You may feel overwhelmed, debilitated or socially isolated by symptoms, such as (but not limited to);

• an increased heart rate

• sweaty palms

• clouded thoughts

• excessive thinking and planning

• cleaning or checking,

Counselling can assist you to manage these symptoms or other experiences you find burdening.

My work involves offering paths to accept our complexities, hopeful that you may no longer be overcome by them.

Depression

“Wish I could say yes, but I can’t.”

- A. A. Milne

The ebb and flow of life will present us all with times we feel low. For those experiencing depression, the ‘low’ will have persisted for two weeks or more, without much or any reprieve.

I respect that each person has their own experience. It is my role to understand yours. While I do not diagnose, I work to understand your relationship to any diagnosed or non-diagnosed symptoms & explore tools that might assist you. 

I am hopeful that together we may find ways to manage them and relieve some overwhelm. 

Should you need support with immediate contemplation of suicide, please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or ‘000’ or go directly to the Emergency Department.

Trauma

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”

- Bessel van der Kolk 

Trauma can stem from past experience or more recent events.

Using trauma-informed therapy, I work at your tempo with genuine consideration of your needs and pace.

I offer you compassion and acceptance should you chose to explore the cause and facilitate management of any symptoms you may have.

Developing a sense of safety is foremost in my work with those experiencing trauma.

Relationships

“it was when i stopped searching for home within others
and lifted the foundations of home within myself
i found there were no roots more intimate
than those between a mind and body
that have decided to be whole”

- rupi kaur

Together we can navigate challenges or complexities you may have with particular relationships, or more broadly.

I offer a non-judgmental space to explore your relationship with others and your ‘self’. It can be challenging, cathartic, empowering and impact our overall experience in the world.

If you are experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, I offer you a compassionate space to come and share. If you are unsure, I will hear your concerns and support you.

If you are in need of immediate crisis support, call 000 or 1800 Respect.

Grief & Loss

“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.”

- William Shakespeare

Adjusting to life without a person or animal we are connected to is a complex and deeply personal experience. I feel humbled in the presence of loss and work to provide a safe place for you to grieve in your own time and your own way.

Perhaps you feel you may not have space or permission to grieve. This can begin to feel like irreparable wound. Talking to a counsellor gives a place for this grief to exist. The wound may begin to form a scar that can remind us of our stories, loves, losses, and as a marker of who we want to become.

Life Transitions & CHANGE

“As Nietzsche said, “If we have our own ‘why’ of life, we shall get along with any ‘how’.””
 - Irvin D. Yalom 

We face change throughout our lifespan; some impositions, others, aspirations. Few changes come without complexity.

As a counsellor I provide an impartial space so for you to work through decisions, desires and process.

Some transitions through which I have supported clients include;

• Parenting and perinatal issues arising in through pregnancy or postnatal period, as well as other concerns including loss, birth trauma and the conception journey

• Relationship status

• Leaving school, home or university

• Moving to or from abroad

• Considerations of sexuality