Grief & Loss
Grief is our natural response to loss - a deeply personal yet universal human experience. While we often focus on the emotional aspects of grief, loss affects us physically, mentally, socially, behaviorally, culturally, spiritually and philosophically.
Your grief is uniquely yours
No two people grieve the same way, yet grief touches every part of our existence. Our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, physical health, identity, and relationships all shift in response to loss. Children and adults process grief differently, which is completely natural but can feel concerning without proper understanding.
Understanding your grief experience
You might experience sadness, anger, shock, relief, overwhelm, anxiety, isolation, regret, or numbness - sometimes all in one day. Your specific relationship with the person who died influences how you grieve, and your life stage matters too.
Grief does evolve over time. While it becomes part of who we are, we learn to carry it in ways that allow for healing, growth, and new experiences alongside our love for those we've lost.
Professional Bereavement Support
Through compassionate counselling sessions, I offer you a dedicated space to process your loss at your own pace. These sessions help you understand your grief responses, develop healthy coping strategies, and find your path forward while honoring your loved one's memory.
My approach is grounded in Dr. Alan Wolfelt's concept of 'grief companioning' - walking alongside you rather than directing your journey. This means meeting you where you are, honoring your unique process, and supporting you without trying to 'fix' or rush your grief.
You're not sure if you're supposed to be feeling this way. You might feel alone, misunderstood, confused, exhausted. Sometimes it feels like you're speaking a language no one else understands - the people closest to you mean well, but they just don't get it. You're afraid of being judged for how you're actually coping, so you put on that brave face and keep your real feelings tucked away. But carrying this alone is exhausting and overwhelming.
It might feel like there's no light at the end of the tunnel, and you wonder if it's always going to feel like this. You just want someone who will really listen and validate what you're experiencing, someone who can help you find your way through.
Behind the mask you show the world, you might be feeling anxious, numb, furious, heartbroken, or completely shattered. Maybe you can't even name what you're feeling - you just know something isn't right, and you want to feel different. You want to feel like yourself again.
I get it. I truly do. And I know how to help you so you don't have to keep carrying this weight alone.
My counselling creates a safe, supported space where you can explore whatever you're experiencing without judgment. Together, we'll work to understand what's influencing how you're feeling, develop tools that actually help you cope, and move towards healing at your own pace.
Counselling isn't just for people in crisis - it's for anyone who's going through difficulties and needs support and guidance from someone who will truly hear you and help you find resolution and peace.
My particular area of expertise comes from my qualifications, my extensive work in the funeral industry, and my own lived experience of grief, loss and bereavement. I understand this territory because I've walked it myself, and I've had the privilege of supporting hundreds of people through their darkest moments and back into the light.
I offer flexible session options to suit your needs and comfort:
'Walk & talk' sessions in nature
Zoom Video Sessions
Phone Call Sessions
Whatever format feels right for you, we can create a supportive space for your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each session runs for 60 minutes, allowing sufficient time to explore your feelings and experiences in a safe, unhurried environment.
Together, we'll design a plan that works for your specific needs and circumstances. Sessions might be weekly, fortnightly, or arranged at intervals that feel right for your journey. Flexibility is key to ensuring the support matches your healing process.
Before we meet, you'll receive a comprehensive consent form outlining important details about fees, payment arrangements, confidentiality, and privacy policies. This ensures you're fully informed and comfortable before we begin.
Yes, counselling sessions are completely confidential. There are certain legal exceptions to this confidentiality, which I'll explain clearly before we commence our work together, so you know exactly what to expect.
sessions are $110. Payment is required on the day of your session and can be made by credit card or bank transfer for your convenience.
Life happens, and I understand that. If you need to cancel, please contact me at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. This advance notice allows me to offer the time slot to other clients who may need support. A fee does apply for late cancellations.
You don't need a GP referral or mental health care plan to see me - you can book directly through our online system, by phone, or email whenever you're ready for support.
Currently, Medicare doesn't cover counselling services, so I'm unable to provide Medicare rebates. Some private health insurance policies do offer subsidies for counselling, depending on your level of cover. I'd encourage you to speak with your insurance provider about your coverage - you may be able to submit your counselling invoices for reimbursement.
I'm always happy to respond to your enquiries by phone or email and welcome the opportunity to speak with you. It's important that you feel completely comfortable before we begin this journey together.
Professional Credentials
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Diploma of Counselling
Currently Working with Children Card
Grief Educator Certification - David Kessler
Australian Counselling Association Membership
Please note:This is not a crisis service.
For 24 hour support, please contact:
(02) 9999 0000