Frequently asked Questions:
I've never been to counselling before - what if I don't know what to say?
This is one of the most common concerns I hear, especially from women who've spent years focusing on everyone else's needs. Please know that not knowing what to say is completely normal—and it's actually part of what we'll work on together.
Many of my clients start our first session by saying "I don't even know where to begin" or "I feel silly being here." That's perfectly okay. My job is to create a safe, comfortable space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I'll guide the conversation with gentle questions that help you express what you're experiencing.
You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to say. Sometimes the most powerful sessions start with "I just feel lost" or "Something needs to change but I don't know what." Trust that your feelings and experiences are valid, and I'll help you find the words to express them.
Remember: You've made it this far in life by being thoughtful and caring about others. Those same qualities will help you in counselling—we're just turning that attention toward yourself for once.
What is counselling? What can I expect during a session?
Counselling is a process where a trained professional helps you understand and solve personal problems. During a counselling session, you can expect a safe and supportive environment where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings. We use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help you explore your concerns, gain insight, and develop coping strategies.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, counselling sessions are private and confidential, respecting your privacy (with exceptions of mandatory reporting requirements under Australian law) - for full details see our Privacy Policy
How long is a session? Do I need a referral?
Each counselling session typically lasts between 45-60 minutes, although duration may vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. You do not need referral from GP as I am unable to accept Mental Health Care Plans, however, this is beneficial for you as it allows you control and privacy of your time.
Do you offer virtual online (telehealth) counselling?
Yes, we offer virtual (telehealth) counselling sessions via secure LIVE zoom video conferencing platforms or via phone contact
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes, we offer flexible appointment times, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate your schedule (see contact page for information and booking options)
How many counselling sessions will I need?
The number of counselling sessions needed varies depending on your unique situation and life stage and goals. Some clients may benefit from short-term counselling, while others may require more long-term support. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and progress.
What are your payment options?
We accept payments made via an automated direct debit(credit card) or bank transfer to nominated account. Invoice will be issued upon payment prior to an appointment.
What services do you offer?
We offer a range of counselling services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our services include individual counselling sessions, career consulting, vocational rehabilitation, advocacy, and community service information and connection as required.
Do you specialize in helping women going through major life transitions?
Absolutely. While I work with anyone facing life challenges, I have expertise and passion for supporting women navigating major life transitions. With over two decades of experience plus specialized training in both counselling and life coaching, I understand the unique challenges women face during empty nest transitions, career changes, relationship shifts, caregiving responsibilities for aging parents, and the complex identity questions that come with midlife changes.
My approach combines professional counselling with practical life planning because I know these transitions aren't just emotional—they're logistical, financial, and deeply personal. Whether you're questioning who you are beyond your traditional roles, managing multiple life changes at once, or feeling stuck about your next chapter, I provide the specialized support that honours both your wisdom and your current challenges
Can you help with both emotional support AND practical life planning?
Yes! This dual approach is actually what makes my practice unique. Most counsellors focus only on emotions, and most life coaches focus only on planning—but real life transitions require both.
For example, if you're dealing with empty nest syndrome, you need:
Emotional support to process the grief, identity changes, and relationship shifts
Practical planning to explore career options, consider education, navigate financial changes, or plan new life directions
If you're caring for aging parents while managing your own life transitions, you need:
Emotional support for the stress, guilt, and overwhelm of caregiving
Practical guidance for navigating aged care systems, healthcare decisions, and balancing multiple responsibilities
My background includes counselling and coaching qualifications, plustwo decades of experience helping people navigate complex systems (employment, healthcare, disability services, community resources). This means I can help you process the emotions of change while also creating practical, actionable plans for moving forward.
You won't need to see multiple professionals to address different aspects of your transition—we can work on both the emotional and practical elements together in a coordinated, holistic approach.
Is it normal to feel lost after children leave home/relationships change/career ends?
Absolutely, and I want you to know that what you're feeling is not only normal—it's actually a healthy response to major life changes. These feelings of being lost, confused, or uncertain about your identity are signs that you're processing significant transitions, not signs that something is wrong with you.
When children leave home: It's completely normal to feel grief, identity confusion, and uncertainty about your purpose. You've spent years defining yourself through your parenting role, and when that active phase ends, it's natural to question who you are now. This isn't failure—it's transition.
When relationships change: Whether through separation, divorce, or even positive relationship evolution, it's normal to feel disoriented about your future, your identity, and your place in the world. Long-term relationships become part of how we define ourselves, so when they change, we naturally question everything else.
When careers end or change: Losing a job, retiring, or leaving a long-term career often triggers an identity crisis. Work provides structure, purpose, and identity for many women, so career transitions commonly lead to feelings of being lost or uncertain about value and direction.
These feelings typically include: confusion about identity, grief for what was, anxiety about the future, feeling invisible or unimportant, questioning life choices, and uncertainty about next steps. All of this is normal and temporary.
The key is: These lost feelings are often the beginning of rediscovering yourself, not the end of your story. With proper support, this confusing time can become a period of exciting self-discovery and new possibilities.
You're not broken, behind, or failing—you're transitioning. And transitions, while uncomfortable, are where growth and new possibilities emerge.
What is covered in your career coaching services? Are there any additional cost?
We provide tailored career coaching services depending on your specific goal, some of which may include: resume update, cover letter writing, interview techniques, cold canvassing and accessing hidden job market, return to work skills reviews etc. Note. Costs will be quoted and invoiced based on service and time.
What can I expect from Community service linkage and advocacy? Are there any additional costs?
Depending on you need we can work collaboratively with other community organisations and government services to access information and support services (medical care, disability service, housing, employment programs, rehabilitation, allied health etc); We can advocate and provide evidence for employment service assessment reviews; rehabilitation assessment reports etc
Other Information you need to know?
Please read the full information on our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (attached to website footer). If you are unclear about anything you can use contact form on our website to make contact for more clarification.