I won’t sugar coat it… life is painful. Yes being human can be a wonderful, joyful, experience but it is also often disappointing, confusing, and sometimes extremely painful. As a counsellor I see my job as providing a safe space for you to explore the thoughts, feelings or experiences causing you distress. A place and time to cultivate self-reflection, healing and growth with the goal of moving towards a more joy filled and purpose driven life.

What is counselling and do I really need it?

I’m of the opinion that most people could benefit from formal counselling from time to time (of course I’m biased). At the very least counselling sets aside, in what is usually our overscheduled lives, a time and place to stop and reflect. To notice our thoughts, feelings and actions. To consider where we are and where we would like to be. To identify areas in which we would like to change or grow and be supported to take steps in that direction.

For some of us experiencing greater levels of distress in our lives counselling can be a safe haven in an otherwise tumultuous world. A place to feel, express, and process deep hurt. To experience compassion. To find support to live through the storm with strength and integrity.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to explore further what counselling is and if you could benefit from it.

What can I expect in a session?

Our first session together is all about getting to know each other.  I know (from being a client myself) that not all counsellors suit all clients – and that’s ok. I will ask you to answer some questions before we meet to get a broad understanding of your situation. Then, in our first session we will talk about what you are wanting to gain from therapy and how we can work together to meet your needs. From there you make the decision to book future sessions.

Sessions will mostly consist of open dialogue between the two of us. However, depending on your particular needs and what you feel comfortable with, a session may also include experiential exercises, for example, mindfulness, music and role playing.

As a theologically trained Christian, at your request, I am also able to integrate spiritual elements into the session,  such as prayer and Bible meditation.

What is parent coaching?

Being a parent or primary caregiver to a child can be really really reeeeaaally hard. It’s relentless (24/7), personal (requiring every part of us – emotions, mind and body) and really important. Add in a dose of sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion and a bombardment of mixed messages on how to do it right, and it is not surprising it can feel overwhelming and sometimes downright impossible. 
 
As a parent coach I offer you a compassionate space to reflect on your particular struggles and strengths, and support you to build the healthy, connected relationship with your child you desire.
 
I work from an attachment based framework called Circle of Security Parenting, which has been developed based on decades of child-parent research and focuses on your relationship with your child/children rather than particular behaviours or techniques.  
 
There are two ways you can access my parent coaching services:
  1. Attend a Circle of Security Parenting course. This is delivered in a group context and runs as weekly sessions of  1&½ hrs for 8 weeks. Check dates and availability here link.
  2. Book private parent coaching where it will be just the two of us (or three of us if your partner would also like to attend). “book here” button linking to normal booking page

About me

I am a mother of four, a wife to one and a lover of Jesus Christ. I believe life is about relationships. But relationships are HARD. They are where we experience the most hurt BUT also where we can experience the greatest joy and meaning.
 
At various times in my life I’ve lived in Sydney, Fiji, Darwin, Wollongong and India. I’m an insatiable student. I think the world, God and humans are complex, awe-inspiring subjects worthy of never ending study. Formally I have completed a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature), Bachelor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing), Bachelor of Theology, and Graduate Diploma in Counselling.  
 
On my journey so far I’ve personally experienced various forms of psychological distress as well as physical pain and illness. I am truly thankful that I have come through these experiences with greater joy and maturity than when I went into them. I credit my relationships for that, particularly my relationship with God, my relationship with my husband, and my relationships with psychologists and counsellors along the way.
 
I believe in change, growth and healing because I have seen it in my own life. 
 
If you have the courage and desire to share your journey with me please contact me. I will put my heart, soul and mind into walking with you through the pain with a sense of hope, strength and purpose. 
 
I am a registered member of the College of Christian Counsellors and the Australian Counselling Association.

Pricing and Booking

• Individual counselling session 50 minutes $85

• Couple counselling session 60 minutes $105

• Private parent coaching session 50 minutes $85 (for one or two parents of the same child/children)
 
• Circle of Security Parenting course 8 sessions of 1&½ hours $400
 
Sessions are available face to face or via Telehealth.
 
If you are experiencing financial hardship please let me know and a reduced fee may be applied.
 

You can make a booking through a secure portal simply by clicking the ‘BOOK NOW’ button below or at the top of the page.

Contact Me

You can contact me via email naomi@heartsoulmind.com.au