1:1 Session
A safe space to talk about your loss, or whatever is making you feel distressed, overwhelmed or worried. Mostly I'll just listen, but also provide you with guidance around your grief. When you understand why, it helps to manage those difficult emotions.
We'll look at the impacts the grief is having on your life and find practical ways for you to manage. With no timeline for grief, these strategies will continue to help in the days, months and years ahead.
I'll help you identify rituals, new traditions and other ideas on how to honor your loved one or cope with loss.
1 hour @ $140.00
Walk & Talk
Same as a 1:1 session, except we meet outdoors! Being out in nature, walking side by side can be very beneficial. When we are stressed, nature helps to regulate our emotions and walking releases endorphins, the 'feel-good' hormones.
We walk at your pace, pausing to sit when you need to. If you have mobility issues, we can find a place with a view. These sessions provide all the same benefits as 1:1 session, they're just in a naturally therapeutic environment.
And if the weather is not being kind, we can make alternate arrangements!
1 hour @ $140.00
Life Packing & or Admin Support
After someone dies, you might find yourself in charge of their belongings. It can be a daunting task, sorting through the everyday stuff and making decisions about sentimental items. Or maybe the difficulty is dealing with all the paperwork that needs attention.
Both can be highly emotional tasks you might not feel ready for, particularly if you're in the early stages of grief, but the pressure is on.
I can help. While you go through their things, making decisions about them, I'll be there with you. Not just helping in a practical way, but being there for you emotionally.
1 hour @ $140.00
Jenny*, a retired teacher, was experiencing grief following the passing of her beloved younger brother.
Jenny was so deep in her grief, she was finding it hard just to get out of bed each day. She felt no joy in anything, had become short tempered, was isolating herself by withdrawing from her friends and family. She'd stopped attending groups she once loved and friends had stopped calling as they no longer knew what to say.
Jenny just felt nobody really understood. She knew something needed to change, she couldn’t continue like this, but she just couldn’t see past her grief. She wondered if she would ever feel happiness again.
And then she found me. In our work together, Jenny was able to share exactly how she was feeling. She cried with me, talked with me and recalled memories of her brother. She didn’t need to worry about what other people were thinking or saying, their biases and concerns, and she didn’t have to worry that her grief was upsetting any of them.
In our sessions, I was able to draw on my knowledge and theories of grief to validate her grief for her, let her lean into her grief, let her process it and work through it in a way that was empowering for her, and she felt stronger because of it. Jenny revealed she felt so much guilt that she hadn’t called and supported her brother more, and this was weighing heavily on her. We talked this through until Jenny could see she didn’t need to hold this guilt, she had done all she could for her brother.
We worked together for a few months and eventually Jenny was at a point where she was able to manage her grief and get back to doing the things she enjoyed in her retirement. Jenny will always miss her little brother, but she is now able to live with more love than pain.
*This is a true account, but details have been changed to protect the person’s privacy
Of course, before you can make a decision, you may have some questions.
If your question is not answered below, just give me a call.
Do I need a referral ?
No. You can call me and make an appointment any time you feel ready.
Can I get a Medicare rebate?
No. Medicare GP Mental Health Plans do not cover grief and loss. It is a life stage, not a diagnosis.
Should I really be seeing a psychologist?
Maybe. If you have complex issues, then accessing a psychologist might be best for you. You can access this via a mental health care plan with your GP.
But grief is a natural reaction to a human condition and doesn't need to be 'fixed'. I focus on you, the person who feels like their world has been turned upside down, helping you build skills to manage and understand difficult thoughts and feelings you might be having.
Unlike a mental health care plan, no record of counselling appears on your health record.
If after seeing you, I feel you might be experiencing the symptoms of complicated grief, we can talk about referring you on to a psychologist.
Where are sessions held?
1:1 sessions are held in my peaceful counselling room at 180 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale
Walk & Talk sessions can be held on several walking tracks around Bairnsdale, you can choose!
Packing/Admin Support is at place where items are located.
How many sessions will I need?
Grief is so individual, this cannot be answered. We can just start and you will know when it's enough..... you may need just one or two, or you may need or want more.
I also offer you 'booster' sessions - for the times you find you're struggling, a significant anniversary is approaching, or both.
What is the wait time?
Because I keep my schedule flexible, you can generally see me within a week or two.
What are your fees?
1:1 session 60-minutes @ $140.00
Walk & Talk session 60-minutes @ $140.00. *You may not want to walk for the whole hour, we can find a spot to sit and chat.
Packing Support session 60-minutes @$140.00, plus travel at $0.95c per klm for locations more than 5klm from Bairnsdale CBD.
How do I pay?
If you're paying yourself, payment is required on the day. EFTPOS, Credit, ApplePay, GPay are all accepted.
If it's easier for you, Bank Transfer and PayPal are also available.
If an agency is paying on your behalf, invoices will be emailed to them.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes. I know that sometimes unexpected things just come up. But I want to have time for others who are seeking help, so my cancellation fees are as follows:
0-24 hours' notice - full fee payable, including 'no shows'.
To help, I send text reminders, allowing you the opportunity to reschedule if needed.
Do you offer Online Counselling?
Yes! I use Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
Can we talk first?
Of course. Just leave your details below and I'll call you within 24 hours. No pressure...let's just have a chat to see if I can help you in some way.
Or call me direct on 0438 353 229. If I'm unable to answer, please leave a message and I will return your call asap!