Grief and Loss Counselling
A safe, understanding space to process your loss and find meaning.
We often think grief and loss are only related to the loss of a loved one. We may also find ourselves grieving the loss of a friendship, an intimate relationship, or a job. Grieving is a deeply personal and unique process, and I offer grief and loss counselling to provide tailored support and help clients navigate their journey.
We can experience grief before and after a loss. It is entirely natural and an inevitable part of life, and we can feel extreme sadness, anger, confusion and guilt. A deeply personal experience, it can potentially take a toll on your physical and mental health. The process of healing is gradual and ongoing. Grief and loss counselling offers a compassionate space to explore these emotions safely and begin working toward recovery.
A key aspect of grief and loss counselling is encouraging clients to express their emotions. Bottling up grief can lead to prolonged suffering and emotional distress. I aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can share their feelings, memories, and fears. This process of emotional expression is vital for healing and moving forward.
Grief counselling helps with the development of healthy coping strategies to manage loss. Techniques are tailored to each client and include a range of therapeutic activities, such as nature-based and narrative therapies. Through grief and loss counselling, I use a person-centred approach and work together with clients to equip them with practical tools that empower them to navigate their unique journey with grief in a constructive and healing way.
Flexible appointment times are available out of hours and on weekends. Secure online sessions are offered to all clients and are conducted via a secure video platform such as Zoom or TEAMS. Available Australia-wide, these sessions allow you to access counselling from the comfort and privacy of your own surroundings. In person consultations are available in Cairns only.
FAQ’s – Grief and Loss Counselling
We have put together a list of our most frequently asked questions.
Does everyone experience grief the same way?
People experience grief in their own, unique way. We may have feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, guilt and/or denial. We may even withdraw from our friends and family and find we are unable to eat or sleep, and could experience physical pain. These responses are all very normal and we may experience some or all of them.
What is a person-centred counselling approach?
A person-centred counselling approach is a non-directive form of talk therapy based on the below principles:
- The client is seen as the expert in their own life and experiences.
- The therapist will not tell the client what to do, but will instead guide the client through by using active listening and reflection techniques.
- Success relies on the quality of the therapeutic relationship, where the foundation is trust and mutual respect.
Therapists will use empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard to empower clients to lead sessions, and to explore their thoughts, behaviours and feelings in their own time. Techniques aimed at facilitating self-discovery are used, and clients are supported to reflect and develop a greater understanding of themselves.
Can you see me if I have a mental health plan from my GP?
Your mental health plan provides you with a Medicare rebate option with eligible allied health professionals. I can assist you, but at the moment counselling is unfortunately unable to be claimed back through Medicare, meaning fees would be payable.
How many sessions will I need?
Therapy is a process and there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ timeline. My goal is to meet your specific needs, so it depends on your individual circumstances. Therapy can be short-term, medium term or an open-ended process, and we can structure it in a way that suits you. This might be one session, a few targeted sessions focused on immediate challenges, or it might be more ongoing support to explore deeper personal growth over a longer period.
Subsequent bookings are made following consultation at the end of each session. Everyone is different and you might find you need one session, or you might need more.
Even if you decide not to book another session at the time of consultation, you are able to book in at any time in the future.
How is an online session different to face to face?
There is no travel required with an online session, and they can be conducted from virtually anywhere. Sessions are conducted over a secure platform such as Zoom, in exactly the same way as if we were face to face. The only difference is that we are not in the same room.
What about confidentiality?
The same confidentiality requirements and assurance apply as with in-office sessions. View can read our privacy policy here.
Do you offer face to face sessions?
Yes. Face to face sessions are available in Cairns only.
Can I record my session?
Your sessions will be the same as if they are conducted in an office. In this situation, they would not be recorded and for the same reasons, recording our online sessions is not permitted.
Do I have to be alone?
For every session, you would be expected to be alone and without the potential for disturbance. You would need to be in a safe, quiet space, free from disturbance. You would also be required to wear a headset or earbuds.