About Me

Welcome to New Start Counselling and Psychotherapy

It fills me with immense pride to introduce my private Counselling practice for women, born from my deep-rooted passion

for empowering women and nurturing their mental well-being. I am truly thrilled to support women navigating chronic

illness, anxiety, life transitions, and parenting-related mental health challenges.

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Whether you're adjusting to an empty nest, raising teens, transitioning into retirement, or living with a health diagnosis

such as MS, or navigating relationship changes, I am here to help you build strength in your mental health.

I offer telehealth counselling Australia-wide, as well as in-person sessions from my space in Seaton, SA.

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Alongside being a Counsellor, I also work as a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, supporting women

with mental health needs or disability to build independence, self-confidence, and everyday life skills. This includes NDIS

participants who are self-managed or plan-managed.

I combine trauma-informed Counselling with practical, goal-oriented support through recovery coaching.  This role

allows me to combine practical guidance with emotional support, helping you move toward your goals in everyday life.

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Drawing from my lived experiences, I bring a wealth of insight to my Counselling and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching practice.

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​​​My past

My teenage years were shaped by the emotional aftermath of childhood trauma, and I understand how those early roles (the ‘fixer’, the ‘rescuer’) can shape who we become. Challenging those patterns has been a profound journey for me, a journey I now help my clients walk. 

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I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2020, and this has become a defining part of my professional and personal identity. As a counsellor with MS, I offer what I call MS-informed counselling, real understanding of the fatigue, uncertainty, and identity shifts that chronic illness brings.

To my knowledge, I am the only counsellor in South Australia with MS, and I am proud to offer this unique insight to my clients.

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As I head into my Motivational Speaking venture, my talk asks the age-old question 'What advice would I give my younger self?', it is an amazing chance for reflection, as well as allowing me to have immense empathy for the young woman that I was. 

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Parenting

As a single mother to twin teenage girls, I intimately comprehend the complexities of single parenthood and parenting through the teen years, a journey marked by both trials and triumphs. Through my experiences, I've gained invaluable insights into the true essence of resilience. I have learned firsthand the significance of self-care and nurturing, not only for myself but also for my daughters. With a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by adolescent girls, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to guiding you towards strong relationships, strong mental strength, and independence (very important for parents as well).

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Empty Nesting

More recently, I have navigated the bittersweet transition of becoming an empty nester, recognising firsthand the inherent grief in such life changes. What a ride that was, and how unexpected the depth of my grief, but I did navigate it and have some great strategies for other parents, even well before your children leave home. 

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MS diagnosis

Following my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2020, I embarked on a profound journey of personal transformation, navigating the intricate paths of this significant life shift that has left me with a permanent disability. Through this journey, I have emerged with a renewed perspective that profoundly influences my approach to Counselling and mental health.

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These experiences have been my greatest teachers, better than any classroom lecture. I intimately understand the struggles of mental health firsthand, but I also know the resilience that lies within. It is a transformative journey, and I find immense fulfilment in guiding others through their mental health challenges as a Counsellor and Psychosocial Recovery Coach. Furthermore,  branching out into motivational speaking, 'Diagnosis to Drummer: How to stay mentally strong through life's challenges' is my platform to inspire and empower others on their journeys of resilience and self-discovery.

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You will find my Counselling space nestled within a welcoming space in Seaton, SA.  I am confident you'll find it conducive to healing and growth. I will also be expanding my online counselling services to ensure accessibility to a wider audience. 

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 I find joy in playing drums (hence the drummer part of Diagnosis to Drummer), reading, meditation, walks with my dog, tending my garden (especially my roses), crafting candles, and spending time with loved ones.

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