New Start Counselling and Psychotherapy
Welcome to
'Diagnosis to Drummer:
How to stay mentally strong through life's challenges'
Even through the darkest of times;
Even through the hardest of changes;
There is always hope;
You just have to change the lens you are looking though.
Samantha Seymour
Welcome to the motivational speaking arm of New Start Counselling and Psychotherapy. I’m Samantha Seymour, a mental health Counsellor, drummer, and woman living with Multiple Sclerosis, and I am passionate about sharing a message of resilience, hope, and self-reinvention.
After receiving a life-changing diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2020, I began a deeply personal journey to not only adjust to my “new normal,” but to thrive within it. Through this transformation, I developed the STAR Mindset, a powerful, real-world approach to navigating life’s roadblocks.
⭐ The STAR Mindset ⭐
“We all hit storms. But we don’t have to be defined by them.”
The STAR Mindset is a practical framework I created to help others find strength in the face of uncertainty, illness, loss, or emotional upheaval:
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Sitting in the Mud (Grieving) – Change is hard. We need to permit ourselves to grieve when life takes an unexpected turn.
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Thoughts – Sit with your thoughts and feelings instead of running, numbing, or avoiding them. Healing takes time.
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Acceptance – Begin by accepting where you are. This is the first step to moving forward.
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Reinvention (Movement) – Decide how you want to rebuild. What do you need to live a life aligned with your values, your truth, and your new reality? Identify what you need to grow, adapt, and create the life you want.
About ‘Diagnosis to Drummer’
'Diagnosis to Drummer: How to stay mentally strong through life's challenges' is my keynote talk, a raw, real, and at times humorous journey through the emotional storms of chronic illness, identity loss, and ultimately... rediscovery. It’s a talk that blends storytelling, psychology, music, and personal truth to inspire others to rebuild from where they are now. However, this is not just a story about illness or diagnosis; this is about how to navigate any change in your life with resilience and strength.
Through my lived experience, professional insights, and passion for drumming, I show people how to move from despair to purpose and how to take back control of their own narrative. I pride myself on fostering resilience, positivity, and mental strength in others. I've been there and come out the other side. You can too.
Topics Covered
This talk is flexible and can be tailored for a range of audiences. Core themes include:
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Resilience – Learning how to bounce forward when life knocks you sideways.
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Reflection – Turning adversity into insight and personal growth.
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Empowerment – Embracing authenticity, confidence, and mental strength.
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Mental Health & Wellbeing – Understanding emotional storms and how to ride them.
Youth & Schools: 2026 Roadshow
In 2026, I’m taking Diagnosis to Drummer on the road, with a special focus on schools, youth groups, and education settings.
Young people today are navigating anxiety, uncertainty, and a world of rapid change. This talk helps them build emotional literacy and resilience using lived experience, humour, and relatable reflection, including a segment titled:
“The advice I would give my teenage self”: A heartfelt piece designed to spark connection, insight, and hope.
I don’t just talk at people, I talk with them. My sessions are interactive, down-to-earth, and filled with warmth and honesty. Through storytelling, practical tips, and thought-provoking discussions, I create an experience that resonates with attendees long after the event.
Book Me (FREE Until End of 2025)
I am currently offering this talk FREE of charge until the end of 2025, in exchange for:
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Audience feedback/testimonials
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Permission to film/photograph part of the talk (if appropriate)
Beyond schools, I want to reach as many people as possible. Whether it's a corporate team, school assembly, private gathering, or community event, my engaging talks provide practical strategies for overcoming adversity, embracing change, and living authentically. With a message that resonates across all walks of life, I aim to leave a lasting impact, helping individuals build resilience, find purpose, and move forward with confidence.
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School or TAFE
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Youth centre or support group
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Women’s health event
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Community organisation
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Workplace wellbeing event
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Mental health conference or forum
Let’s start a conversation. Contact me here to discuss your event.
Past Events & Testimonials
In 2024, I had the absolute pleasure of being the Keynote Speaker at the Port Adelaide Enfield Council’s Women’s Health Week event – “Flourishing through Adversity.”
It was a beautiful day connecting with incredible women and helping them feel empowered and inspired.
🎧 Listen In 🎧
Curious to hear more of my story? Check out my guest appearances on the:
‘Make Every Second Count’ podcast with award-winning motivational speaker Jeff Marconette Jr. and 'The Raw Nerve' podcast with MS Australia as part of their ' Women's Health and MS: Women's Health Week 2025'
Booking & Contact
Ready to bring this unique and powerful talk to your audience?
Or email me directly at info@newstartcounselling.net.au
Learn more about my journey of resilience and how it can inspire your audience.
Testimonials
Sam was our keynote speaker at the annual Women’s Health Week one day forum held by City of PAE at The Lights Community and Sports Centre. Sam presented in a way that made it so relatable for so many women in our community. Her story was moving while empowering for so many in attendance. Feedback was entirely positive with many of the women in attendance providing moving comments and support for Sam in how she shared her amazing story ‘Diagnosis to Drummer’. Absolutely delighted. ‘
Vanessa Gaston-Gardner / Senior Health & Wellbeing Officer / Port Adelaide Enfield Council
'Thank you so much for sharing your story with women in our community. You allowed yourself to grieve and used that to grow. We can allow ourselves the time we need but can then have the hope for what comes next. Thank you Samantha for your openness and vulnerability in bringing us into your journey.'
Claire Boan / Mayor of Port Adelaide Enfield
Your presentation today at Women's Wellness Week at The Lights Community Centre was enlightening, engaging and inspirational to listen to.
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences so openly and honestly and for giving us hope in the face of a diagnosis.
Joyce / Audience Member