Frequently Asked Questions

  • The first session depends on the client and their needs. Some clients choose a single session for clarity and personalised solutions. Many clients choose multiple ongoing sessions to help work through deeper concerns, or to work on a few concerns, or to work on the past- the present and future goals.
      Your first session is like a conversation. There is no pressure for you to share more than you feel ready to share.

    Confidentiality, privacy and therapeutic approaches (for counselling sessions) are explained. There is attention given to understanding what has brought the client to counselling, current challenges and concerns will be explored in a safe space and a plan offered as to how future sessions can support client goals.

    For Intuitive sessions, current challenges are explored, a numerology reading and intuitive guidance are offered.
    Concise session notes can follow after each session.

  • Yes. Everything discussed in your counselling sessions is kept strictly confidential. There are limits to confidentiality which I can explain in your first session.

  • No referral is required. You can book directly through the online booking portal or contact Bernie to arrange your first session.

  • That’s completely fine. Bernie understands that life happens and sometimes cancellations and reschedules are unavoidable.

    If a change to an appointment is needed, please give 24-hour notice if possible, so Bernie can reschedule for a later date.

  • Yes. The delivery of counselling online via Zoom is very effective for most clients. Online therapy provides convenience and flexibility and more options for date and times for appointments.
    Online sessions provide support for those facing mobility issues or living in remote areas.
    Online sessions allow you to relax in the privacy and comfort of your home or office.

  •  Yes!
    There is a link under each service.
    Or contact me for more details.

  • Yes, I offer counselling for NDIS clients if you are on a self-managed NDIS plan or have a Plan Manager.
    NDIS Counselling is categorised as Therapeutic Supports.

    NDIS counselling is a therapeutic support service funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help participants build capacity, manage daily challenges, and improve emotional wellbeing.

    NDIS counselling provides a safe space to develop coping strategies, enhance independence, help achieve personal goals related to a disability and to foster a sense of calm and confidence.

    NDIS counselling focuses on building skills for example; emotional regulation and calming anxiety.

    The support is linked to specific goals in a participant's NDIS plan.

    NDIS counselling is person-centred and sessions are tailored to the individual needs of the client which helps to provide personalized strategies to better manage concerns such as; anxiety, grief and life transitions.

    Sessions offer non-judgemental emotional and psychological support to help manage the emotional impact of a disability.

    Counselling focuses on coping skills and day-to-day management of life.

    NDIS counselling does not provide clinical diagnosis but offers therapy and strategies to help better manage mentally and emotionally a disability.

    If you are looking for NDIS counselling please contact me for more information as to how I may be able to support you.

  • Mindfulness is the practice to be present in the moment, with non-judgemental awareness, with curiosity and a sense of openness. 

    Mindfulness is about being present and aware of where you are, what you are doing, and the thoughts that come and go, without reacting. 

    Our minds might often be on "auto-pilot" and mindfulness helps to interrupt this pattern by helping us observe our thoughts and emotions instead of reacting to them.

    By observing a thought as just a passing thought, you can choose a calmer and more deliberate response, rather than a knee-jerk reaction, or reacting in way that you have done in the past that might not be helpful for yourself or others. 

    Mindfulness helps you to observe and identify your feelings and thoughts with non-judgement and curiosity.  

    Practising Mindfulness helps us to tune into our immediate thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment without reacting, and without ruminating over the past or worrying about the future.


    Mindfulness promotes Responding, rather than being Reactive. There are many ways to practice Mindfulness that can be integrated into your life. 

    Here are a few: 

    Meditation
    Breath Awareness
    Mindful Exercise
    Mindful Body Scan
    Mindful Creativity
    Mindful Observation
    Mindful Listening
    Mindful Eating
    Mindful Movement
    Mindful Doodling
    Mindful Cleaning

    There are many very benefits to practising Mindfulness daily, such as: 

    Emotional regulation.
    Decreased stress and anxiety.
    Improved concentration and focus.
    Improved sleep quality.
    Improved relationship with yourself and others.
    Reduced negative thought patterns.

    Mindfulness helps us to focus more, to focus on the moment we are experiencing without getting distracted.

    AND 

    Combining Mindfulness and CBT (MCBT) therapy together can enhance our ability to change negative thoughts and behaviours. 

  • Yes, I offer Counselling for those experiencing grief.  

  • Grief is a natural reaction that arises when we experience loss.
    Grieving is a part of life and everybody grieves in their own unique way.

    Grief is not a linear journey. The journey of grief takes time and can come in waves.

    There is no ‘right’ way to grieve.

    It is important to allow oneself the time and space to grieve.

    There are stages of grief but not everyone will go through each stage, and some individuals may experience the stages in a different order to someone else or revisit a stage
    multiple times.

    There are many experiences that may lead to feeling grief such as: 

    The loss of a loved one
    Separation, divorce or relocation
    The loss of a pet
    The loss of a home
    Loss of employment
    The loss of mobility or physical capacity
    The onset of a disability
    The loss within a community
    Miscarriage
    Loss of a friendship
    The loss of mobility or cognitive ability of a loved one
     

    When grieving it is important to seek support from loved ones.

    Common responses to grief: 

    Grief can impact the physical body, the emotions, behaviour, thoughts and spiritual aspects of an individual’s life.
    Grief can often feel overwhelming and all-consuming. 

    Some may find comfort in talking to others.
    Some may choose to withdraw. 

    Grief can appear as: 

    Sadness
    Shock and disbelief
    Confusion
    Anger
    Denial
    Guilt
    Helplessness
    Fear
    Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
    Thoughts being preoccupied about the loss
    Anxiety about the future

    For most people, feelings of grief do lessen over time though the loss can still be significantly felt for a long time, maybe for months or years after the loss was experienced.

    It is not about "getting over" a loss, but rather giving yourself the time and space to move through grief your way.

    It can be very beneficial to seek professional support from a counsellor. 

    Bernie is a Certified Grief Counsellor and can help you to find your way to cope with loss.