Nervous System | Somatics | Neuroscience

Holistic Counselling for Individuals

Philosophy—

My approach to counselling is holistic and trauma-informed, integrating evidence-based frameworks, neuroscience, and gentle complementary practices. I aim to create a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their concerns, gain self-awareness, and discover greater meaning and connection in their lives.

Working intuitively and collaboratively, I meet clients where they are, allowing them to progress at their own pace, establish a stable sense of self-worth, and find their voice. By employing a strengths-based approach, I seek to empower individuals, seeing them as the experts in their own lives and encouraging self-determination. Together, we will look beyond labels to uncover insights behind body symptoms, emotions, and mental health challenges. I regularly incorporate embodied techniques, including breathwork, Evidence Based Emotional Freedom Technique (EBEFT), and somatic experiencing, along with accessible psychoeducation, handouts and digital resources.

Combining counselling and biomedical meditation qualifications with my lived experience of chronic illness allows me to support individuals facing complex health challenges from a place of compassion, authenticity and deep understanding. Having lived through the highs and lows of over-performing, perfectionism, and burnout to navigating broken medical systems as a chronically ill person— I know first-hand the emotional and psychological toll these experiences can take. I recognise the harmful culture of dismissal that patients with complex physical and mental health conditions face within the medical system, this awareness enabling me to advocate for and empower individuals, fostering not only resilience but also a sense of agency in the face of mistreatment.

My priority is to provide a compassionate space where difficult situations and experiences are acknowledged, heard, and validated. I am here to support you as you explore treatment pathways that feel right for you as a unique individual. To learn more about my background and practice, visit ‘About’.

Frameworks—

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS, Dr Richard Schwartz)

Process Orientated Psychology (Process Work)

Somatic Experiencing (Dr Peter Levine)

Practices—

Evidence Based EFT (EBEFT, Tapping)

Mindful Self-Compassion (Dr Kristen Neff)

Polyvagal Theory (Dr Stephen Porges & Deb Dana)

Meditation + Restorative Yoga (BKS Iyengar Lineage)

Whole-food Nutrition (Integrative Nutrition)

Kind Words—

“Jessica’s unique demeanour is always calm and warm, her advice both knowledgeable and nurturing. She is professional but also has a very special, personal approach and individual touch. She has brilliant strategies for combatting self-doubt, nerves, negative thoughts and fears.

When I was faced with some incredibly stressful situations, decisions and challenges, Jess offered an unbiased perspective, provided strategies and was there to help pick up the pieces.

Jessica’s experience, knowledge and genuine care are a rare breath of fresh air. ” 

—Ashlea

“You meet many people in life. The people closest to you bring you happiness. The people you admire give you the power to dream. And then there are the people that help you. When situations are overwhelming, and life takes the form of a mountain, the ones who guide you are the greatest gift of all! Thank you for the comfort you bring into my life Jess.”

—Dani

“Jess is a very warm and positive individual… a great listener who catered to my needs. Jess helped me work towards my goals by showing me how to focus and find peace within myself. Working with her has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you for opening my eyes to so many new things.”

—Andrea

“An instant rapport evolved when I first met Jess. This has gone from strength to strength as has the connection with my daughter through her inspiring work. Jess’s nurturing manner and exceptional ability has given her the confidence and scope to pursue goals previously only dreamt of.

During moments of adverse circumstances and personal challenge, Jess’ support and words of encouragement were invaluable. By collaborating with Jess, we have gently navigated a path that best suits my daughter. We feel blessed to have her in our lives.”

—Penny

Specialties—

With 13 years of experience in private practice and over 20 years as an educator, I am here to help you feel validated, heard and empowered. I have a special interest in burnout and chronic illness and am experienced supporting clients facing challenges with:

Burnout

Overwhelm

Perfectionism

Stress + Anxiety

Chronic Illness

Chronic Pain

Grief + Loss

Depression

Relationship Issues

Injury + Recovery

Gender Identity

and Sexuality

Self-worth

Confidence

Career Path

Trauma (non-crisis)

Life Transitions

Life Purpose

Book Your Free 15 min call—

I understand that taking the first step towards accessing support can be challenging. Before deciding what is right for you, it's vital to feel comfortable and connected with your counsellor. Please feel free to speak with me; I welcome your questions and am here to discuss how I may support you.

Particulars—

  • Initial Session $250 (1.5hrs)

    Follow-up Sessions $180/hr pro rata

    Pro Dancer Rate $150/hr pro rata

    Sliding scale fees are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please get in touch via my contact page to apply.

  • Free 15 minute discovery calls are available to all new clients and may be booked online.

    —

    Telehealth sessions are offered via video link, telephone and text.

    Face to face nature-based sessions are available in the Sunshine Coast Region.

    All booking enquires can be made via my contact page.

  • Private Health rebates available from the following funds:

    • Medibank

    • AHM Health Insurance

    • Police Health Fund

    • Phoenix Health

    • see-u by HBF (previously CUA)

    • St Luke's Health

    • Emergency Services Health

    • Westfund

    • Teachers Union Health

    • GMHBA Health Insurance

    • AIA Health Insurance

    • Mildura Health

    • Teachers Health

    • Nurses & Midwives Health

    • Unihealth

    Please contact your health fund to confirm limits and inclusions relative to your level of cover.

    • Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (current)

    • Master of Biomedical Meditation Therapy and Allied Health (2022)

    • Diploma of Counselling (2016)

    • Associate Degree, Dance (2006)

    • Internal Family Systems Immersion (IFS, 2024)

    • Clinical EFT Practitioner Training (EBEFT, 2023)

    • Certified Holistic Health Coach (Integrative Nutrition, 2012)

    • Australian Counselling Association (Lv 2)

    • International Association for Dance Medicine & Science

    • International Institute for Complimentary Therapists

All Wellcome—

Neuroaffirming Care | BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Safe Space

I welcome individuals from all walks of life, with diverse experiences, bodies, and identities. I recognise the societal structures of oppression that shape the lived realities of LGBTIQI+ people, those with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals and BIPOC communities. My aim is to foster a safe space where you can fully express yourself, your body, and your needs, free from any form of discrimination. As a queer, white-bodied person who uses the pronouns she/they, I am always open to learning how individuals prefer to be recognised, if that is something they wish to share.

Acknowledgement of Country

I pay deep respect and celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, acknowledging the Gubbi Gubbi People as the Traditional Owners of the land where I work and live. Sovereignty has never been ceded— always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.