for Chronic Illness

Holistic Counselling

Support for ME/CFS, Long COVID, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, diagnosis uncertainty, medical trauma and the emotional impact of living with complex health challenges.

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A Place to Feel Understood

Living with chronic illness often means navigating experiences that others cannot see.

For many people, illness impacts far more than physical health. It can reshape relationships, challenge identity, disrupt future plans, and create a deep sense of uncertainty about what comes next. When symptoms fluctuate, answers are limited, or support feels difficult to find, it can be easy to feel isolated in the experience.

My aim is to provide a therapeutic space where you are invited to express yourself and feel genuinely heard. Together, we can explore the emotional impact of illness with compassion and curiosity, while reconnecting with your strengths, values, relationships, and sense of self.

I offer support for a range of concerns, including:

Medical Trauma

Diagnosis uncertainty

Anxiety and overwhelm

Burnout and exhaustion

ME/CFS and Long COVID

Isolation and Relationship challenges

Identity shifts following illness

Autoimmune Conditions

Fibromyalgia and chronic pain

Nervous system support

Depression and low mood

Experiences of grief and loss

My Approach

My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in the understanding that mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing are deeply interconnected.

Together we may explore:

  • The impact of illness on identity and self-worth

  • The relationship between stress and the nervous system

  • Grief and loss associated with changes in health

  • Boundary setting and energy conservation

  • Self-compassion and acceptance

  • Emotional processing and regulation

  • Rebuilding trust in the body

  • Adapting to uncertainty

  • Meaning and purpose beyond productivity

Working collaboratively and at a pace that feels right for you, I integrate evidence-based counselling frameworks with neuroscience, mindfulness-based approaches, somatic techniques, breathwork, and accessible psychoeducation.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or diagnoses, I aim to support the whole person and the unique circumstances surrounding their experience.

‍Particulars

  • Adult Initial Session $250 (1.5hrs)

    Adolescent Initial Session $180 (1hr)

    Follow-up Sessions $180/hr pro rata

    Pro Dancer Rate $150/hr pro rata

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    Please note that a limited number of discounted sessions are available for those experiencing financial hardship.

    As of April 2026, these appointments are at capacity, however I welcome you to reach out via the contact page to join the waitlist.

  • Bookings

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

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    All general booking enquires can be made via my contact page.

    Format

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

    Please note that face to face sessions are not available at this time.

  • 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)

    • Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Holistic Practice) (2026)

    • Associate Degree, Fine Arts, Dance (2006)

    • Diploma of Counselling (2016)

    • Internal Family Systems Immersion (IFS, 2024)

    • Clinical EFT Practitioner Training (EBEFT, 2023)

    • Classical Dance Australia Teacher Training (CDA, 2019)

    • Certified Holistic Health CoachTraining (Integrative Nutrition, 2012)

    • Advanced Royal Academy of Dance and Solo Seal (RAD, 1998)

  • 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 (Dr Peta Stapleton)

    Mindful Self-Compassion (Dr Kristen Neff)

    MARS, Secure Relating (Sue Marriott LCSW and Dr Ann Kelley)

    Meditation + Restorative Yoga (BKS Iyengar Lineage)

    Whole-food Nutrition (Integrative Nutrition)

    • Australian Counselling Association (Lv 2)

    • International Association for Dance Medicine & Science

    • International Institute for Complimentary Therapists

  • Please visit my policies page to find information relating to privacy, payment terms and cancellations.

Understanding Through Experience

My work is informed by formal training, years of professional practice and lived experience.

Having spent years navigating autoimmune illness, post-viral health challenges, and the many practical and emotional adjustments that can accompany them, I understand how quickly illness can reshape a person's relationship with their body, identity, ambitions, and future. These experiences reinforced the importance of compassionate, person-centred care that acknowledges the complexity of chronic illness while honouring each individual's capacity for growth, adaptation, and self-understanding.

Every therapeutic journey is unique. The reflections below offer a glimpse into the experiences of past clients.

“Jessica’s unique demeanour is always calm and warm, her counselling 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

All Welcome

Neuroaffirming Care | BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Safe Space

I welcome individuals from all walks of life, experiences, bodies, and identities.

My practice recognises that chronic illness does not occur in isolation and that broader social, cultural, financial, and systemic factors can shape how illness is experienced and supported.

I believe there is no single "right" way to navigate illness, healing, or recovery, and I am committed to meeting each person with respect for their unique experiences, values, needs, and goals. My aim is to create a therapeutic space where your experience is respected, your story is heard, and your needs are met with compassion and curiosity.

‍Outcomes

  • Living with chronic illness can invite difficult questions about identity, purpose, values, and the future. Together, we can explore the ways illness has shaped your experience while developing greater awareness of your needs, patterns, strengths, and inner resources. Through this process, many clients experience increased self-compassion, clarity, and confidence in navigating life's challenges.

  • Chronic illness can impact confidence, independence, and the way we see ourselves. When our ability to work, study, socialise, care for others, or engage in meaningful activities changes, it is common to experience self-doubt, frustration, or a sense of loss. Counselling can support you to reconnect with your inherent worth, separate your value from productivity, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

  • Chronic illness can impact confidence, independence, and the way we see ourselves. When our ability to work, study, socialise, care for others, or engage in meaningful activities changes, it is common to experience self-doubt, frustration, or a sense of loss. Counselling can support you to reconnect with your inherent worth, separate your value from productivity, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

  • While counselling cannot change a diagnosis, it can support the emotional adjustment that often accompanies illness. Together, we can explore the challenges of living with uncertainty, adapting to changing limitations, communicating needs and boundaries, processing grief and loss, and creating a life that feels meaningful and sustainable. My hope is to help you feel less alone and more supported as you navigate whatever chapter you are currently facing.

Book Your Free 15-minute Call

I understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult, particularly when you may have experienced feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or unsupported in the past.

Before deciding what is right for you, it's important to feel comfortable and connected with your counsellor. Please feel free to get in touch. I welcome your questions and would be honoured to discuss how I may support you.

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