Grief and Loss

When parents separate, divorce, or restructure their family, children experience loss, even when no one has died. If you’re wondering how to support a child coping with separation, you’re not alone. Many parents notice changes in behaviour, mood, sleep, or school performance after family breakdown. What often sits underneath those changes is grief. As a grief and life transition counsellor supporting families across the Sunshine Coast, I see this regularly. Children don’t alw

How to protect your peace, your children, and your dignity, even when emotions are high Separation doesn’t end when the relationship ends. If you share children, you remain connected, through school emails, medical decisions, drop-offs, birthdays, and countless small logistical exchanges. And if the separation was unexpected, painful, or conflict-heavy, co-parenting can feel like reopening the wound over and over again. Many parents tell me: “I just want it to be civil.” “I d

Life is full of transitions. Some chosen, some unexpected, and many that may look “positive” from the outside. A new job. A move. A child starting school. A relationship ending. A loved one going into aged care. A shift in identity, routine, health, or direction. These changes can shape us in profound ways, but they can also hurt in ways people rarely talk about and often suffer in silence from. This hurt has a name: transitional grief. As a grief counsellor, I see transition

When people think about communication in relationships, they usually think about talking. Talking things through. Explaining clearly. Finding the right words. But communication is far more than verbal exchange. In fact, most relational communication happens without words at all. Understanding communication in its full sense, verbal and non-verbal, can be one of the most powerful shifts a couple makes toward deeper connection, emotional safety, and trust. What Is Communicatio

Sudden death shatters the world in an instant. One moment life is moving forward as expected; the next, everything feels different, disorienting, and painfully unreal. Whether the loss happened through an accident, cardiac event, suicide, overdose, medical crisis, or any situation without time to prepare, the shock can leave people feeling frozen, numb, or overwhelmed.

Deciding whether to see a counsellor can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself asking: "How do I know if I need a counsellor?" or "Are my struggles “serious enough” for counselling?" The truth is, counselling isn’t only for people in crisis. It’s a safe and supportive space to talk about whatever is weighing on you. This could be daily stress, big life changes, or feelings you can’t quite make sense of. If you’ve been wondering whether

When someone you care about is grieving, it’s natural to want to support them. But knowing how to support them — what to say, what not...

The only thing constant in life is change. Life is full of change and transitions. Some are joyful — like the birth of a child or...

If you’ve been through a divorce or separation, you might be surprised by how deeply sadness, confusion, or even relief can mix together. You may tell yourself it’s “for the best,” yet still feel a painful emptiness, a quiet grief that can’t be explained easily. That ache isn’t weakness or regret. It’s grief. Many people don’t realise

Major life changes often arrive without warning—or they build slowly until everything shifts at once. Whether it’s a divorce, loss of a...

Much like the death of a loved one, divorce can trigger intense feelings of grief. Sadness, anger, confusion, and a profound sense of...

Starting counselling can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect in your first session can help ease your nerves. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, from the initial welcome to goal-setting, and explain how we can work together to support your mental health. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, or life transitions, this post will give you a clearer picture of what happens in your first session

Grief is hard—especially for children. In this gentle, research-informed guide, Kimberly Freeman of Shifting Perspective Counselling shares practical ways for parents and caregivers to support grieving kids with compassion and clarity. Learn how to talk about death, recognize emotional needs, and build resilience in your child through life’s toughest moments.

Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, gain clarity, and move forward at your own pace. Whether you're navigating a tough season or simply seeking personal growth, support is available—and you deserve it.