Compassionate counselling through ageing, life transitions and dementia

Ageing brings with it a unique set of experiences. While it can be a time of growth and reflection, it can also bring significant change, uncertainty and loss. Whether you're adjusting to retirement, living with a chronic illness, navigating a dementia diagnosis, caring for a loved one, or grieving the life you once knew, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

I provide a warm, supportive space where older adults and their families can explore what they're experiencing, make sense of difficult emotions, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence and hope.

Why I Work with Older Adults and Dementia

Early in my career, I spent time visiting socially isolated residents in aged care facilities. Those conversations gave me a unique insight into the loneliness, grief and loss that many older adults experience, particularly those living with cognitive changes. I was struck by how many people felt unheard, disconnected or unsupported as they navigated significant life changes. Those experiences inspired me to focus my work on supporting older adults and their families.

Today, alongside my private practice, I worked as a counsellor with Dementia Australia, supporting people living with dementia, as well as their carers and families, through diagnosis, adjustment and the many emotional challenges that dementia can bring. Walking alongside people during these deeply personal experiences has reinforced my belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood and supported with compassion and dignity.

While dementia is a particular area of expertise, the lessons I have learned through this work inform every aspect of my counselling. Whether you are experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, relationship changes, chronic illness or another significant life transition, I aim to provide a safe, supportive space where you can make sense of your experiences and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

My Experience

My professional experience allows me to support people at many different stages of ageing and caregiving.

I have experience working with:

• Older adults adjusting to the emotional challenges of ageing

• People living with dementia

• Spouses and partners caring for a loved one

• Adult children supporting ageing parents

• Family members navigating changes in roles and relationships

• People adjusting to residential aged care

• Individuals experiencing grief, loss and anticipatory grief

• Carers experiencing stress, burnout and compassion fatigue

Every person's experience is different. Rather than offering advice or telling you what you should do, I work alongside you to understand your unique situation and help you find a way forward that feels right for you.

How I Can Help

Counselling can provide support through many of the challenges that often accompany ageing and dementia, including:

• Adjusting to a dementia diagnosis

• Carer stress and burnout

• Anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss

• Grief following the loss of a loved one

• Retirement and changing identity

• Loneliness and social isolation

• Anxiety and low mood

• Chronic illness and declining health

• Family conflict and difficult conversations

• Transitioning into residential aged care

• Relationship changes

• Finding meaning and purpose during life's later chapters

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Sometimes having a compassionate, independent person to listen can make all the difference.

My Approach

I believe that every person deserves to feel heard, respected and understood.

My counselling is grounded in a person-centred approach, recognising that you are the expert in your own life. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Person Centered, Gestalt Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring each session to your individual needs and goals.

Whether you're navigating the emotional impact of dementia, adjusting to retirement, coping with grief, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's changes, my role is to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity and genuine care.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it's an investment in your wellbeing.

Whether you're an older adult experiencing life's transitions, caring for someone you love, or supporting a family member living with dementia, counselling can provide a safe space to process your experiences and discover practical ways to move forward.

If you think we might be a good fit, I'd be honoured to support you.