FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
IMMEDIATE SAFETY & FIT
IS THIS A CRISIS SERVICE?
No. This is NOT a crisis service.
If you’re in immediate danger or crisis, please contact emergency services (000) or a crisis line such as Lifeline (13 11 14).
Not in Australia, please contact emergency services or a crisis line in your region.
WHO ARE YOU UNABLE TO WORK WITH?
This space is for people who want to recover, grow, and build healthier internal worlds.
People who consistently lack empathy, accountability, or self-reflection generally don’t benefit from this kind of work, and may even use it to strengthen harmful patterns.
Because of that, I don’t work with individuals who are actively using control, manipulation, or dominance in their relationships.
My focus is supporting those who’ve been on the receiving end of that behaviour, not those who continue to use it.
WHAT AGES DO YOU WORK WITH?
Adults 18+.
Frequently Asked Questions
UNDERSTANDING MY APPROACH
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA?
I’m formally trained in person-centred counselling, crisis support, and forward-facing trauma therapy, with ongoing development in trauma-informed and somatic practice.
But I didn’t come to this work through theory first, I came through survival. I learned the clinical language after living the reality.
My work blends professional training with lived expertise to support survivors rebuilding from coercive control, trauma, and profound loss.
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE A TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH?
Safety and choice come first.
You set the pace. Nothing is forced or rushed.
We honour your nervous system, capacity, and timing.
You don’t have to revisit trauma unless you choose to and feel resourced to do so.
Trauma-informed here means dignity, consent, pacing, and collaboration — always.
HOW DO YOU WORK WITH BOTH MIND AND BODY?
This isn’t about excavating the past.
I don’t recommend digging through every painful memory, that often re-activates trauma instead of easing it.
This work is about untangling a nervous system that got stuck in survival mode.
A system that once protected you, but now keeps you frozen, fawning, hypervigilant, braced, shut down, exhausted.
We work with what’s happening in your body now, and help it return to steadiness, safety, and choice.
It’s practical. It’s gentle. It’s forward-moving.
We build capacity layer by layer: breath, grounding, awareness, micro-shifts that help your body recognise safety and slowly come out of high alert.
You won’t be asked to re-live your trauma.
You’ll be supported to unhook your nervous system from it, so life becomes lived, not defended against.
WHAT THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES DO YOU USE?
I draw on person-centred counselling, trauma-informed practice, somatic awareness, and education about coercive control/narcissistic abuse dynamics.
The approach adapts to you,not the other way around.
Some sessions focus on grounding and nervous system support , helping your body feel safer, steadier, and less on alert. Other sessions involve untangling patterns, reclaiming self-trust, or simply having a safe place to say the things you’ve carried alone.
You won’t be pushed, rushed, or analysed from a textbook. We work with what serves your recovery now, and we build safety in your body and your life — step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
SAFETY & TRUST CONCERNS
DO I NEED TO SHARE MY TRAUMA STORY?
No.
You share what you want, when you want, if you want.
Some people find it helpful to tell their story. Others don’t need to revisit the details to recover.
You’re in control of what we discuss and how deep we go.
I’M NOT SURE IF WHAT I EXPERIENCED “COUNTS” AS COERCIVE CONTROL. SHOULD I STILL REACH OUT?
If you’re asking this question, there’s probably something worth exploring.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis or perfect terminology to deserve support. Come talk to me about what’s been happening. We’ll figure out the language together.
I’M STILL IN THE RELATIONSHIP/SITUATION. CAN YOU STILL HELP ME?
Yes. You don’t need to have left to deserve support.
We can work on understanding what’s happening, building your resources, and figuring out what safety and autonomy look like for you – whatever timeline makes sense for your circumstances.
WHAT IF I STRUGGLE TO TRUST OR OPEN UP?
That makes complete sense given what you’ve been through.
Many people I work with have had their trust violated repeatedly. We take that seriously here.
You don’t need to trust me immediately. Trust is earned over time, and we’ll move at whatever pace feels safe for your nervous system.
HOW DO YOU KEEP THE SPACE SAFE AND RESPECTFUL?
This is a space that centres your autonomy, your pace, and your choices.
I won’t pressure you to forgive, reconcile, or make decisions before you’re ready.
I won’t pathologise your survival strategies or replicate control dynamics in our work together.
Your experience is treated with respect, not skepticism.
WHAT IF I BECOME OVERWHELMED DURING A SESSION?
We pause when you need to. We ground, which simply means helping your body feel safe and steady again in the present moment, not back in the memory or fear.
That might look like feeling your feet on the floor, taking a breath, having a sip of water, or looking around the room to remind your body you’re here, not there.
We slow down or stop completely if needed. Your nervous system’s safety matters more than “getting through” anything. You can always say “pause” or “that’s too much right now,” and it will be respected immediately, no pressure, no pushing.
WILL YOU TELL ME TO LEAVE/STAY/RECONCILE?
No. My job isn’t to direct your life – you’ve had enough of that.
My job is to help you reconnect with your own judgment, understand the dynamics at play, and support you in making decisions that are truly yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
PRACTICAL LOGISTICS
HOW DO YOU HOST SESSIONS?
Sessions are available via:
- Secure video
- Phone
You choose the method that feels most comfortable for your nervous system and your circumstances.
HOW OFTEN DO WE MEET? HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
That completely depends on you, your situation, and what you’re working toward.
Some people find a few sessions helpful for getting clarity. Others benefit from longer-term support as they rebuild their life.
We’ll check in regularly about whether our work together is still serving you.
DO YOU OFFER FREE INTRODUCTORY CALLS?
I offer a short 10-minute fit call to make sure this support is right for you.
It’s not a session, it’s simply a chance to ask a few questions, get a feel for each other, and make sure you feel comfortable.
Because session spaces are limited, these calls are brief and focused.
If we’re a good match, you’ll be able to book your first session directly afterwards.
If you’re not sure what you need yet, you’re welcome to browse the courses and resources first, they’re a great starting point for grounding, nervous-system support, and clarity.
HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes.
Most clients choose weekly or fortnightly sessions, but the pace is flexible.
We work within your emotional capacity, life load, and financial boundaries.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES? HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?
This work is a full-circle approach…. mind, body, and life.
We reframe old stories and patterns compassionately, build practical regulation skills for the body, and make real-world adjustments so you feel steadier, clearer, and more in control again.
It’s not a talk-fest.
You get concrete tools, guides, and practices to use outside our sessions, so progress continues between appointments, not just for an hour a week.
The goal isn’t for you to do this sort of rebuilding work forever.
I support you to build enough capacity, clarity, and self-trust that you don’t need services like this long-term. You leave with skills, not dependence.
Session Fees
- $250 — 50 minutes
- $380 — 80 minutes (extended nervous-system + body-based support)
Packages
Recovery works best with rhythm and momentum. Packages offer steady support:
- 4-session package — $950 (8-week window)
- 8-session package — $1,850 (16-week window)
If life changes, we adjust. No pressure. No guilt. Support that moves with you.
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE OR REDUCED FEES?
I periodically reserve reduced-fee places for survivors experiencing financial hardship.
If cost is a barrier, please reach out – we can discuss what’s possible.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Life happens – especially when you’re recovering from trauma.
I ask for 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule.
Late cancellations may incur the session fee, with flexibility for emergencies or sudden trauma responses.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I’m based in Canberra, but I work with people across Australia via secure video sessions.
DO YOU WORK INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes. I work with English-speaking clients globally.
Sessions are online and accessible across time zones, so survivors can access support no matter where they are.
IS EVERYTHING CONFIDENTIAL? WHAT ARE THE LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY?
Yes, your privacy matters deeply.
There are only three legal exceptions:
- Immediate risk of harm to yourself or others
- Child safety concerns
- Court-ordered information
If something ever needed to be disclosed for safety reasons, we would talk about it together wherever possible.
HOW DO YOU PROTECT MY PRIVACY ONLINE?
All online sessions use secure, encrypted platforms with password protection.
You’re also encouraged to choose a private location, use headphones, and protect your login information.
If safety or surveillance is a concern, we can discuss discreet communication options.
DO YOU KEEP NOTES? CAN I ACCESS THEM?
Yes, brief support notes are kept securely for continuity and safety.
You may request access to your file at any time as permitted by law.
CAN I CONTACT YOU BETWEEN SESSIONS?
You can email brief updates or practical questions.
Long or therapeutic conversations happen in session so you stay supported in a structured, consistent way.
Frequently Asked Questions
THE WORK ITSELF
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST SESSION?
You don’t need to prepare anything.
Show up as you are.
We’ll start with what feels most important to you, and we’ll go from there.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A TYPICAL SESSION?
We start where you are, not where a textbook says you should be.
Sessions may involve grounding, emotional processing, psycho-education, planning, gentle inquiry, or simply holding space.
You don’t need to prepare. You don’t need to perform. You don’t need to “have it all together.”
You show up. We work from there.
HOW WILL YOU HELP ME DEVELOP COPING and RECOVERY SKILLS?
We’ll work together to build practical tools for:
- Regulating your nervous system
- Managing overwhelming emotions
- Recognising and interrupting old patterns
- Setting boundaries
- Trusting yourself again
These aren’t generic techniques – they’re tailored to your life, your triggers, and what actually works for you.
HOW DO WE MEASURE PROGRESS?
Progress in trauma recovery isn’t linear.
Some weeks you’ll feel stronger. Other weeks survival is the win.
We measure progress by what matters to you – whether that’s feeling safer in your body, recognising manipulation faster, trusting your judgment more, or simply having more moments of peace.
HOW DO YOU HELP WITH SETBACKS?
Setbacks aren’t failures – they’re part of recovery.
When they happen, we explore what triggered them, what you learned, and how to move forward with compassion rather than self-blame.
Your nervous system doesn’t heal in a straight line. We honour that reality here.
HOW WILL YOU HELP ME BUILD LONG-TERM RECOVERY TOOLS?
The goal is for you to become your own best resource.
We work on building skills and understanding that stay with you long after our sessions end – tools for self-regulation, pattern recognition, boundary-setting, and reconnecting with your own inner knowing.
WHAT IF I’VE TRIED COUNSELLING BEFORE AND IT DIDN’T HELP?
That’s more common than people realise, and it doesn’t say anything negative about you.
Sometimes the approach wasn’t the right fit.
Sometimes the therapist didn’t understand trauma, coercive control, or the nervous system.
Sometimes you weren’t in a place where talking felt safe in your body, even if your mind wanted to heal.
This work is different.
It’s present-focused, body-based, practical, and designed for people who’ve lived through real harm, not theory.
If you want to share what didn’t feel supportive in the past, that can help us understand what will work better for you now.
You’re not starting over.
You’re starting from here, with more understanding, more context, and a nervous system that deserves a different approach.
CAN I STOP WHENEVER I WANT?
Absolutely.
This is your journey.
There is no obligation, no lock-in, and no pressure to continue beyond what feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
INCLUSIVITY & ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
DO YOU OFFER COUPLES COUNSELLING?
No. When coercive control or abuse is present, couples counselling isn’t safe for the survivor.
Abusers don’t use counselling/therapy to repair, they use it to gather information, twist the narrative, and tighten control. I’ve lived this, and I’ve seen it too many times.
In those situations, joint sessions can actually increase risk, not reduce it.
If you’re in a controlling or unsafe relationship, individual support is the safest path.
You deserve space where you won’t be monitored, manipulated, or performing “healthy relationship” optics for someone who’s harming you.
DO YOU SUPPORT PEOPLE FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS?
This is a space that welcomes and honours diversity in culture, identity, ability, sexuality, gender, neurotype, and lived experience.
Your race, religion, sexuality, gender identity, disability, neurodivergence – none of that changes whether you deserve support or whether you’ll be safe here.
Trauma, abuse, grief and coercive control don’t discriminate. Everyone deserves trauma-informed care.
DO YOU INVOLVE FAMILY OR SUPPORT PEOPLE?
That’s completely up to you.
Some people find it helpful to bring a support person to a session or have me speak with someone in their life about how to help.
Others prefer to keep this space just for themselves.
Both are fine.
DO YOU RECOMMEND RESOURCES OUTSIDE SESSIONS?
Yes – I can suggest books, articles, exercises, or other resources that might support your process.
I’ve also written Enough: What Coercive Control Steals, What Recovery Makes Possible – a comprehensive recovery guide that many clients find helpful alongside our work.
DO YOU PROVIDE DIAGNOSES OR MEDICATION?
No. I don’t diagnose or prescribe.
I support people who:
- Already have a diagnosis
- Are seeking clarity in their experience
- Want trauma-informed support without the medical frame
If clinical intervention becomes appropriate, I can help you explore options safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
SERVICES I DON'T OFFER
What This Support Is (And Isn’t)
I don’t provide clinical mental-health treatment, psychiatric services, diagnosis, or medication support.
This is trauma-informed recovery work, focused on nervous-system steadiness, emotional safety, and building capacity in real life.
You’re always in charge of your choices, pace, and wellbeing.
My role is to support and guide, not to direct your life or make decisions for you. If at any point you need medical or crisis support alongside this work, I will help you connect with the right services.
Sometimes recovery brings feelings to the surface. That isn’t a sign something is “wrong”, it’s often part of the process of your system releasing old survival patterns. We go gently, and we stay grounded, so you’re not left alone in it.