Online or In-person Counselling Sessions Now Available
Counselling Gold Coast
Welcome, I’m Kerry. I specialise in relationship counselling, marriage counselling, grief support and strategies to manage anxiety. I provide a safe space, free of judgement to explore your thoughts, feelings, and uncover your own insight. My clients see me both Online and in my private home office Worongary Counselling Gold Coast.
A little about me
In my own life I have overcome a number of challenging life crises, including losing a parent in childhood, injury / chronic pain and business loss. I have learned how to love me, realised strengths I never knew existed, overcome fears – an ongoing journey, and found renewed meaning in life. It is these experiences and the way they have profoundly impacted my life that fuel my belief in you to do the same. Learn more,
Worried about your relationship? I help couples strengthen their relationship when connection has been impacted by life changes.
- Financial issues
- Raising a family
- New baby
- Illness / Chronic pain
- Sexual issues
- Trust issues
- Marriage counselling
Are anxiety and stress controlling your life? It doesn’t have to be that way. I see men and women experiencing:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social anxiety
- Anxiety attacks
- Panic attacks
- Covid-19 anxiety
Are you struggling to move forward after a loss? Feel like you are going crazy? I support men and women to navigate loss at their own pace.
- Bereavement
- Loss of a pet
- Business loss
- Miscarriages
- Relationships issues
- Midlife crisis
- Illness / Chronic pain
- Major life transitions
Specialist in Mindfulness and Compassion-based approaches to Life Challenges
The Mind-body Connection: How Emotions Effect Your Wellbeing
The mind-body connection recognises that your thoughts and emotions don’t only exist in the mind, they are in your body. They are actual physical feelings. You might have heard people say “I have butterflies in my stomach” before a first date or job interview. Or during overwhelming stress someone might say “I’m trying to hold myself together.” These terms […]
15 Top Gratitude Quotes to Inspire Your New Year
Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful changes you can make in your life. You may be thinking “that’s great when life is treating me well! But what if I’m struggling with personal pain or events outside of my control?” Gratitude isn’t about pretending these things aren’t happening. In fact it’s important to acknowledge […]
9 Tips to Help You Cope with Pet Loss
If you are reading this blog you know the excruciating pain of pet loss. You haven’t just lost your pet you have lost your friend, companion and family member. Our most recent loss was this year when we made the difficult decision to euthanise our little Gold Coast cat Cheetah who was almost 20 years […]
The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse and How They Destroy Love
Every relationship experiences conflict in one form or another. It’s normal. However, the way you handle conflict determines the quality of your relationship. You might believe conflict should be avoided at all costs, or the opposite; prefer to ‘clear the air’ by expressing your frustration and anger. The four horseman of the apocalypse was developed by […]
5 Important Tips for Managing Covid 19 Isolation and Anxiety
Covid-19 isolation and quarantine are fast becoming our new normal. Of course some of you may be relishing the prospect of being at home, at least for the short term. For others however, the experience of being confined with family members 24 / 7 presents an onerous task. Or, if you live by yourself, long term […]
Have You Got Coronavirus Anxiety?
It has now become obvious to all that we, as a global community, are facing a once in a lifetime crisis with the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus (aka the Honey Badger virus*). And as a result, many people will feel the effects of Coronavirus Anxiety. First and foremost, please understand that Coronavirus Anxiety […]
5 Keys to a Happy Relationship: Simple Steps with Huge Impact
It’s easy to see why the skills required to build a happy relationship are becoming a lost art. I mean it only takes a second to swipe right on a tinder photo to meet someone new. And yes, this might seem a whole lot easier than navigating ongoing issues with your current partner. However, in many […]
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Works
Have you ever been to therapy but just found it all to hard to apply in every day life? Or left feeling there is something wrong with you? I have! My quest for personal growth and emotional wellbeing finally led me to Mindfulness and then to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Although ACT isn’t the only […]
Are You Experiencing Relationship Challenges? Couple Counselling Can Help
Before we look at how couple counselling can help with the issues you are experiencing in your relationship, it’s important to recognise how much romantic relationships have changed. Esther Perel describes it as a shift from the Cornerstone Model of your parents. E.g. marriage in their early 20s, family, children and a home, to one with […]
Supercharge Your Life with a Smile: Learn Why You Need To Do It More Often
Did you know children smile 400 times a day, compared to a meager 20 – 50 times a day for adults? A baby’s smile is triggered by almost anything and everything – even when they are in the womb. So how did so many of us lose this level of spontaneous joy? We forgot how to live […]
5 Things You Must Know Before Seeing Your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan
If you are experiencing a stressful life event and struggling to cope you may consider seeing your GP for a mental health care plan (MHCP). And for some people this can be helpful. However, this is not your only option. You also have access to numerous counsellors and psychotherapists with specialist training in a wide […]
15 Awesome Relationship Quotes to Inspire Your New Year
When your relationship is strong and healthy it flows into every domain of your life. It is an on going process of learning and growing, both in yourself and in your relationship. I hope the following wisdom offered in these top relationship quotes infuses you with renewed energy and hope in your relationship in the year […]
Christmas Grief and Loss: 5 Strategies to Help You Through the Holiday Season
Christmas is traditionally a time of celebration, meeting of family and friends, delicious food, and giving of gifts. Everywhere we see messages of happiness and connection. Yet, this time of the year can put a lot of stress on relationships, with increased numbers of break-ups and divorce. And for those who have lost a loved one, […]
The Silent Pain of Loss: When Grief Counselling Can Help
I witnessed a tree fall today. I heard the crashing sound first, and then saw it falling through the trees and shrubs before hitting the ground. We have lost a number of trees into the water at the back of our home. But unlike this tree they had laid there for days, weeks or even months […]
Sensitive People: Nurturing Your Gifts in a Fast Paced World
Are you one of those sensitive people who gets frazzled when there is too much going on? Do the moods of other people easily affect you? Maybe you were told as a child to “stop being so over sensitive, or taking things so personally”. If this resonates with you then you may also have felt […]
How Acceptance Therapy Can Help You Live A Full and Meaningful Life
Before we look at acceptance therapy let’s take a look at the difference between acceptance and resignation. You might be thinking, “Aren’t they the same thing?” But actually they are very different. The word resignation is derived from the Old French word resigner. It means to “give up”, “relinquish”, “abandon” or “To give oneself up” to an […]
Relationship Hope: Building Curiosity and Letting Go of the Stories
Do you find yourself in arguments that start at the drop of a hat? Or more like flatmates, crossing each other’s path in the course of daily life? What happened to the relationship hope that kept you both so engaged? In the early stages of a relationship everything is new and exciting. There is so […]
Social Connection: Why You Need to Find Your Tribe
Are you or someone you care about experiencing loneliness? If so, you may also be aware of the impact of not having enough social connection is having on your physical, emotional, and mental health. You are not alone. In fact, loneliness has been described by some researchers as epidemic. Particularly for those in their teens, early […]
Are Your Expectations About Happiness Causing You Pain?
Are you finding it difficult to enjoy life? Maybe happiness keeps slipping through your fingers. If you are driven by what lies in the future, then this is most likely the problem. Goals are a wonderful and necessary part of a fulfilling life, providing direction and a sense of accomplishment. Yet, there is a dark-side […]
Breaking The Codependency Cycle: How To Empower Your Partner
Are you always rescuing your partner or your adult child? Do you feel responsible for them? Is it helping or are you feeling burdened, frustrated and trapped? In codependency relationships one person (the rescuer) feels burdened by the needs and wants of their loved one (the victim). In other words they take the role of ‘over-functioning’ to compensate for […]
11 Inspirational New Year Quotes To Kick Start Your Year
New Year Quotes Whether you plan on making New Years resolutions or not, I hope these New Year quotes inspire you as much as they inspire me. So no matter what kind of year you’ve had, take a moment to read and be encouraged with the year ahead. Enjoy… 1. There is nothing magical about the […]
Start Your New Year Resilient And Strong: Reflecting On The Year That Was
As the end of the year approaches I find myself looking back at the challenges and opportunities I encountered this year, and the areas of personal growth that accompanied them. I don’t know what your year has been like, mine certainly hasn’t been a walk in the park. But it seems a shame to rush […]
The Health Risk Of Getting Stuck In Negativity: Dr. Emoto’s Research
Did you know that your body is 70% water? And at birth it was 90%? Its no wonder we can only survive three days without it. However, there is much more to the role water plays in your overall health. In fact, scientific research conducted by Japanese scientist Dr. Emoto delved a little deeper and […]
Own Your Life. Love Your Life: How To Live Life With No Regrets
Do you love your life or do you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders because you feel responsible for everyone else? If so, you are probably familiar with the exhaustion, frustration, and lack of satisfaction that can accompany it. Yes, its wonderful to be there for family and friends. However, if it’s stopping […]
Is Your Self-talk Stopping You from Achieving Your Goals?
Is your self-talk peppered with words like I ‘must’, ‘should’ or ‘have to’? When you speak to yourself, or anyone else like this, you’re not inspiring success. In fact you are most often doing the opposite – building a wall between yourself and what you want to achieve. WHY? Because… 1. These words: ♦ Suggest you’re […]
21 Inspiring Mindfulness Quotes For Anxiety
Mindfulness Quotes I love inspirational quotes, especially those that promote well-being, and remind us to live in the now. So here are a few of my favourite mindfulness quotes to inspire your day. Whatever your life looks like at the moment, I hope you will feel inclined to pause and take a breath as you read. […]
Just Breathe: Discover The Power Of Your Breath
Have you ever seen the bumper sticker “Just Breathe” – and in that moment realized your breath was so constricted you were hardly breathing at all? I have… One morning stands out for me. I discovered on the school run that one of my three boys was meant to take some “home-baking” to school that morning. Unfortunately my brain was already […]
Daily Mindfulness: The ‘No’ Meditation Option
Daily mindfulness might conjure up an image of someone sitting in the Yogi position meditating. However, meditation is only one way to enjoy the benefits of mindfulness. Even more important is the practice of Daily Mindfulness. The simple practice of being aware of what you are experiencing in the present moment, as you go about your […]
Are You Struggling With Painful Thoughts and Feelings?
If you struggle with painful thoughts then you have probably tried everything you can to get rid of them. And you have probably also discovered it isn’t possible. The good news is you don’t need to get rid of difficult or distressing thoughts to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. You see your brain is […]
Are You Stuck In The Self Destructive Cycle Of Compare And Despair?
Have you noticed that every time you compare yourself to someone else, a little more of your self-esteem is eroded away? In the past this competitive need to have what he or she has was referred to as ‘keeping up with the Jones’s.’ Today social media has almost normalised this corrosive habit of comparison. We are […]
Exercise: The No Drug Option For Depression And Anxiety
Exercise for Depression Like me you are probably aware of how important exercise is for your physical health, but unaware of the positive impact exercise for depression can offer. On a Saturday morning the walking track at our local Gold Coast beach is a hive activity with people of all ages, walking, running, cycling, doing […]
The Truth About Grief: Myths and Facts And How You Can Cope
Grief can be an excruciatingly painful and lonely experience. This can be further compounded by grief myths that suggest your reactions and behaviors aren’t normal. My hope is this article will extinguish some of the shame or fear these myths generate so you can be free to grieve in your own way and in your own time. […]
Body Betrayal: How “You Can Live Well” With Chronic Pain And Illness
I have only just come across the term “body betrayal”. It concisely summarizes the overwhelming thoughts and emotions that flood in, when you realize your body is never going to be the same. I know this journey all too well; the sense of injustice, feeling angry at my body for letting me down, and wanting to […]
5 Science Backed Reasons Why You Should Laugh More Often
A sense of humor is a wonderful gift. There is nothing quite like a good belly laugh to lift your spirits. Laughing might be as effortless as breathing for you, or relegated to those rare moments that catch you off guard. If you’re the latter you might like to ask yourself this question. Do you laugh enough […]
15 Signs You Might Be A Control Freak, And What To Do About It
Have you ever been called a control freak or something similar? If so, your behavior is probably impacting negatively on your important relationships; family, friends, and / or people you work with. Needing to be in control is also strongly aligned with anxiety. As a control freak you get caught up in the problems and emotional […]
Menopause: A Very Hot Topic
If you are on the menopause or perimenopausal rollercoaster then you have probably already googled every corner of the web. And gleaned what you can from women friends and family members. It’s certainly not the taboo subject it was, but it’s still not your average dinner conversation. However, there is an ever growing body of […]
People Pleasing: Is The Stress Of Trying To Fit In Stressing You Out?
Have you spent your life bending over backwards to accommodate the needs of others in a quest to be accepted, needed, and validated? If, so then you know the pain of feeling not enough, and the accompanying fear that those around you will eventually discover your flaws. Chances are you have learned the art of […]
The Vicious Cycle Of Alcohol And Depression
In a culture where drinking is the social norm you can easily excuse / ignore the depression after alcohol and the impact on your physical health, and relationships. After all a drink or two to relax at the end of a long day seems reasonable enough. And social events are so much more fun after […]
How To Make Your New Year Resolutions A Reality
Have you had success with setting new year resolutions? An increasingly popular way to clarify goals is to create a vision board of images, quotes, and statements. But emerging research identified in Neil Farber’s article suggests that this can also limit your chances of success. The studies overall found subjects who utilized visualization were less likely to […]
The Mindfulness Revolution: Change Your Mind, Change Your Life
If your answer yes to any of the following questions then you will benefit from a mindfulness practice. Are you battling to get through the day because of stress, anxiety or depression? Have always been a worrier, always planning, thinking, preparing, and stressing about the future? Do you ruminate over past regrets, disappointments, and grievances? […]
Practical Tips For Managing Your Christmas Stress
Are you experiencing christmas stress? Christmas and New Year is promoted as a special time of the year for sharing, gift giving, and celebration. However, for many the romanticized version of Christmas can be the cause of significant emotional dis-stress. Christmas stress for you might be the pressure of finances, or it might be the […]
What To Do When You Receive A Scary Health Diagnosis
“Each of the four times I have received a life-altering diagnosis, I have felt like a healthy person who has been accidentally drop-kicked into a foreign country: I don’t know the language, the culture is unfamiliar, I have no idea what is expected of me, I have no map, and I desperately want to find my […]
Is The Blame Game Damaging Your Relationship?
You probably have childhood memories of assigning blame to others or having the finger pointed at you. I have one vivid memory of my father lining all four of us up as children in the hope one of us would step forward and claim responsibility for damaging a pot plant. No such luck… This was […]
How Setting Boundaries Can Help You Take Control Of Your Life
“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated.” ~ Brené Brown Personal boundaries enable you to take ownership of your own life. Its about recognising where you end and someone else begins. If you own property there are clear boundaries outlining where your land starts and finishes. So […]
Overcoming Disability: Aimee Mullins Story [Video]
Overcoming Disability If you are reading this article chances are you or someone you love wants to learn how to learn about overcoming disability. I think that the only true disability is a crushed spirit … it doesn’t have hope, it doesn’t see beauty, it no longer has our natural, childlike curiosity and our innate […]
Is Your Measure of Success Impacting on Your Happiness?
You would be excused for thinking that the measure of success is wealth and fame. Even the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines success as “the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame”. This message is conveyed through every possible channel of media. So it’s pretty difficult not to get caught up in wanting more, which for many […]
The Hidden Wisdom in the Serenity Prayer: How It Can Help You
“God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference”. ~ Dr. Rheinhold Niebuhr The serenity prayer has been apart of our culture for decades. No matter what you do or don’t believe, it’s likely you have heard of it. […]
The Importance of Friendship: What Makes a Good Friend
Did you know spending time with a friend will improve the quality of your life? Women in particular seem to be innately wired to seek close friendships. And even though men are less inclined to seek connection when under stress, they still have a lot to gain from connection with others. THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP […]
The Truth About Self-Compassion That You Need To Know
I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do. ~ Brené Brown. Do you feel the pressure to always be seen at your best? Like a resume you need to shine a spot light on what you do well, and shuffle your imperfections […]
Is Your Emotional Style Sabotaging Your Immune System Or Boosting it?
“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” ~ Lord Byron For decades researches have recognised a connection between your emotions and immune system. Understanding the mechanisms behind this incredible mind-body connection is still in its infancy. But what is understood is that a positive emotional style is linked to a stronger immune system. […]
Mindfulness for Chronic Pain: How it Can Help You
If you are reading this then chances are you or someone you know suffers with chronic pain? If so, you are not alone. In fact a staggering 20% of Australians live with chronic pain. But as you might know pain is only part of the problem, with one in five chronic pain sufferers also experiencing anxiety, depression or another mood disorder. […]
Could You Be Suffering From Carer Fatigue?
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” ~ Eleanor Brown When you became a carer you probably had other commitments, and maybe a job, school, university or parenting. You may have inherited the role with little or no warning or seen it coming for a while. In 2015 there were 2.8 million unpaid […]
Are You Living With Chronic Pain: Reclaim Your Sense Of Self And Identity
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” ~ Helen Keller. Life with chronic pain can be a roller-coaster of uncertainty and change that disrupts your way of living and being in the world. In fact it marks the end of life as you once knew it – even your sense of […]
Coping With Divorce: How to Move On After a Relationship Breakdown
I was really inspired sometime ago by Cloris Kylie Stock’s excellent article on coping with divorce. She will inspire you with her own story and the positive impact it had on her life. Nearly a third of all marriages in Australia end in divorce and for some it will be the single most stressful life event they will every experience. […]
5 Unhelpful Thinking Styles Stopping You From Fulfilling Your Dreams
Do you find yourself caught up in the moment-by-moment excitement, challenges and disappointments of your favourite artist/s on talent shows like The Voice? Artists receive constructive criticism from their mentors for us all to see. Then they step onto the stage with half the country watching and judging; not just the talent they bring, but how they […]
Core Values: Four Key Questions to Help You Identify Yours
If someone asked you what your core values are, would you know how to answer them? Not sure? Then it’s fairly likely that the choices you have made in the past, are the result of unconscious values you have adopted from others. Particularly in your childhood and adolescence. Maybe you are playing the role you were expected or […]
Mindfulness for Anxiety Disorders: Your Proven Weapon for Managing Stress
Did you know reported levels of anxiety amongst children, adolescence and adults have been steadily and significantly rising since the 1950s? The ABS report on mental health in 2007 found that 45%, (almost half of all Australians) would have met the criteria for a diagnosis of a mental disorder at some point in their life. The most common […]
Building Resilience: 8 Things You Can Start Doing Today
Over the last couple of decades the taboo subject of depression and anxiety has dominated social media. Even celebrities and sports people are breaking their silence. At the same time breakthroughs in research have identified the key role emotional resilience plays in managing emotional health. Positive psychology in particular recognises that all people, no matter their age, have the capacity for building […]
The Symptoms of Depression and Preventative Action You Can Take
Depression is a common and treatable problem that affects your thoughts, emotions and behaviour. It is experienced by one in every five women and one in every eight men. Depression or sadness is a normal reaction to loss, challenging life-issues or when self-esteem is affected. However, when the symptoms of depression start to interfere with […]
De-friend Anxiety: Learn How to Manage Stress and Anxiety in Your Life
WHAT IS ANXIETY? Anxiety is a normal and healthy adaptive state that prepares you for stressful or threatening situations. You see your body is releasing adrenaline to prepare you physically and mentally to cope with stress and anxiety. This ‘fight or flight’ response was crucial to your ancestors’ survival, preparing them for very real threats to […]
The Loneliness Cure for Isolation and Depression
It may seem obvious that the loneliness cure for isolation and depression is connection. But for many the skills required to make and maintain meaningful relationships have been lost in the pace of our fast moving society. This is a problem because your health and happiness is strongly linked to how socially connected you are. In […]
How To Move Through the Stages of Grief and Enjoy Life Again
If you or a loved one is struggling with the grief stages then you may have noticed a tendency to push the pain down, push it away, or even deny its reality. You might be grieving because of the devastating loss of a loved one, ether anticipated or unexpected. But it could also be other […]
7 Gratitude Benefits You Need to Know: Feel Happier and Healthier
You might be reading this and think gratitude benefits is just another one of those positive psychology strategies. Or believe that personality determines whether or not you see the glass half full or half empty. I mean aren’t some people just wired to see the sunny side of life, while others see potential problems at […]
5 Keys To Living a Life Full of Meaning and Purpose
“Life is a DARING ADVENTURE or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller. Can you imagine what it would be like to live an entire year embracing the uncomfortable? That is exactly what Josh Barad decided to do. He describes how his reality was completely shaken, moving him from confusion to clarity. What he had believed to be […]
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Mindfulness Quiz: How present are you in your life?
Mindfulness Quiz:
How present are you in your life?
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Anxiety and Grief Counselling Gold Coast
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