Book an intake call
Contact me for a free 15 minute phone call if you are unsure about counselling or would like to assess if I am the right counsellor for you.
About me
I believe a culture of care is essential to improving the health of our community. This includes how we care for ourselves, our loved ones and our shared spaces.
I have spent 20+ years working in the community health sector and I am qualified in mental health and counselling.
My experience includes counselling youth, adults, women living with chronic illness & pain, and people living with complex health issues. I also have experience working in schools and universities.
I now enjoy the flexibility of private practice and the benefit it provides including ease of access and choice of therapist.
I use of range of therapies to promote health & wellbeing including individual and online programs that apply principles of therapeutic horticulture.
The most rewarding part of counselling for me is to see people reconnect with their rhythm and values.
I am also committed to helping people navigate the health system and developing skills and confidence to access the health supports they need.
When I am not at work I immerse myself in nature, good stories and my community.
If my approach connects with you, connect with me via the form below.
I am registered with ACMHN, AHPRA, PACFA, and a member of Therapeutic Horticulture Australia.
Warmly,
Jacqui Cousins
Nurse, Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor
Please note: Nursing The Mind no longer uses social media platforms due to the negative impact they have on human health.
Services available
Offering compassionate counselling, individual programs and online workshops to improve physical and emotional health.
I host a podcast exploring recovery from religious trauma and provide clinical supervision for practitioners interested in holistic health practice.
Counselling
My counselling approach is to adapt to the needs of each person and I use of range of therapies to support people's recovery.
With 20 years experience working in community and mental health programs, I can provide counselling for a range of needs. I work with both youth (12-25) and adults.
I have a special interest in counselling for people who are recovering from institutional harm, including medical trauma, spiritual abuse and workplace bullying.
I understand the mental burden that comes with experiencing a psychological injury and the value of having a compassionate clinician to support recovery.
Whether you want one session to work through an issue, or several to support your emotional health, I am here to care for you.
Connect with me via the form below.
Individual programs
Using principles of therapeutic horticulture, these individual programs* are for people looking for an alternative to traditional counselling.
After an initial assessment, we explore how nature can support your physical and emotional recovery.
Each session includes a nature-based activity with the option to conduct some sessions outside.
Seasons is suited to people who are stressed, anxious, avoiding school or work, or feeling overwhelmed by life. This program is designed to reduce stress and reconnect you with your individual rhythm.
Seeds is for people who are looking for support to cope with life after loss. This includes loss of employment, health or relationship.
Solstice is suited to be people who are recovering from trauma or experiencing symptoms of hypervigilance. This program is designed to develop grounding skills to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.
Springtime is suited to people who have completed individual therapy and would like counselling / coaching that focuses on the future. This program is designed to reconnect you with your rhythm and values.
To book your first session, connect with me via the form below.
*Each individual program is conducted over 5 sessions and rebates are available with a chronic condition management plan.
Online workshops
Empowered by Nature
Using the principles of therapeutic horticulture, this 4 week program* will give you the insights and practical skills to cultivate rest and nature-care practices for your wellbeing.
Soul Care Sessions
These online classes* are designed to nurture yourself with principles of mindful self-compassion, soothing sound healing, and restorative rest. Perfect for when your soul needs tending.
Both online workshops are suitable for people living with chronic pain, chronic illness or looking for ways to manage chronic stress.
Registrations via Humanitix.
Please note: online workshops are for health promotion only and are not a replacement for mental health treatment. For people accessing mental health services, it is recommended that you consult your health provider for advice before registering for any online program.
Podcast
What The Church?! is a podcast focused on improving the health of people who have experienced religious harm.
I interview people with a lived experience and health and spiritual care providers who are committed to supporting people who are recovering from spiritual abuse.
Each person’s story improves our understanding of religious trauma, and their insights will empower us to deliver health and spiritual care in a safe and trauma-informed way.
What The Church?! believes breaking free from coercive religious practices is essential to improving the health and wellbeing of church communities.
Join me for the conversation.
Clinical Supervision
My approach to clinical supervision is care for the carer.
I support practitioners to develop their clinical and sustainability practices to safeguard their heath.
Together we explore the pressure points in your work, discuss strategies to reduce stress and reflect on cases that you are concerned about.
My clinical experience includes women’s, youth and refugee health, complex mental health and chronic illness, and mental health counselling that is inclusive of people’s spiritual health needs.
Online and onsite sessions available.
I have greatly valued clinical supervision over the years and it is a privilege to provide this for others.
If my approach to clinical supervision connects with you, connect with me via the form below.
FAQs
I provide in-person sessions in Cheltenham and Ringwood North VIC.
Online and after-hours sessions available.
GP referrals are required for people wishing to access counselling rebates.
Referrals are not required for full-fee services.
Counselling and clinical supervision sessions are $150.
Individual programs are $150 per session and Medicare rebates are available. A 10% discount is offered for those who are not eligible for a Chronic Condition Management Plan.
See Humanitix for cost of online workshops.
Individual quotes are provided for group supervision and training services.
Medicare rebates are available with a Chronic Condition Management Plan.
Some health fund rebates are available.