Ground Zero Counselling Services
Supporting individuals and their family members navigating grief ,loss and bereavement, dementia, ageing, significant life change, serious or life-limiting illness, and end of life.
Servicing Inner Brisbane, South Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast
In Person and Online Services Available - No Referral Required
Contact - kategroundzero@gmail.com
01.
Short term or ongoing counselling for grief, loss, transitions and overwhelm. A space to heard, supported and understood.
Ground Zero Counselling provides holistic, strength based and trauma informed counselling for individuals experiencing grief, loss, anxiety, depression and trauma which may arise as a result of unforeseen and confronting change. Therapy is customised to the person's needs but typically utilises Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, expressive art therapies or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to suit client needs.
Counselling can be incredibly beneficial for people navigating distressing life transitions as it offers a safe and confidential space in which to share one's concerns without judgement, feel heard and validated and consider new ways of responding to one's circumstances.
Common themes in therapy:
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How best to tell a child about a family member's life limiting diagnosis
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Managing and understanding anticipatory grief, complex grief or disenfranchised grief
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Developmentally appropriate support for children and teenagers navigating grief
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Emotional-existential support for people living with a terminal illness
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Therapeutic support for caregivers managing changing behaviours of a loved one
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Bereavement support following the death of a loved one
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Making sense of a new diagnosis - honouring shock, denial, guilt or anger
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Loss of a partner though death or divorce
* You may be eligible for rebates for counselling through your private health fund
* NDIS and SAH Participants may be able to use funding for counselling
02.
A supported space for individuals to connect, share and feel less alone. Facilitated groups that offer understanding, validation and practical guidance.
Group Therapy invites people who share a similar experience to gather as a small group to explore their concern with others. Groups meet regularly to discuss their experience, receive support from peers, learn new coping skills and build relationships with others who understand what you are going through. Groups may be valuable for people who would like to connect with others who understand what they are going through, helping reduce their sense of isolation. Group therapy is different to a support group which often is facilitated by someone with no counselling expertise. Compared to a support group, group therapy offers more targeted and comprehensive support for particular issues. For example, a therapy group could offer counselling support to caregivers who are stuck in anticipatory grief, experiencing extreme anxiety, or are struggling to move on with their life after the death of their loved one.
* Check your eligibility for rebates for group therapy through your private health fund
03.
When you or someone close to you is impacted by change, the loss of a loved one or receives a life limiting diagnosis, this has a profound impact on partners, family members and friends. In the case of an illness, this impact is often felt from the moment of diagnosis through to the final stages of the person's journey.
Relationships are hard enough without the distress, uncertainty, and fear of a life changing diagnosis impacting family dynamics. Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) works to repair and strengthen the bonds in a couple/family unit when devastating news is received. EFT focuses on each person's needs and emotions, helping them to recognise different communication styles, notice unhelpful patterns of interaction, explore relationship ruptures, and employ new strategies that foster respectful, trusting and emotionally secure relationships.
* Check you eligibility for rebates for family and couples counselling through your private health fund
*NDIS and SAH Participants may be able to use their funding for this purpose depending on their goals and plan
04.
Evidenced based group or individual sessions for people living with dementia, supporting memory, engagement and meaningful connection
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ( CST) is a non-pharmacological, evidence-based, psycho-social treatment for dementia that aims to improve cognitive skills through themed group activities for people with mild or moderate dementia. The sessions target areas of the brain impacted by dementia such as memory, executive functioning and language and focus on routine daily tasks such as preparing food, shopping, or discussing current affairs. Rather than focusing on the accurate retention of facts, the sessions encourage mental stimulation, reminiscence therapy, creativity and sharing opinions. It is person-centred, giving participants choice, creativity and the opportunity to connect whilst having fun.
* CST is designed for the person living with a dementia diagnosis. Sessions are one hour long and may be delivered weekly over 14 weeks or twice weekly over 7 weeks. Maintenance sessions available afterwards. Carers are invited to use CST as respite for themselves.
05.
Emotional and practical support for those living with dementia and their families - grounded in both clinical knowledge and lived experience.
A dementia doula is a non-medical professional who provides holistic, compassionate support to individuals living with dementia and their loved ones from diagnosis through to end of life. A dementia doula offers education, emotional support, advocacy and practical planning assistance to ensure the dignity of the person living with a life limiting diagnosis is upheld and caregiver stress is reduced.
My services include:
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Education to individuals living with a dementia diagnosis, their family members and caregivers;
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Support groups for caregivers supporting a partner or family member with dementia
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Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia
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Practical advice to caregivers on effectively managing new challenges and behaviours that typically arise when supporting their care receiver.
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In my dual role as a clinical counsellor and dementia doula, I am able to offer grief and loss counselling for people with a new diagnosis of dementia and their family, and facilitate reminiscence therapy for people in the moderate - latter stages of dementia to improve their self esteem, boost mood or reduce isolation.
*Dementia Services are custom designed to client needs. Hourly rates apply.
06.
Compassionate support during the final stages of life. Holding space for emotional, psychological and existential experiences for individuals and families.
An end of life doula is a non-medical professional who provides holistic emotional , spiritual and practical support to individuals and their families navigating the dying process; however, you don't need to have a life limiting illness to access services. EOLDs have a special role supporting people both as companions and advocates, assisting with care planning for end of life, vigil support at end of life, legacy work and offering comfort and companionship before, during, and after death. We have a vested interest in ensuring you die with dignity and have your wishes honoured should you not be able to advocate for yourself.
My services include:
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Assistance to explain and help complete Advanced Care Directives
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Creating an end of life plan with which you feel comfortable
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Life review, memory making and meaning focused conversations
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Guidance around what to expect as death approaches
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Emotional and spiritual support for the person who is dying including presence during the dying process, if desired
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Support for family and friends before and during the the dying phase
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Encouragement for people to challenge their fears and anxiety around death and loss, helping individuals to process grief or unfinished business in order to live and die well.
*End of Life Support Services are custom designed to client needs - hourly rates apply