The Story Behind Clarence Valley Counselling

When people ask me why I started Clarence Valley Counselling, I often smile — because the truth is, it wasn’t about “starting a business.” It was about creating the service I wished I’d had.

As a parent to children who benefit from higher levels of support, I'm continually navigating medical appointments, therapy services, school meetings, and the emotional weight that comes with it all. I’ve also seen firsthand how hard it is to find help that truly understands the intersection of trauma, autism, and chronic health conditions like type 1 diabetes.

I wanted to build something different.

A space where parents don’t have to explain their child’s differences over and over. Where children can be themselves without fear of judgment. Where care is neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and grounded in connection — not quick fixes.

It hasn’t always been easy. Running a practice while raising my family has been one of my biggest challenges. There have been seasons of exhaustion and moments where I questioned whether I could keep going. But each time, I came back to this truth:

Sustainability isn’t selfish — it’s what allows my team and I to keep helping others.

I’ve learned to shape my business in a way that works for myself as well as my family, and in turn, for the families I support. That means creating programs and systems that reduce burnout, for both myself and the parents I work with.

These are the beliefs that are at the heart of Clarence Valley Counselling services:

• Every child and parent deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.

• Understanding behaviour starts with understanding the whole story, not just the symptoms.

• Parents and carers are vital to a child’s healing — and they deserve just as much support as the child.

This isn’t just counselling. It’s walking alongside families through the challenges, celebrating the small wins, and building hope together.

If you’re reading this and feeling like no one really understands — I see you. You are not alone.