SUTHERLAND SHIRE'S LOCAL COUNSELLOR · FACE-TO-FACE & ONLINE AUSTRALIA WIDE
Meet Jemima
So, how did you end up becoming a counsellor?
I came to counselling after a mid-life career pivot from media events. Having children changed my world, and I began questioning whether the life we'd built really reflected what mattered most to me. Making some big changes was pretty terrifying at the time, but I'm so glad I took the plunge.
I've always been interested in people and human connection. It was the part of events I loved most, and even then I'd spend my train commute reading books about psychology and the brain. My hobby eventually became my career, and I now get to spend my days hearing people's stories and being trusted with some of the most challenging parts of their lives. It's a privilege, and a job I hope to keep doing until I become a little old lady.
Who do you tend to work with?
My clients are a mix of men and women, aged 16 to 85. It's quite a range! I'm particularly passionate about working with women who are used to holding everything together. They're often the dependable ones, the people everyone turns to. Their struggles can be easy to miss, because being capable and being okay aren't always the same thing. I want them to have somewhere they can put all that aside and have someone looking out for them.
What do you love most about your work?
I love getting to know my clients - hearing about their worlds, the people they love, what brings them joy and what they're hoping for. I'm also inspired by seeing what people go on to do after we've met during a difficult time in their lives. I've seen clients come from very dark places to build lives they may never have imagined possible. That's their work, of course. I just get the privilege of witnessing it.
What's one thing you wish more people understood about counselling?
That it's actually a very normal thing to do! If you've never been, sitting down with someone to talk about your life can feel pretty intimidating. But it can be a surprisingly natural conversation, and for many people it's simply part of looking after themselves. People often associate mental health support with being in crisis, when counselling can be useful much earlier - sometimes before things build to that point.
What can I expect from a counselling session?
Every client is different, so we work out together what feels most useful. Some people like time to reflect and make sense of things; others prefer practical ideas and strategies to try between sessions (yes, counselling can have homework if you want it!). I draw on approaches including ACT, CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy, adapting things to suit the person rather than following a set formula. [Read more about my therapeutic approach →]
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I'm a mum of three, so there's usually a fair bit going on! Between family life, my counselling practice and work in bereavement support, I'm pretty familiar with juggling a few things at once.
For a day off, you'll probably find me out on a trail run or in the bush, catching up with friends, or spending time with my husband and kids. And coffee - definitely a good coffee.