Kathryn is a highly supportive, passionate and caring Counsellor. With a background as a Community Facilitator, Educational Leader, Education Support Specialist and Wellbeing Professional with a versatile career background of 30+ years’ experience gained across Education, Wellbeing, Consulting, Fashion, Beauty, Makeup Artistry, Styling, plus Retail Customer Services. More Information: Kathryn Fortuna is a Business Development Counsellor, Mentor and facilitator for businesses and organisations that feel passionate about the growth and vitality of their business, staff and communities. As a Business Development Counsellor, Kathryn aims to support employers to promote mental health awareness and management within their teams and working communities. Supporting organisations and businesses by collaborating and co-creating unified, healthy and productive workplaces that prioritise their staff and therefore support the growth of their businesses and teams as a whole. “The wellness of your business and teams within your organisations, companies, communities and staff from the ground up, relies on the values and support systems that you put in place within the philosophy, practice and framework of your business. Workplace wellness is key to the success of your community.” KF As a Strength-Based Counsellor for individuals, couples and teens, Kathryn has had extensive experience working across many industries, including, mental health, beauty, education and well-being. Kathryn has all areas covered when it comes to igniting change, inspiring mental health, awareness, purpose and building support and strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Therefore fostering true well-being and growth for all. As a Counsellor, Kathryn will provide a safe, supportive space for you and your loved ones to address any challenges or ongoing issues that prevent you from feeling open, vital and ready to embrace life. Kathryn specialises in Relationship Support counselling and programs and is trained in the Gottman Method. She uses Strength-Based Counselling to support couples to reset their foundations and build strong principles and standards around respect, communication and intimacy. “If you feel that your relationship is struggling then it's time to check in. But be aware, Relationship Counselling is not for the faint-hearted. It is for the full-hearted. Relationship counselling is for those that know they have a relationship worth holding on to and what better way to do that than to speak to someone that has got your back? “ KF

Kathy is a registered psychologist with over 20 years experience working with individuals struggling with their mental health and emotional stress. Kathy uses a number of different evidence -based modalities in her work including CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS and narrative therapy and her work is informed by the psycho-dynamic tradition and attachment theory. Her areas of interest include Trauma therapy, self esteem, adjustment issues, grief and loss, stress and anxiety and mood disorders. She also has an interest in relationship work. Kathy previously had a successful career as a secondary teacher and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience pertaining to adolescent issues and also parenting concerns. Kathy now works mainly with adults. Kathy is wanting to engage with each client depending on their individual needs and uniqueness as a human being and while she draws on many modalities her main concern is meeting the client exactly where they are in their life.

Michelle Cook Michelle has been a pastoral counsellor since completion of her training in 2001 and was registered with the CCAA. Following a pause to devote time and energy to her family, Michelle completed her Bachelor of Theology and became Pastor of Prayer & Care at Bendigo Baptist Church in 2013 and continues in this role today. In 2021 Michelle completed her Grad Dip in Counselling & Psychotherapy and registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Supporting clients to reach their goals of therapy, Michelle works from a person-centred framework and utilises a range of modalities and/or their tools including: • CBT • Narrative • Art • Acceptance & Commitment therapy • Sex therapy • Solution Focused therapy • Play therapies. With her friendly and empathetic demeaner, Michelle listens well to a wide range of clientele from teens through to those advanced in years and from a variety of backgrounds. Michelle has worked with clients from various cultural and spiritual/faith traditions and enjoys facilitating groups in therapy. Michelle utilises psycho education to assist a client to understand their situation as part of moving forward, empowering them to deepen their self-awareness and self-acceptance towards growth and achieving their goals.

I am a general psychologist with 25 years experience in private practice. I work with clients aged from 16 years onwards.

Jan is an experienced social worker with a background in social services case management assisting those with disabilities as well as their support carers. For many years Jan has counselled and supported youth and adults within the income support arena. As well as counselling clients experiencing issues in the workplace. Jan has extensive knowledge of local support services and has developed strong networks in the Bendigo Region. She has particular expertise in working with clients who have experienced domestic and family violence and is skilled in working with people who are vulnerable as a result of mental illness, family breakdown, marital separation, and/or substance abuse. Along with being open and approachable, Jan’s wealth of life experience enables her to connect and relate to a wide range of people.

Nicole completed a Masters of Counselling degree through Monash University in 2022. She has studied a range of evidence based interventions including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in order to help people work through their challenges and realise their potential. Nicole approaches clients with curiousity and empathy. Nicole is also a Primary School teacher with 25 years of experience working in a range of settings in Australia and England, including in an independent school catering for the needs of children with severe social, emotional and behavioural problems. Throughout her teaching career, Nicole has consistently been drawn to additional roles and professional development involving student wellbeing, mental health and behaviour management. This year, she is the Disability Inclusion Coordinator at her school as well as part-time teacher of a delightful bunch of Grade Two and Three students.