Mrs Joanne Devota-Rando Counsellor

At Devoted Counselling & Support Services, I provide counselling and support for individuals from a range of social, cultural, and lived experiences - including people living with disability, those in Out-of-Home Care (OoHC), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and individuals facing social disadvantage or navigating the impacts of family breakdown, trauma, or instability. I offer culturally safe care that respects identity, connection to Country, and community. I work in collaboration with families, carers, and key agencies - including Schools, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) - to ensure individuals receive support that reflects their unique needs and lived experiences. My approach creates a safe and supportive environment to: • Express emotions and develop healthy coping strategies • Navigate behavioural and social challenges • Address emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation with care and sensitivity • Strengthen communication, resilience, and emotional well-being • Support emotional, behavioural, and social development • Support children and young people experiencing school can't/refusal or school-related anxiety • Provide support for individuals diagnosed with Autism or ADHD, or those showing behaviours or characteristics commonly associated with these neurodivergent profiles I work in a way that is: • Solution-focused and strengths-based • Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive • Collaborative with families, carers, schools, and agencies • Grounded in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered approaches • Incorporates psychoeducation to empower participants and families Screening, Assessments, & Reports I offer assessment services to support planning, reporting, and goal setting. • Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3) • Clear, participant-focused documentation to assist with NDIS and school-related support planning. • NDIS: Reporting & Participant Plan Reviews • Schools: Specialist Reports with a comprehensive understanding of the Disability Inclusion Profile I also assist families and school communities with co-regulation strategies - helping adults foster stronger connections with children and young people by being present, modelling positive behaviours, and using simple, validating language. With over 25 years of experience in community services - including education, disability, and culturally responsive care - I offer compassionate, individualised support that promotes well-being, safety, and belonging across home, school, and community environments. Registered NDIS Provider As an NDIS provider, I deliver services that align with individual plans, ensuring that participants receive the support they need to thrive. I work closely with families to navigate the NDIS process and access appropriate resources. NDIS Plan Managed NDIS Self-Managed Group Work (3-5 participants)