helping mums to shine brighter
Motherhood is messy, there is no instruction manual and the rules change daily. As neurodiverse mothers, or mothers raising neurodiverse children things can be even messier as we try to fit ourselves into systems which are unsupportive of our needs. It is not surprising that sometimes we feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, lost or inadequate. We often wear multiple hats and are constantly juggling competing needs of family members. We put other's needs first and end up losing ourselves or feeling burned out. If this is you right now, I see you mama. I get it and you are not alone.
My own journey as a late diagnosed AuDHDer and mother of a neurodiverse child has brought me to this place of supporting neurodiverse families to shine. I am passionate about helping mothers to feel understood, to be more regulated and more present, to unmask and to be empowered to think and feel differently. Each day, I am lucky enough to work with clients, just like you to feel confident in decisions and ditch the dreaded 'mum guilt' and self doubt.
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​When we feel better within ourselves, life feels easier. We are more present, can get more stuff done, make better decisions, enjoy life more and have some fun. I would love to help you shine brighter - and enjoy the ride more.
Not sure what support you need? I am here to help via video chat or email - you decide what's best for you. ​
how are you neuroaffirming?
​As a neuro-affirming therapist, I see you as a whole person, whether you are neurotypical or neurodiverse. It is about recognising that all our brains work differently, not better or worse. There is no 'one way' or 'right; way to conduct therapy and I love tailoring my approach to support different needs of my clients. In the initial session we spend time understanding you - your preferences, how your brain works best and things which are more tricky for you and then build a plan that works with your brain, not against it.
Some specific principles I have embedded into my practice are:
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All communication forms as valid and I love using alternative ways to communicate with clients (including visual images, songs and writing in session).
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There is no 'one way' to learn. In addition to explaining terms with words, I use and share a range of visual tools (like videos or mind maps), demonstrate, and encourage clients to 'do' not just listen. Clients are encouraged to take notes as they like and video exercises if they like.
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Easy bookings and reminders - You can book directly without needing to speak with someone and be 'screened', the intake form and payment are done at booking (less things to remember) and I will send you reminders by phone and email with easy options to reschedule or cancel for those times life gets in the way.
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Trauma is not a dirty word. We have all experienced trauma (some big T and some little t) so I practice trauma informed therapy to ensure therapy is sensitive to your experience.
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Focus on strengths - I work with you to focus on identifying and building on your strengths, rather than on weaknesses and adjust therapy to build on these.
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You are capable and need to make your own care decisions. My job is to walk alongside you, to listen without judgement, to help you identify goals and support you in achieving them. I will not tell you what to do or think I know you best.
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At Mumshine, there is no 'one size fits all'. I am a tertiary qualified counsellor who pulls on a range of therapeutic modalities (including Person Centred Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Expressive Therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to find what works for you, what fits within your life and how your brain works.
why online sessions?
Online therapy is not for everyone and that is OK. But before you click close, know not all online experiences are created equal. I used to offer both online and in person but changed to online due to overwhelming client feedback. ​
I now specialise in online therapy only. It is not a second rate experience at Mumshine, I focus all my efforts on making it better than being there in person.
Clients love online , because:
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Sessions are easier to fit into the day and can even be done on lunch break when WFH.
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Clients are in their own sensory environment, making it easier to relax and regulate.
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Clients love having pets with them during session for reassurance and comfort.
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There is less executive functioning load and time/planning pressure with no commute.
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No busy waiting rooms and crowds which can feel overwhelming, especially when we are vulnerable.
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You can move your body in session and walk around in session if you like.
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Online boards allow space for sharing information and a place for clients to draw.
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Clients can type rather than talk to express themselves as they like using chat.
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You can share your world with me, if you choose to - coaching client love showing me challenges at home.
Want to test out the online experience and see how it works for you? Book a free, 15 minute discovery call now with no obligations to try it out for yourself. ​​​
common challenges facing mothers
No two mums are the same, we bring different things to motherhood and take different things away from it. Our experiences, thoughts and feelings are different however, often we face similar challenges that can be hard to explain to people who are not mothers. These challenges do not have to define your motherhood experience.
How I support mums
I offer a range of ways to support mums and meet you where you are at
working with me
Counselling is a safe space to speak your mind and process your feelings in a safe, non judgemental space that is all about you - with the help of a highly skilled professional to help you navigate your mental health.
Coaching is more directive and focuses on building tangible skills popular areas include:
ADHD support
Career & Return to Work
Parenting​
Groups are a space where you can meet a small number of like minded mums to work through a set challenge. We share, learn and grow together and is more economical than one on one sessions.
working at your own pace
Short courses, webinars and worksheet bundles designed for mums that prefer to go at their own pace.
Learn more at your own pace with free tools and links to some of my favourite resources from across the web.
Bite sized articles in 5 minutes or less with tips, techniques and lessons learned to help you feel brighter.
Not sure what help you need? That's OK - I am here to help. You can reach out via email with all your questions or book a free, no obligation discovery call via the links below:
About Freya
Hi, I am Freya. I am a tertiary qualified counsellor, a life coach, a mum, a business owner and also a late diagnosed AuDHDer (in no particular order). I am passionate about neuroaffirming care and working with our brains and strengths, rather than against them. In my lived experience as someone seeking therapy, and also as someone providing it - I have experienced he difference it makes when your therapist that 'get's it' and supports you as a whole person.
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As a passion area of mine I spend every moment I can learning about all things psychology, counselling and neurodiversity. I am a member of the Australian Counselling Association (member ID 25085) and have completed a range of courses to constantly evolve my practice. I love listening to neurodiversity and psychology podcasts, consuming books and engaging with the fantastic resources available, created by people within our neurodiverse community. Some courses include:
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Graduate Diploma of Counselling - University of Canberra
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Autism and Mental Health - Curtin Uni
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Autism and Neurodiversity: Building Your Child's Strengths - Curtin Uni
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ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification Course: Strength-based Interventions to Thrive with ADHD from Childhood to Adulthood - Pesci
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​Diploma of counselling - AIPC ​
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Advanced Study Major, Counselling clients with addictions - AIPC
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Advanced Study Major - Child development & effective parenting - AIPC
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Advanced Study Major, Abuse Counselling - AIPC
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Foundations of Psychology - University of Adelaide
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Learning and Behaviour - University of Adelaide
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Research Methods, design and analysis - University of Adelaide
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Life Coaching, individuals & groups - The transformation academy
Prior to counselling I had a high powered corporate career leading large teams and projects. As part of this I gained my Masters of Business Administration, A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and various certifications in project management across different methodologies. When working with clients I draw on all of these skills and lived experiences to find the right tool for the client, especially when working on balancing the emotional and practical needs of being a mum.
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I offer a limited number of one-on-one online appointments each week in addition to dedicated groups, short courses and free resources. My aim is to meet and support mum's where they are at.
Not sure what you need? That's OK - I am here to help. You can reach out via email with all your questions
or book a free, no obligation discovery call via the links below:
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