counselling support for mums
when they need it most
Often, the time after diagnosis can feel like the toughest part of the journey. That’s why I offer specialised packages — to make sense-making easier, more supported, and cost-effective.
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Click here if you need support navigating your own late diagnosis for neurodiversity
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Click here if you want some support in processing your child's neurodiversity diagnosis(es)
Or keep scrolling to see how counselling can support you in other parts of your motherhood journey as you navigate the world of neurodiversity.
online counselling for parents of
neurodiverse kids
If you are finding motherhood tough, you are not alone. Mother's today have more information, responsibilities and pressures than ever before. It can feel like no matter what we do, it is never enough and that we are not enough. It is not surprising that mums are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, burned out and depressed in increasing numbers. But this does not have to be the standard, it is possible to enjoy motherhood and feel good about this amazing role that we get to play. If we add neurodiversity into this mix and existing in a world, that is not designed to support how neurodiverse brains work things can feel even more overwhelming, frustrating and downright exhausting.
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Counselling can help mothers to process unpleasant thoughts and feelings and find different ways to cope with the ups and downs of life. Counselling can help you to worry less, feel less guilt, prioritise yourself and feel better about everything you do for you and your children. As a counsellor, I am a highly trained professional whose job it is to sit with you and deeply listen, without judgement, helping you to process your thoughts and feelings and make the changes you want to see. You are not alone.
As a neuroaffirming counsellor, I am skilled in a range of modalities and we work together to find what is right for you and how your brain works whether it is for individual counselling support or counselling with your partner to rebuild and reconnect your relationship.
mental health challenges faced by mothers
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Relationship challenges and difficulty communicating
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Being on the same page as parenting partners
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Persistent worries and anxious thoughts
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'Mum guilt', self-doubt or feelings of not being enough
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Feeling low, depressed or unfulfilled and not sure why
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Identity crisis and not knowing who you are anymore
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Putting everyone else first and feeling neglected or unsupported
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Feeling unconfident in your parenting decisions
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Feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities
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Being exhausted and burned out but needing to keep going
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Feeling out of balance and like you are failing in one of more parts of life
If this is you, then you are not alone and it is possible to think and feel differently. Our feelings and thoughts can feel really big, overwhelming and untameable but they can be changed. I will work with you to understand where you are at, what you want to be different and create a plan to get you there. It can be overwhelming to do this on your own, and the good news is, you don't have to.
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If you want to get started or to get to know me better, you can book a free 15 minute discovery call via the link below. Alternatively, if you prefer written communication, you can email me your questions instead. ​
individual online counselling for
mums raising neurodiverse kids
support for mum guilt, anxiety, overwhelm and reconnecting with yourself
Raising a neurodiverse child is a journey filled with love, learning, and – sometimes – deep emotional challenges like mum guilt, overwhelm, and feeling like you’ve lost touch with who you are. At Mumshine, I offer compassionate, neuroaffirming counselling designed especially for mothers navigating the complex world of neurodiverse parenting. Whether you're stretched thin, feeling lost, or yearning to put yourself first for a change, these sessions are your space to exhale. Together, we’ll gently unpack what’s going on beneath the surface, build strategies that honour your needs, and reconnect you with your values, passions, and purpose – not just as a parent, but as a whole person. You are doing so much for your child. You deserve this support for you, too.
debriefing and unmasking after diagnosis
making sense of it all and finding a way forward without fear
The process of diagnosis is horrible. It is focused on fears on deficits and on data. It is one of the hardest parts when raising a neurodiverse child, and many parents struggle to make sense of it and find a way forward. Whether it is your diagnosis, or your kids - it feels like everything changes - overnight. There are uncomfortable feelings, grief, anger, denial, hopelessness, self doubt and blame. But you don't have navigate this alone.
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I offer specialised packages to support mums like you to either:
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Process your own late diagnosis and make sense of who you are
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Debrief your child's diagnosis and work out what it means
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I made these packages to help make sense-making more affordable and structured - because you have enough questions right now.
How counselling can support mums who are navigating neurodiversity
Counselling is a great starting point. If our teeth are sore, we go to the dentist, if we hurt a muscle we go to a physiotherapist but for some reason we often hold back from getting support with our mental health and emotional needs. We often put everyone else's needs before our own and wait for things to be in crisis and have real impacts to our life, before we get help. I am yet to meet a mother who wouldn't benefit from counselling, but ultimately you need to be ready to take the step.
Counselling is a space that is all about you where you get to discuss your thoughts and feelings with a highly trained professional that will not judge you or tell you what to do. Counsellors do not diagnose, our training is focuses specifically on working with your current thoughts, feelings and beliefs and supporting clients to process them and develop new skills to manage differently. If at anytime I feel you need a diagnosis or access to something I am unable to support with, I will work with you to find someone to join your team and support you with that specific need.​
​If you are still not sure, the best way to find out is to book a free 15 minute discovery call or to email me your questions. I encourage all clients to start here and see if you think we could work well together. ​
neuroaffirming mental health support for mums
​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.
I know and have seen a lot of claims out there from people claiming to be neuroaffirming and I think it is important that we talk about how we are neuroaffirming in the work we do. 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 exercises, and encourage clients to 'do' not just listen. Clients are encouraged to take notes as they like and even take videos of the exercises we do.
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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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I see neurodiversity as a natural part of the human experience all people and brains are different. Neurodiverse people do not need to be fixed, it is about having strategies, environments and support to help you to manage the difficult parts and making the most of the amazing strengths this brain type gives you.
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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, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, Expressive Therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to find what works for you, what fits within your life and how your brain works.
online counselling for individuals
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 and patting them during sessions.
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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 your house or garden 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.
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You can share your world with me, if you choose to.
Want to try 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. ​
Working with Freya
When you work with Freya, you not only get a qualified counsellor, you get someone that really understands. Whilst no two mothering experiences are the same, there are a lot of common challenges which mums face and Freya is passionate and committed to helping mums to overcome these challenges and enjoy their motherhood journey more. Freya listens deeply to you, your experiences, your story and then works with you to develop the strategies and systems to make lasting change.
Freya will not judge you or your parenting choices - she respects that you are the right parent to parent your child and that nobody else is better suited for the job - even if you don't feel that way at times. She knows and understands how hard being a mother can be. That there is no perfect choice, no 'right' or 'wrong' way to parent. She gets that you probably feel inundated with information, opinions, judgements and comparisons which make you feel like you are not enough. This is a safe space, away from all of that - for you to focus on yourself.
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When you work with Freya you have her undivided attention as you work through your challenges. She believes counselling is a collaborative process between therapist and client, where we work as equals with different skills and experiences and that where these two worlds meet, change happens.
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 the difference it makes when your therapist '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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Masters 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 Certification, individuals & groups - The transformation academy
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Masters of Business - The Australian Institute of Business
Prior to counselling I had a high powered corporate career leading large teams and complex 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. This is also where my coaching journey started and I have now been coaching for over 10 years. 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.
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​You can also catch Freya as co-host of the neurospiceandlife podcast that peels back the unfair labels we wear in neurodivergent life to see what is underneath. You can find the podcast at www.neurospiceandlife.com.
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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