A little hope in the dark.
1:1 counselling support for children, adolescents and adults in Portland and the South West (telehealth available)
After-hours appointments available Monday, Tuesday and Saturday
Heart Centred. Trauma Informed
Nest (n) a place of retreat, rest. A place to nurture your mind and wellbeing.
25 Julia Street, Portland, Victoria
Welcome to The Nest. I’m so glad you’ve landed here. I hope this space will become a place where you can nurture your mind and wellbeing.
With over 17 years experience working as a qualified and registered (AASW) Social Worker and Counselling Clinician with individuals of all ages, couples and families, I have now landed here, The Nest - home to my private practice, The Grief Luminary Counselling and Consultancy.
After moving to the area in 2014 in what was to be a short stay. Famous last words. I very quickly fell in love with the landscapes, pace of life and community and that short stay has now turned into almost 10 years. I’ve spent the last 5+ years working as a Social Worker at Portland District Health, providing support and counselling across the wards, HSL and broader community.
And now I’m here and I have BIG and BEAUTIFUL plans to bring together a space that holistically guides and supports you through the ups and downs of life so that you can begin to thrive in this, your one precious life.
What does 1:1 counselling with me look like:
A brave and safe space created for you to:
unpack and process emotions - often we haven’t been shown or taught how to be with our emotions without trying to fix, judge, numb or avoid them. So being able to recognise, name and articulate your emotions is a Superpower.
gain understanding and insight into your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviour and how they interrelate to each other. I’ll engage you in discussion, reflective questions and offer helpful insights and observations to assist you to develop a stronger sense of self whilst strengthening your emotional awareness and safety.
Through counselling I’ll help you to develop your emotional tool box by:
-Understand, explore and manage your emotions
-Learn to love, support and nourish yourself with compassion
-Observe and deal with your unhelpful and unkind inner critic that holds you in a state of self-criticism and fear;
-Identify, articulate and express your needs, boundaries and desires;
-Learn to self-soothe during times of distress and emotional overwhelm;
-Draw connections between your earlier life and current experiences;
-Understand how you experience yourself in family, social, work and romantic relationships;
-Develop a strong sense of yourself and allow your true, authentic personality to shine;
Healing trauma isn’t about erasing the past, but about rewriting the future. If you’re not feeling your emotions, you’re probably not healing your trauma.
Heal so you can hear what is being said without the filter of your wounds.
Why work with me?
I believe that one of my greatest strengths as a Clinician is being able to hold space for deep, raw, intense and overwhelming emotions. You can know and trust that your emotions - the internal landscape you hold so protectively, will be safe.
Working with your emotional world is always central to my practice - you are the expert of your life and are always in the drivers seat. Your needs, wants and goals are my priority and your best interests are always at heart.
I will focus on your strengths, whilst supporting you to work through your fragilities, with grace and compassion. I always work in a framework that acknowledges and understands the effect of trauma on an individual’s neurological, biological, psychological and social development.
My approach is warm, gentle and down to earth (with a dash of good humour) and whilst I do like to find the positive in life, I also understand deeply the suffering different life experiences can bring us from time to time.
A little more about me, and what I bring to the nest
It was commencing work in a hospital setting that deepened my interest in counselling, specifically trauma, loss and grief. A post-graduate degree in Trauma, Loss and Grief Counselling via Flinders University later. I quickly embarked on a further 12 months of study under the education and supervision of David Kessler, a renowned loss and grief expert. I founded The Grief Luminary in 2021, working online through Telehealth, creating safe and brave spaces for people to explore, express and weave their grief into the life they build after loss.
I’ve been lucky enough over the years to train under world leading trauma experts Dr Bruce Perry and Dr Gabor Mate and it’s one of the many reasons that I’m so very passionate about the work that I do. I believe that every person has a true and genuine authentic self. Trauma leads to the disconnection from it and it is the healing that is the reconnection with it.
My interest and trauma training over the years has also led me to completing studying and training in Horticultural Therapy. The benefits for sensory and emotional regulation offered by horticultural therapy is something that I will be bringing to my work with individuals at The Nest, and within the community.
Work with me
A note on consultation fees:
The Grief Luminary has lower fees than the recommended Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) rate ($270 per 60 minute appointment), so as to provide the best and most affordable support possible.
Please note The Grief Luminary is not a bulk-billing service, payment is required upon booking for new clients and on the day of service for returning clients.
A cancellation fee applies to appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24hrs notice.
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Creating safe and brave spaces for people to be seen, heard and witnessed in the fullness of their experience of life is something that I hold sacred.
1:1 Counselling appointments are open to:
Children (from 6 years of age)
Adolescents
Adults
Face to face appointments and telehealth available at request
Consultation fee:
1:1 60 minute appointment
Adults - $150
Children/Adolescents - $120
Pensioners/Health Care Card Holders - $120
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Couples counselling looks to help couples address and resolve relationship issues, improve communication and strengthen emotional connection in a neutral, contained and safe space.
Consultation fee:
60 minute appointment - $200
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The Grief Luminary responds to enquires from a range of community groups, employers, schools and other organisations seeking loss and grief support after a bereavement. For assistance or further information with on-site consultancy, counselling appointments for staff, or debriefing support please email juanita@thegriefluminary.com
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Receive the support, guidance and encouragement you need to thrive in your work. Because whilst I know you’re oh so capable of holding space for others, you too need to be held at times. And I know your’re honoured to do this work, but let’s recognise the human within the helping professional because yes, you are needed but you also have needs - this work takes a log of emotional energy from you.
60 minute appointment $120
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Trauma, Loss and Grief training coming soon
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Coming Soon
Request an Appointment
Ready to book? Use the secure booking form below, and I will get back to you within two business days.
Please keep in mind that The Grief Luminary is not a crisis service.
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm to yourself/themselves, please call 000 (triple zero) or present to your nearest emergency department.
What people are saying about working with me:
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"Juanita was the light I needed when I was in my darkest time! She made me feel safe".
Heather, Melbourne
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"I will be forever grateful for the space that Juanita held for me as I navigated the loss of my beloved, she has a warmth and presence about her that is so nurturing."
Sarah, London
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"'Thank you' will never be enough for the gift of feeling my life again. I'm so grateful to you and your wise, caring heart."
Ange, Newtown
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"I wish I had of found Juanita years ago when I first lost my precious son. I felt so broken and numb but with her support and guidance, she has brought me back to life. I'm no longer afraid to have a relationship with my grief."
Victoria, Chicago