Kym
More about me
If you’d like to know a little more about me personally, I hope the following helps.
I came to counselling in my 50s. My career started as a communications consultant in Brisbane then Sydney. I shifted gears to move into the university sector, lecturing at QUT for a decade then as a social researcher for another 10. I made a sea change and provided research services to various universities from my home on the Sunshine Coast.
I bring to counselling an understanding of work pressures. Having worked in business and the public sector, in teams and alone, in junior and senior roles, I know firsthand how challenging – and depleting – work situations can be. I’ve juggled priorities and dealt with all different kinds of workplace conflict.
I also bring to our sessions a strong interest in communication, having taught and researched communication in different contexts over many years, including the principles of non-violent communication at the community level. I’m deeply interested in how we can communicate in an authentic way while also having life-enriching relationships with others.
Also, I do understand trying to manage incredibly tough personal challenges. Now in my 60s, I’ve dealt firsthand with life-changing grief as well as self-judgement, shame, perfectionism, and an eating disorder. I’ve faced relationship challenges in over 30 years of marriage and with family members and friends I care about deeply. I’ve also navigated the aged care system for my elderly dad. Despite these things, I can honestly say that I am much happier and healthier now than I thought possible.
What I’ve learnt over the years is that situations can be complicated, and actions have far-reaching consequences. ‘Textbook’ solutions aren’t always practical: google and AI can bolster us but they’re still external. We need to go inside to know what to do in our specific situation.
I’ve found in life and in counselling that there’s always a way forward, and in persevering, we somehow develop qualities that make life meaningful and extremely rewarding.