Service shapes you in ways most civilians never see. Operational stress, deployment, the things you’ve witnessed, and the strain it places on those at home all add up — and they deserve support from someone who understands the context. If you’re a serving member, a veteran, or a partner carrying the weight of it all, you don’t have to do this alone.

Service leaves its mark — and that’s normal

The very qualities that make you good at your job — staying switched on, pushing through, putting the mission first — can make it hard to wind down when the threat has passed. Trouble sleeping, anger that comes too quickly, hypervigilance, numbness, or feeling disconnected from the people you love are common, understandable responses to an uncommon load. They’re not a character flaw, and they’re not permanent.

You’re not alone in this city

Townsville is a garrison city, home to thousands of serving members, veterans and their families. Reaching out for support here is more common than you might think — and it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. I provide a confidential, judgement-free space to work through what you’re carrying.

How counselling can help

Together we can work on:

  • Trauma and PTSD — processing what happened so it stops intruding on the present
  • Anxiety, anger and sleep — settling a nervous system that’s been stuck on high alert
  • Relationship and family strain — reconnecting after deployment, distance or conflict
  • Transition to civilian life — rebuilding identity, purpose and structure after service

DVA-funded support

I welcome clients whose sessions are funded through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible or how a DVA referral works, get in touch and I’ll walk you through it — see also veteran support and the fees and rebates page.

Support for the whole family

Service is rarely carried by one person alone — partners and children feel it too. I work with families and offer couples and relationship counselling to help you communicate, reconnect, and navigate the pressures of service life together.

The approaches I use

I tailor the work to you, drawing on trauma-informed care, EMDR for processing distressing memories, couples and family work, and practical support through transition. We move at a pace that always feels safe, and you stay in control throughout.

A confidential first step

If service has taken a toll on you or your family, a calm, judgement-free conversation can be the turning point. I support serving members, veterans and their families across Townsville and North Queensland.

Get in touch or book an appointment online whenever you’re ready.

If you’re in immediate danger or crisis, please call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling offers free, confidential support to current and ex-serving members and their families on 1800 011 046.

Frequently asked questions

Do you take DVA clients?

Yes. I welcome clients whose sessions are funded through DVA. If you're unsure whether you're eligible or how a DVA referral works, get in touch and I'll help you make sense of it.

Will what I share affect my career or security clearance?

Sessions are confidential, within the standard legal and ethical limits that protect safety. Many serving members worry about this, so I'm happy to talk through confidentiality clearly at our first session so you can make an informed choice.

Do you support partners and families, not just the member?

Absolutely. Service affects the whole family. I work with partners and families on relationship strain, communication, and the challenges of deployment and transition.

I've left the Defence Force and I'm struggling with civilian life. Can you help?

Yes. Transition is one of the hardest parts of service life. I support veterans through the loss of identity, purpose and structure that leaving can bring, and help you build a civilian life that fits.