Online Counselling | Australia
Life Transition Counselling & Grief Coaching
Supporting Women & Adolescents through Vulnerability To Courage.
Life Can Be Messy & Chaotic,
It's never easy to experience a painful breakup or feel like you've lost yourself. Seeing someone you love make bad choices and suffer the consequences can be just as tricky. And when illness strikes unexpectedly, it can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about the future. We understand how challenging it can be to move forward and rebuild when you feel trapped in difficult situations.
Change is hard, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. But we must learn to move forward and find our footing again.
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Life can be full of unexpected changes and transitions, and we understand that it can be difficult to navigate them alone. Whether you're starting a new chapter in your life or facing the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest, we want you to know that we're here to offer you our support and understanding. We know that these moments can bring discomfort and uncertainty, but we're committed to helping you find clarity and direction on your journey. Remember that you're not alone, and we're here to walk with you every step of the way.
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As women, we are no strangers to navigating through seasons of change. These transitions can bring a whirlwind of emotions and stress, but we must remember that we have the strength and resilience to overcome them. Grieving the losses we experience during these changing seasons is healthy and allows us to create space for new opportunities to blossom. It's a way for us to honour the significance that the things of the past held in our lives, recognizing both the value they added and the pain they may have caused. By embracing this process, we can find a renewed sense of purpose and optimism, stepping into our power and aligning with our personal values and beliefs. As we embark on this growth journey, let's embrace the beauty of our resilience and create a future filled with hope and fulfilment.
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Counselling provides a safe refuge when trying to make sense of your chaotic inner world. Online counselling breaks down geographical barriers, offering a space for self-reflection and growth. By taking a step of faith, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, where you begin to discern the values and beliefs that will guide you towards a brighter future. As you lighten your emotional load by identifying what you want to hold onto and what you're ready to let go of, you can step into the next chapter of your life with newfound clarity, purpose, and hope. This transformative journey may seem daunting, but with the unwavering support of an experienced counsellor, you can navigate it with grace and resilience. Together, we can sit with your vulnerability and embrace the process of becoming the best version of yourself.
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It's essential to prioritize yourself. In the rush of everyday life, it's easy to ignore your own needs and wants. However, you deserve to take care of yourself just as much as anyone else. When you prioritize yourself, it's not selfish; it's ensuring your own well-being and happiness. Take the time to nurture your body, mind, and soul, establish boundaries, and say no when necessary. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you care for yourself. Remember, prioritizing yourself will make you a stronger, happier, and more fulfilled version of yourself, which will benefit not only you but also those around you. By deepening our connection and sense of belonging to ourselves and others, we can embrace the power of self-compassion and make ourselves a priority, beginning today.
Meet our Counselling Team:
Mother & Daughter Duo:
Satu Surakka & Jaana Surakka
Sisu Life Design is proud to be a family-inspired counselling business.
Accessible Online Counselling Support.
Provided by Registered Professional Counsellors
*** Appointment availability, direct booking, and fees can be accessed by clicking on your chosen counsellor’s profile image. Or through the booking link below.
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FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL COUNSELLOR
Qualifications:
BCouns.
AdvDip. Couns.FamTherapy
Professional Memberships:
ACA Registered
AAFT Registered (Probationary Family Therapist)
Welcome!
I like to refer to counsellors as wounded healers. Over the past decade, my journey has taught me the power of authenticity and presence in helping others feel at ease with their vulnerabilities. Creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore and discover the strength within your story.
Ever since I was young, I've deeply loved people and their stories. Life, to me, is like a giant "Choose your own adventure" novel, and I firmly believe that we have the power to rewrite our narratives.
I am deeply passionate about understanding how our experiences shape us and using that knowledge to empower individuals to discover their innate strength and courage. Witnessing someone rise above their challenges and create a new beginning is awe-inspiring.
I firmly believe that every person holds limitless potential, and I am dedicated to helping them unlock it through the transformative power of psychotherapy. Let’s go on a journey of self-discovery and growth, where we can uncover your true potential—deciding that this is not where your story ends.
What I Offer:
I provide counselling and coaching in the areas of:
Grief
Mental Health
Problematic behaviours
Emotional Regulation
Loneliness & Isolation
Identity
Self-worth | self-esteem
Self-Compassion
Take the first step towards transformation through healing. by scheduling your 30-minute complimentary online appointment. Discover how Sisu Life Design can support you on your journey.
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Passionate Youth Counsellor:
As someone who works with young people, I have noticed that many struggle with developing their identities. I started using the DNA-V model to help them become more self-aware and mentally resilient.
This model combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, and contextual behavioural science.
Evidence-based, the DNA-V model has been proven to help individuals live more passionate and fulfilling lives. It promotes psychological strength while placing value on consistent living, vitality, and success. It also helps increase the ability to cope with challenges, stress, and change.
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I have worked as an outreach counsellor in the community sector, supporting children, youth, and families. I have contracted through various local businesses as a counsellor and grief coach, launching Sisu Life Design in 2021 supporting women and young people journeying through various challenges and life transitions.
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Life is Limitless! Avoiding growth and change is optional! Every person holds potential. I refuse to accept the notion that a leopard never loses its spots. Holding on instead to the value found in knowing:
“where there is breath, there is hope.”
This is the mantra that informs my work as a registered Counsellor.
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Qualifications:
BCouns,
AdvDip Couns&FamTherapy
Hei!
I would have never guessed that one day, my counselling bio would be found on a website. Had someone told me once upon a time that I would pursue further study in my 50s and 60s, I would have laughed at them. Responding with a sarcastic:
“who me?”
Yet here I am.
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I offer face-to-face sessions from my home in Fraser, ACT and online sessions through Zoom. I provide bilingual counselling services to both Finnish and English-speaking clients.
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I provide counselling for:
Bereavement
Emotional and mental wellbeing
Supporting parents in navigating change
Relationships
Impacts of Addiction on the family
Creating new meaning
Christian Counselling and Psychotherapy for women, children, and youth
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I have now been a qualified counsellor since 2014. Besides being a registered counsellor, I have grown through varied life experiences of my own.
The life stuff offers me a richer understanding of what it is to be human, to feel deeply, and what it takes to heal and discover a ‘new normal’ after the rug has been pulled out from beneath you. These seasons of pain and darkness can produce growth and resilience, leading us to new meaning and hope.
I approach my work with compassion, curiosity, and warmth. It is hard to admit that sometimes we all need extra help and, most importantly, to feel heard, listened to and understood.
When the pain is so great that it gets hard to breathe, I hope that I can be that person to someone else during times when the world makes no sense at all.
Support is available if you are in the thick of grief, confusion, emotional distress, pain, or heartache.
“You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime, don’t be foolish or naïve. But don’t despair, either. With God’s help, you will get through this.”
~ Max Lucado ~
ONLINE APPOINTMENT BOOKING AVAILABLE
Are you new to Sisu Life Design? Let’s schedule a complimentary session to see if we would travel well together. We like to keep it real over here, honouring the importance of finding the right Counsellor for you.
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Counselling
Counselling is a powerful tool that can help you manage feelings of distress, improve your coping skills, and increase self-awareness and self-compassion. It can also enhance your overall sense of wellbeing, strengthen your relationships with both yourself and others, and provide greater clarity around your strengths and values.
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Grief Coaching
Experiencing grief can be a lonely journey. During times of transition and despair, it can feel as though your world has been turned upside down. Grief coaching offers a supportive and caring environment to help you rebuild your life after the loss of a significant loved one or a separation.
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![Counselling for Ages 12-100+]()
Counselling: Adolescents & Aged Care Residents
Jaana offers counseling to adolescents every Monday in schools or out in the community, providing a confidential and safe space. We also offer counseling services to aged care residents in Canberra..
Additional Charges Apply.
Education & Training
Formal Education:
Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy
(AQF 8)
Bachellor of Counselling (AQF 7)
Adv Dip. Counselling and Family Therapy
(AQF 6)
Dip. Counselling and Family Therapy
(AQF 5)
Group Facilitation
RAGE: Renavigating Anger & Guilty Emotions | Certified Group Facilitator
Drumbeat: Building Resilience Through Rhythm | Group Facilitator
Circle of Security Parenting | Group Facilitator
Additional Certification
TIST Level 1 & 2
Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment
CGP
Certified Grief Informed Professional
CAIMHP
Certified Addiction Informed Mental Health Practitioner
Recent Blogs
Crisis support
| Are You in Crisis?
| Call Triple Zero: 000
| Australian Emergency Services
| Are You in Crisis? | Call Triple Zero: 000 | Australian Emergency Services
Parenting can suck, be wonderful, be brutally exhausting, while a single snuggle can bring back the sunshine. Seriously why is it that we need parenting programs for doing something that should come naturally?
Clicking on the blog title or ‘read more’ will take you to the Circle of Security International website.
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