Through the separation or bereavement from a partner we are often faced with having to revise and re-learn our sense of self, identity, and understanding of the world. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and the process can be challenging and takes time. It can be even harder if the circumstances of your separation or bereavement were unexpected or traumatic.
During these times it’s important to ask for support. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who is not a family member or friend. The counsellors at Lifeline WA are qualified mental health professionals who are here to offer you support and counselling through these difficult times.
How can we help?
This service is free and available across Western Australia. It can be accessed face to face at our Subiaco office, via Zoom or phone.
We provide individual support of up to 12 counselling sessions over a maximum of 12 months so you can:
- Learn how to communicate effectively with the other parent
- Explore your feelings and manage your emotions whilst experiencing separation or bereavement
- Process the effects of the loss of a loved one and how this alters your life
- Help manage setbacks in your life brought on by grieving
- Identify healthy coping mechanisms and support systems around you that address feelings of isolation and despair
- Develop strategies to achieve emotional wellbeing and the best possible outcomes for yourself and your children
- Access practical support and assistance
For queries, please call 9261 4498, email counselling@lifelinewa.org.au or complete our referral form by clicking on the referral link above.
Gareth, a father of two, shares the experience of his journey through the Lifeline WA counselling program, which includes workshops and individual counselling. Discover the valuable skills he developed to support himself and his two sons in navigating family separation with resilience, understanding and compassion.
Kelly opens up about her journey through grief counselling, where she explored the complexities of her relationship with her mother and processed the emotions that surfaced after her passing. Hear how counselling helped Kelly understand the physical impacts of grief, equipped her with practical tools and deepened her connection to her authentic self.
Am I eligible for this service?
This service is for:
- Separated, or separating, parents with dependants
- Parents bereaved by the death of their partner or child
- Young people (dependants aged between 12 and 25 years of age) impacted by parental separation or the death of a parent or sibling.
- Primary school aged children impacted by parental separation or the death of a parent or sibling.
- Extended family members who perform a care role to the family unit and are impacted by the family separation or bereavement, including stepparents and grandparents
- The separation or bereavement should be within 24 months
- Separation or bereavement of a partner, child or parent of a young person or child must be the reason you are being referred and will be the key focus of your counselling and support.
This service is not for:
- Those in crisis (eg: housing, family violence, drug and alcohol, mental health, trauma or financial)
- Couples or bereaved parents without children
- Bereaved parents of non-dependant adult children
Is this service right for my child?
Separation
Parents separating can be difficult for families, particularly for children who are often confused about changes in their lives.
Children’s feedback helps parents and carers to develop child focussed strategies to support their children through separation.
Bereavement
Most children recover from grief without any long-term emotional struggles, but some children experience significant emotional distress that persists over time.
Our counsellors are experienced in supporting children after the loss of a sibling or parent and can help them process complex emotions, to talk about their experience in a safe environment and to assist in adapting to the loss of a loved one.
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Kate (she/her)Clinical Lead & Counsellor |
As a supervisor and counsellor, Kate is passionate about culturally safe and trauma-informed mental health care. Kate works from a person-centred and strengths-based framework to facilitate a collaborative and empowering space for people to achieve meaningful growth.
Kate deeply values the inner wisdom and resilience of people she supports. She brings extensive experience and knowledge in supporting First Nations people, individuals of the LGBTIQA+ community, and those living with disabilities.
Kate has further training and experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Her therapeutic expertise extends to expressive and play-based modalities, which she skilfully integrates to support children, young people, and adults in processing emotions and overcoming challenges.
E: counselling@lifelinewa.org.au
P: 9261 4498
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Peta (she/her)Counsellor |
Uses a range of psychotherapeutic approaches to help people experiencing grief and loss, family separation, relationship issues and mental health conditions to achieve positive, lasting progress.
Peta’s calm, friendly, and approachable manner puts her clients at ease and creates a comfortable space to navigate and explore complex emotions. Her approach is person-centered, empathetic, and understanding, and she works collaboratively with individuals to find healing after separation or loss.
E: counselling@lifelinewa.org.au
P: 9261 4498
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Bindi (she/her)Counsellor |
With comprehensive psychodynamic counselling and mindfulness training, Bindi brings extensive knowledge and experience to her work with clients. Specialising in grief and family separation, she draws on attachment and polyvagal theory, dialectical behaviour therapy skills, and creative, expressive, and somatic techniques. This diverse toolkit helps clients understand and regulate their emotions, enhance interpersonal relationships, and cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives.
Bindi's holistic practice centres on fostering resilience and working with individuals to identify their strengths, collaboratively developing these to encourage growth. She emphasises the importance of welcoming all emotions into the therapeutic space and exploring them with self-compassion. Bindi firmly believes that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the capacity to heal and grow.
Her approach is characterised by warmth, empathy, and a nonjudgmental stance, creating a brave space for clients to explore grief, growth, and life.
E: counselling@lifelinewa.org.au
P: 9261 4498
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Sasha (she/her)Counsellor |
Sasha brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role as a counsellor, having previously worked with young people impacted by cancer, and specialising in grief and loss. Currently pursuing studies in art therapy, she is passionate about using creativity and play to support children and young people. Sasha’s approach integrates person-centred counselling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and strength-based strategies, focusing on helping clients navigate grief, anxiety, relationships, and communication challenges.
Known for her warm and empathetic nature, Sasha creates a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel deeply seen and listened to. She places great importance on empowering her clients, guiding them to explore their values, witness their own personal growth, and build resilience.
E: counselling@lifelinewa.org.au
P: 9261 4498
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no cost. This is a free service.
- Face to face at our central Perth office
- Telephone based sessions
- Video counselling via Zoom.
Therapists use a variety of frameworks and techniques which are tailored to the client and their needs. The counselling process is collaborative and the therapist is not there to give advice but rather support the client with processing their thoughts, feelings and assist in achieving their goals.
People who are seeking support can either self-refer by completing the referral form on our website or calling the counselling team on 9261 4498. People may also be referred by other external agencies or family members who can complete the referral form on their behalf.
After we receive a referral for counselling, we will contact you to either get some more information or book an assessment. After the assessment we will contact you to let you know if our service is appropriate for your needs. If it is, we will book a counselling appointment with you. You can access our service in person at our Subiaco office, via phone or Zoom. We are a short-term counselling service and sessions are free.
Yes, it is, and we will explain this more to you at assessment.
If you are in crisis or need assistance, please call:
Emergency 000
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Alcohol Drug Information Service 1800 250 015
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007
Kids Helpline 1800 55 18 00
Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 226 636