Buddhist Counselling

01/10/2025

A milestone for Buddhist chaplaincy in NSW

This year’s NSW Corrective Services Prison Chaplains Conference gathered the largest number of Buddhist chaplains ever. Our presence is growing — and so is our positive impact in multi-faith dialogue.

After a big session on mental health and selfcare from a secular lens, we came together as Buddhist chaplains to reflect on our own approach: embodied, integrated, holistic.

It was a rich, heartfelt conversation and a reminder that we must be vigilant. Vigilant in how we offer care, ensuring it always flows from the Dharma. At the heart of this is kalyāṇa-mitrata — spiritual friendship — without which there is no path, and no chaplaincy.

30/09/2025

I want to say a big thank you to the Chaplaincy Coordinator and Corrective Services NSW for awarding me the COVID Service Medal for exemplary service during the 2020–2022 pandemic.

The medal is called ‘Always Forward’ (translated from Latin) and its silver design symbolises resilience, hope, and alertness in the face of adversity. But for me, this isn’t just a medal for showing up during COVID — it reflects the incredible work that Buddhist Chaplaincy was able to achieve, which also supported all other religions in Corrective Services NSW.

Video Chaplaincy Calls – When centres were closed to non-custodial staff, I was able to propose and trial virtual visits with inmates. What started as a Buddhist initiative became a state-wide service, and even today video calls are still helping inmates in regional prisons stay connected with a Chaplain.

Mind Breaks Magazine – Together with Chaplain Anna Carmody at Long Bay, we created a Buddhist magazine for inmates when we couldn’t physically be there. It offered Dharma, inspiration, and emotional support, and I’m thrilled that Mind Breaks is still going strong today.

Wellbeing Booklets – Chaplaincy also contributed to resources created by psychology teams during lockdowns, providing words of comfort and practical support for inmates facing long periods of isolation.

This medal is a reminder of what can be achieved through practicing compassion and working together in times of challenge.

18/09/2025

Easy as that!

18/08/2025

Join me for seated and walking meditation at Koala Connections—a free, family-friendly day with Koala Conservation Australia at Yulo Kopa, Ellenborough (just up the road from Port Macquarie).

Expect koala talks, habitat learning, nature activities, BBQ/sausage sizzle and plenty of time to restore in nature. See you there!

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12/08/2025

Buddhist Counselling warmly congratulates our team at Yulo Kopa, our accommodation and events venue, for being honoured with the Outstanding Business Award in the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

This recognition reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces where people can pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect — whether through restful stays, meaningful gatherings, or community events.

To celebrate, we’re offering our community 20% off your stay in Yulo Kopa’s peaceful, self-contained cottages surrounded by nature’s beauty.

20% off your stay!

12/06/2025

So moved!

Each person in this office represents someone who paused—just for a moment—to meditate, to reflect, and to truly contemplate life.

In doing so, they tapped into something powerful: their own potential. The potential to grow, to heal, to become a source of strength—not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.

This is what wellbeing chaplaincy in the workplace looks like: supportive, intentional, and deeply human.

When we witness growth like this, we rejoice. We celebrate the goodness within ourselves and each other. Because the truth is—we are not stuck.

The human mind is vast. Its potential? Infinite.
For change. For goodness.
For happiness—ultimate happiness.

Whether Buddhist or not, we all long to be happy. And when we learn new skills that support our wellbeing and actually integrate them into daily life, we don’t just transform our own world—we uplift our families, our colleagues, and our communities.

How wonderful.

09/06/2025

As part of my ongoing work as a Buddhist Chaplain, I’m excited to be extending my outreach into community collections and staff wellbeing programs — supporting not only those in custody but also the dedicated people who work alongside them.

Working holistically with staff, my focus is on cultivating mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing through compassionate listening, mindfulness tools, and values-based conversations. The overwhelming response has been positive — with many sharing how these quiet moments of reflection, calm, and human connection have helped them feel more supported, grounded, and resilient in their roles.

It’s a strong reminder that wellbeing isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Especially in high-stress environments, support that speaks to the whole person can make all the difference.

If you’re part of an organisation seeking to embed genuine, values-led support into your workplace culture — whether in justice, health, or corporate settings — I’m always open to conversations around how chaplaincy and contemplative practices can complement your existing initiatives.

Let’s create workplaces where people don’t just cope — they thrive.

09/03/2025

The Free Meditation Session at Yulo Kopa is now sold out! Thank you to everyone who secured a spot—we can’t wait to welcome you in just 7 days for a moment of deep relaxation and renewal.

Missed out? Don’t worry—you can still experience the peace and serenity of Yulo Kopa with a wellbeing stay in charming cottages.

Nestled in the tranquil Hastings Valley, the self-cater accommodations offer the perfect escape to recharge your body and mind.

Mar 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

22/02/2025

Join me for a free morning meditation, where ancient wisdom meets modern life. Discover transformative tools for deep well-being, including scientifically-backed cognitive reframing to nurture both heart and mind. Immerse yourself in a serene Shinrin-Yoku forest meditation, reconnecting with nature for true inner balance.

Set on 160 acres of pristine rainforest, Yulo Kopa is a breathtaking retreat with natural swimming rivers and peaceful swimming holes. Enjoy a complimentary healing drink as you settle into a contemplative meditation in this authentic and tranquil setting.

Yulo Kopa also offers on-site self-contained accommodation—book your stay and make the most of this relaxing meditation experience.

This experience is my gift to the community—free meditation event for the people of the Hastings and Mid-North Coast. Join us on a beautiful Sunday mid-morning and leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and uplifted.

https://www.yulo-kopa.com/event-details/free-morning-meditation