Solace Therapy

18/10/2025

Last week I had the honour of speaking at the Tocumwal ‘Brave not Perfect’ event series

When Stace asked if I’d like to speak at the event, she asked if wanted to speak from a personal or professional lens. I opted for professional, as I am very discerning about the personal disclosures I make to my clients, and still continue to be, but I’m not a ‘blank slate’ therapist.

As I drove over to the event, I was quite nervous. I had a litany of topics ready to go, had practiced a few things here and there throughout the week - but it was difficult to settle.

I listened to Julie’s story, her truth. Something clicked for me. I am very grateful to Julie for this. As I stood in front of a room full women, who had taken the time to purchase a ticket, get themselves ready and show up, brave - not perfect, I decided to share 3 of my truths. It was deeply liberating.

I offered up those truths to reiterate that your therapist, psychologist, counsellor, psychiatrist - whoever it may be, is also human.

I then spoke to a therapeutic modality that I am very passionate about, Internal Family Systems therapy, as well as touching on female rage and anger.

Thank you to WOM and all who attended for allowing me to speak from the heart.

A huge thank you to Stace, as I said on the evening, what you have created and continue to build is so so special and needed in our communities.

Congratulations to the other women who spoke .pelvic.physio and Kim.

Photographer:

(No AI was used to write or edit this, this one’s straight from me to you)

09/09/2025

02/08/2025

Sometimes, “progress” and “healing” actually looks like sitting in a washing machine, going around and around for a time.

Through a healthy and strong therapeutic relationship/rapport, your therapist will help you out out of the cycle. But sometimes, no one has actually sat with you in the machine and gone round and round with you. And until that part feels seen and heard, it’s unlikely that even the most well researched, well planned, evidence based strategy will actually be helpful and sustained.

It’s ok to go over the same things.Therapy is a different space to your other relationships. We hit the balance of giving yourself time to truly process (sometimes going over and over the same things) whilst developing new skills and self understanding.

24/07/2025

Hello Facebook community!

I just had a tidy up of this page. I have been completely oblivious to the fact that a lot of old content from when I was practising as a coach was still completely available and accessible to current and future clients - eep!

Whilst I would never diminish or “hide” that I have worked in a coaching capacity, I wanted to inform that the way I coach versus my work now as a certified practising counsellor and psychotherapist is very different. I am much more selective about personal disclosure, and prefer to decide what is relevant for each client at Solace rather than sharing information online. However, once it is out there - it’s out there!

When I was coaching, this was always on my mind. And it was a big reason that aspect of my career never “took off”. I am so glad that it didn’t. I am so honoured to do what I do within my community, surrounds and nation wide.

So, if you’ve looked back at my content from over the years before or recently, I do hope that it was helpful for you. However, I have now taken it down as continue to embody this new chapter at Solace.

With the most care, Chels 🫶🏻