Sage Counselling & Psychotherapy - Hunter Valley

09/12/2025

There is a lot of pressure to be 'happy' around this time of year, however the reality for some people is quite different.

It can be a reminder of fractured families, relationships or friendships. There may be intense grief when thinking of a loved one, human or animal, who is not physically here. It may feel unsettling with the end of an era of study or work or regular activities.

Whatever the reasons, whatever the feelings, it is important to do what is best for you and your family at this time.

Reach out for support if you need it, or close ranks - but only briefly - if that feels right for you.

I will be available during the December/January period on Mondays and Thursdays (excluding Christmas Day and New Year's Day) should you feel you would like to talk to someone.

As always, with warmth,

Jo

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23/09/2025

As of 3rd November there will be additional appointments available on Mondays at East Maitland.

23/06/2025

This is a great article that explains the differences between psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists in a simple way. We all offer different things and it's helpful to think about what you are wanting from your mental health professional before you start.

Happy reading!

https://danielamacaulay.com/journal/the-difference-between-a-counsellor-psychotherapist-and-a-psychologist?fbclid=IwY2xjawLFvJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFTVTBXek0wMmRLdlJLdm1ZAR5iHDGxQAGtKWBAWL4dce_xPyTknBSK9yalAEJ1xAJ3aky3A4hLfU-GRaaHeQ_aem_r_9ed36pZWPzYOAQWeF0RA

Many people don’t know the difference between a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist and it can make looking for ta therapist confusing. Counsellors and psychotherapists are qualified in supporting you with many difficulties and challenges which you may not need a psychologist for. Find out...

12/06/2025

I have some available sessions on Thursdays at East Maitland. Please contact me via messenger, email or phone to arrange your first session.

Jo

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16/02/2025

I think it's a fair statement to say that we often put the needs of others before our own. It is rare that we prioritise our own mental health. I wonder why that is?

Have you ever taken some time to consider the many roles we play in life every single day. Or think about the relationships in which we are connected, those where others rely on us, and where we are important?

You're someone's child. Perhaps also a sibling, cousin, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, friend, partner, spouse, parent or carer.

You may also hold any or all of these roles ... a worker within and/or outside the home, taxi driver, shopper, cook, cleaner, financial advisor, referee, nurse, teacher, personal diary for dependants (including the furry, scaly and feathered).

You bear the mental load of who needs what, when and how to make that all happen while juggling everything else required of you. Then there's the emotional aspects - yours and that of others.

Whilst all of this can be absolutely overwhelming, it is even moreso if you are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety or struggling with a traumatic past.

If you think about all of those roles and relationships you are connected with, imagine how much better and healthier they would be if you prioritised yourself?

With love and warmth xx

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14/10/2024

I currently have two new appointment times available for therapy on Thursday afternoons. Please contact me via email at: sage.psychotherapy23@gmail.com or 0459 800 442.

Located at East Maitland.

Warm wishes, Jo

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19/05/2024

Sometimes it can seem near impossible to talk about traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, *not* talking about them can continue to harm us in other ways, without us realising.

If the emotions (not the trauma) are not explored, the traumatic energy generated from the time of the experience/s can be stored in our nervous system. Over time, this trauma manifests and causes pain and discomfort in our body - think gastrointestinal issues, insomnia, chronic pain...

18/04/2024

It can be difficult, awkward, scary, taking that first step to reach out for help.

I completely understand.

And I also know that once you do reach out, you are already on your journey to improving your wellbeing.

Please get in touch on 0459 800 442 or via email at sage.psychotherapy23@gmail.com if you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment.

Additional times are currently available on Fridays at Thornton.

With warmth,

Jo

06/03/2024

Current appointments available for Fridays - 10:30am and 1:30pm. Please email or phone to receive a free 15 minute consultation or to book.

19/02/2024

Want to know a bit more about me and psychotherapy? Then read on...

I have worked as a Community Worker for almost a decade and spent many hours informally counselling clients from all walks of life on diverse issues. I have developed the capacity to 'hear the unhearable' and knew that I needed to move into the therapeutic field, completing my Diploma in Counselling and currently in my second year of training to be a psychoanalytic psychotherapist.

Psychotherapy is a medium to long-term therapy, and was initially developed to support people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) / Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

It is also suitable for treating depression, anxiety, suicidality and non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) behaviours, along with issues involving relationships, sexuality and sexual abuse.

I currently offer therapy for individual adults and am seeking an additional training client. As a training client you will receive quality therapy under close supervision at a reduced cost. Please reach out to me if you would be interested in this opportunity.