My name is Nicole Dawson, and I am a proud Gomeroi woman who was raised on Awabakal country. As a Registered Nurse with over thirty years of experience, I have worked in many roles that support people, including aged care, palliative care, nurse management and emergency nursing. My experience as a Registered Nurse has provided me many opportunities to connect with people at times when they are experiencing difficulties and hardships in their lives.

I have learned that one of the biggest challenges for many people is loss and change. Grief is a natural yet sometimes debilitating response to loss, and loss can involve more than the death of a loved one. Loss might look like the end of a relationship, adjusting to retirement after working for many years, loss of independence when moving into residential care or loss of future potential due to the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. Loss and change in life can leave a person confused, distressed and anxious.

It is important to me that people are supported through life transitions with empathy, and a non-judgemental approach. Sometimes we need to sit with someone in a safe space and unpack the pain and discomfort that holds us back from living our best lives. Supporting your autonomy and placing you in control is the foundation of my counselling approach.

Apart from my Diploma of Counselling, I also have a nursing degree from Newcastle University, and I am a qualified Trainer and Assessor, and the published author of two textbooks for McGraw Hill Publishing.

I look forward to supporting you in your relationship with anxiety, grief and life transitions.

I’m available for appointments on Thursdays day time and Friday morning.