Childless not-by-choice

For many people, the choice not to have children is made consciously and happily. But some of us grieve for children we expected and longed for but didn't have -- whether due to infertility, not finding the right partner or other reasons.

We may hide our sadness and pain, with no social ritual to mourn the loss of not having a child. People around us may not know how to talk to us about it. So they don't mention it at all. This can make us feel hurt and ignored.

We may grieve missing out on being a parent -- a powerful and revered cultural identity. Our grief may be constantly reactivated as friends, family and colleagues with children mark the many milestones of parenthood. We could even experience stigmatism socially, such as being excluded from child-centred events, or expected to work during family-focused holidays.

I provide a safe, compassionate place to talk about, feel and grieve these losses. I will walk beside you as you find other ways of fulfilling the need to nurture and care, and help you rediscover purpose, meaning and joy.

Alcohol and drug issues

If alcohol and drugs are costing you more than money, counselling could help.

I have lived experience in recovering from a substance use disorder and supporting others in their recovery. I belong to a peer group of mental health professionals who specialise in alcohol and other drugs (AOD) work.

While I have my own story in this area, I know that what worked for me may not be for you.

What treatment approach can work best for you

What your triggers are and how to manage them

How to better deal with stress

When you're affected by someone else's drug use

Text

You didn’t come this far to stop

Perimenopause and menopause

Menopause and the years leading up to it, perimenopause, bring a range of physical, mental and emotional changes. Mid-life is also a time of significant life events and stresses, such as caring for ageing parents, supporting children or other family members, career and work changes and relationship issues. It can bring up 'unfinished business' such as hurts we haven't processed -- or dreams we're yet to realise.

Studies suggest that women in perimenopause may be more vulnerable to depression, while post-menopausal women may be more prone to anxiety (Fenton & Panay, 2010). Previous mental health issues may resurge during perimenopause or menopause (Mullhall et al., 2018).

I can work with you to help you:

• manage anxiety and depression

• reduce stress and improve self-care

• better advocate for yourself to get the care you need

• work through grief, anger or other unfinished business

• set new life goals and work towards achieving them.

Fenton, A., & Panay, N. (2010). Estrogen and mental illness - a new frontier. Climacteric : The Journal of the International Menopause Society, 13(2), 101–102. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697131003676342

Mulhall, S., Andel, R., & Anstey, K. J. (2018). Variation in symptoms of depression and anxiety in midlife women by menopausal status. Maturitas, 108, 7–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.11.005

Email: louisemccabecounsellor@protonmail.com

Ph: 0478 058 793