Hi, my name is Nicole. I’m a proud Gomeroi woman, raised on Awabakal Country, with over 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and a lifelong commitment to caring for others. My background in aged care, palliative care, emergency nursing, and nurse management has given me the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families during some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives. Now, as a qualified counsellor, I bring this wealth of experience into a compassionate and culturally safe space where healing, growth, and resilience can flourish. My counselling practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural respect, and a belief in your capacity to heal. Whether you're navigating the emotional impact of disability, living with chronic illness, processing grief, or adjusting to major life changes, I’m here to support you with empathy and honesty. I offer a non-judgemental environment where your story is heard and valued, and where you can feel safe exploring the barriers that may be holding you back. My Focus Areas Include: • Disability and chronic illness support • Trauma and recovery • Grief and bereavement • Life transitions and adjustment • Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm • Support for carers and families I understand that every person’s experience is unique. That’s why my approach is client-centred, strengths-based, and collaborative—empowering you to take the lead in your healing journey, while I walk alongside you with care and respect. I hold a Diploma of Counselling, a Nursing degree from Newcastle University, and I am a Registered Practitioner with AHPRA. I am also a qualified Trainer and Assessor and the author of two community learning textbooks published by McGraw Hill (one specifically about disability), reflecting my commitment to lifelong learning and sharing knowledge. Above all, I am here to provide a space where you feel truly seen and supported. You are not alone. Together, we can work toward greater emotional well-being, self-understanding, and strength.

Why the Spoony community matters to me

The Spoony community is important to me because it reminds us of what really matters—connection, dignity, voice, and choice. The diverse and disability communities matter deeply to me because they hold wisdom, resilience, and stories that enrich us all. Yet, these communities continue to face systemic barriers, discrimination, and exclusion. My work has always been about breaking down those barriers and creating spaces where dignity, equity, and self-determination are honoured. For me, this is more than professional. It is personal. As an Aboriginal woman, I understand what it means to live in a world that doesn’t always see you, or that sees you through a narrow, limiting lens. I’ve seen how ableism, racism, and socio-economic inequality intersect to create compounding disadvantages. But I’ve also seen the strength, creativity, and community that rise up in response. I feel deeply privileged to walk alongside these communities as a counsellor and advocate, offering support that is grounded in compassion, cultural safety, and genuine respect.

Qualifications

Certificate of Clinical Hypnosis The Institute of Applied Psychology Current Diploma of Counselling Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors 2024 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110) IPS Institute 2011 Post Graduate Certificate Gerontology Hunter Health 1992 Diploma of Applied Science-Nursing (Bachelor of Nursing equivalent) Newcastle University 1991