Evoke Counselling and Support Services

Evoke Counselling and Support Services The Discovery Project
Would you like to know more about yourself? Paint over, rewrite and renew. Evoke Counselling and Support Services: Rewrite. Repaint. Renew.

There are many reasons why we would seek Counselling your reason is valid so don't be afraid Jo will sit beside you and guide you along the way. At Evoke Counselling and Support Services, we don’t just provide support—we help people rewrite their narratives, repaint their emotional landscapes, and renew their sense of self. With compassion as our brush and insight as our canvas, we guide individua

ls through a journey of healing and rediscovery. Whether navigating grief, anxiety, life transitions, or identity, our approach is grounded in kindness, creativity, and genuine connection. We believe in the power of transformation—of turning pain into strength, confusion into clarity, and self-doubt into self-compassion. Through thoughtful counselling and expressive tools, we evoke hope, inspire growth, and celebrate every person’s potential to become the most vibrant version of themselves. Evoke Counselling and Wellness: Jo brings an abundance of lived experience, transferable skills, and contemporary knowledge in assessing care needs. Allowing me to blend my counselling knowledge with lived experiences to transition clients toward recovery, independent living, and re-integration into their community creating real social change. No need to set up a health plan, we can get you started today. Just message to book in.

BLOG *THAILAND /CHIANGMAI*Day 2I woke up to squirrels on the roof, the rustling of geckos and insects humming. I gave ou...
05/09/2025

BLOG
*THAILAND /CHIANGMAI*

Day 2
I woke up to squirrels on the roof, the rustling of geckos and insects humming.
I gave our resident dog Sunny a good morning pat and watched the sun brighten up the day. A cup of earl grey tea in hand I noticed it had rained over night. I felt a few stingy bites by mosquitos and ventured back inside to finish my writing.
Today was just devine Kim was more settled. We had all slept well and so we decided to head to the shops and get a massage.
The massage was just what Kim needed, and she was extremely grateful, she had a lovely masseuse who took her time not to hurt her. ( neurodiverse women can be hypermobile and have issues with the connective tissue around joints) . She had transitioned from fight or flight into having the time of her life. Jacob suggested lunch out after the massages Kim was a yes without hesitation and it did not disappoint! Stunning place with beautiful scenery and little ponds of guppies. Beautifully manicured gardens. Lovely food and service.
After lunch we did our food shopping and retreated for a few hours of rest. Greeted by the resident doggy Sunny who at times had cheekily taken a shoe with total personality and dropped it somewhere we could not find.
This night we decided to go to dinner Jacob has been clever at choosing venues and places to visit so Kim and I have trusted his choice along the way. The place was incredible it had an extensive garden which we likened to a fairy garden, toadstools, mushrooms, moss, lichen, and a waterfall that lead to ponds with koi and of course delicious food. We chose a selection to share the flavours were light and spicy with a good balance of ginger, lime, garlic, and chilli. Whole sole cooked in lemonade, beef steak with a chilli dressing and Tom yum seafood soup which included fish prawns and nz green lipped mussels. A choice of cured meats with a jalapeño chutney which we kept on trying to find on our travels. It all melted in the mouth. We were all blown away. It was a magical night with stunning conversation and stunning end to the day.

BLOG Thailand ChiangmaiDay OnePart 2We are in Ban Waen province, a small community in Chiang Mai. The host visited to ta...
05/09/2025

BLOG
Thailand Chiangmai
Day One
Part 2
We are in Ban Waen province, a small community in Chiang Mai. The host visited to take our Id’s and give us some much-needed local knowledge. She mentioned a market close by on Wednesday evenings that has produce, clothing and cooked offerings. After chatting Kim and
I had ventured outside the home to see what was growing around the house. Kim is very knowledgeable on the fauna. It is a beautiful way for us to connect. Our wanderings bring us closer sharing my limited knowledge as she lists the names and what would be native or not within an area. There were beautiful blue and white lotus plants in open clay dishes of
water and hibiscus flowers. Massive frangipani trees, mango trees and other trees. Muddy clumpy grass with a broad leaf is what we were walking on.
We gathered ourselves and decided to journey to the market for a meal and look around.
What a place Thailand is, it’s remarkable. As we wind our way through the narrow lane ways we can see the culture. Cows tethered to the side roads, some people with helmets and others risking their lives with children in tow on mopeds. Relaxed and without our western controls. There’s primitive electrical wiring hanging suspended from bamboo poles all
twisted and looking dangerous. ( not unlike the type I’ve seen in Bali. ) It does bring power to the neighbourhood as much as it scares our western minds to see.
Kim was terrified I could tell. She was afraid, the Market was compact and full of people. She couldn’t make choices and didn’t know what to eat. I said nothing and just observed "socks for the kids Jacob said” she replied ok. It was a lot and we were done, it really was the end of a very long 24 hours. I asked Kim what she needed to do and she said can we eat at
the house and so we took our food back to the airbnb. We all chose different things and shared our meals with each other.


BLOGChiang Mai, ThailandDay One Part 1 On our first day, Kim shared her thoughts about her travel experience so far. S...
02/09/2025

BLOG
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Day One
Part 1
On our first day, Kim shared her thoughts about her travel experience so far. She said, “When we first sat on the plane before take-off, they asked us to count the seats to the exit, and that was scary. I thought I was going to die. I couldn't focus on counting the seats; I just wanted to get to the exit because counting felt like preparing to jump off the plane. With a mask and a life vest that I didn't want to put on, I was convinced I was going to die. I wanted to see Jacob, but it felt like I was risking everything. Then the landing gear dropped down. Do other people care about the wheels coming down on the plane? The roar of the engines and all the noises—I could feel and hear the pilot flying the plane. Travelling to other parts of the world is terrifying, all just to reach our destination.”
Her words helped me understand her perspective. The neurodivergent brain can be so overstimulated that thoughts become complicated, making it difficult for the person to grasp what is real. Not only is Kim navigating her own concerns about her family and whether they have everything they need. Thinking does she have everything she needs but she’s also anxious about the various noises that heighten her fear. Leaving her unable to reason with herself or reassure herself that she’ll be okay, especially when she has no clear sense of her place in the world at the time. Scientifically, she has been learning to tell herself that all these procedures need to happen for the flight to be successful, but that knowledge doesn’t quell her thoughts: “I’m going to die, and my kids will grow up without their mum. I’m so selfish.”
We are staying for ten days to spend time with Jacob and to give Kim a much-needed holiday and break from her life back in Australia. I allowed them some time to reconnect while I unpacked a few things. I admired the home we were staying in; it is an earth home with three huts sealed within a mud brick exterior and a bamboo latticed roof with sarking. It’s a beautiful home, earthy and stunningly picturesque. I am in awe and feel the weight of privilege to be here. I am grateful to Jacob for booking this Airbnb and for coming up with the idea to give his mum the opportunity to do something she may have once deemed impossible.

**Blog Thailand Chiangmai**THE PLANNING PART 4 She was relieved that they swabbed my bag at customs and not hers. The pr...
28/08/2025

**Blog Thailand Chiangmai**
THE PLANNING PART 4

She was relieved that they swabbed my bag at customs and not hers. The process was straightforward, and Kim had been through these checks on domestic flights before, so she was aware of what to expect and not too bothered by it.

We found a space to sit, enjoyed a cup of tea, and bought some water. With the help of the occupational therapist and my preparation we came up with some excellent ideas about what to pack. What Kim might need to navigate the upcoming transitions. I’ve always believed that food, water, and medications are key to having a successful day. We had covered these essentials; although Kim’s appetite had declined in the week leading up to the trip, she was aware of the need to eat and made an effort, even when she didn't feel like it.

When we touched down in Singapore, the sun was starting to rise during our layover, and I noticed a glimmer of light in her eyes; she felt a little safer. We had survived the first flight and layover, and now we were nearly there—just one more short flight to Chiang Mai, and we would be done.

Landing at the Thai airport was again a breeze. The official was lovely, and after fingerprinting us, she smiled and said, “Enjoy your stay.” We made it!

Jacob appeared, with his gorgeous smile, and wrapped his arms around his beautiful mum. There were a few tears of joy, and then off we went on an adventure of a lifetime for Kim—an opportunity for her to experience the world.

The trip was to become a spiritual journey also with prayers and glimpses that God was with us.

BLOG Thailand ChiangmaiTHE PLANNING PART 3When I picked Kim up on the day we were set to fly out, I could sense that she...
24/08/2025

BLOG
Thailand Chiangmai

THE PLANNING
PART 3
When I picked Kim up on the day we were set to fly out, I could sense that she was
frightened. I asked her how she was doing, and she replied, "I’m fine." However, she
mentioned that she had a bit of a meltdown last night. She realised she hadn’t taken her medication, but after she did, she felt fine again. She also mentioned that she was bleeding on her forehead because she had hurt herself, but assured me she was okay now. I said, "Okay, let’s take a moment to breathe and look around." The area where she lived was beautiful and very quiet. As we looked at the horses and said our goodbyes, it felt very calm.
To support Kim, I encourage a different way to respond and to view her feelings. It’s important to acknowledge those feelings, accept them, and then move on without dwelling on the negativity—similar to walking away from it. She was a bit elevated emotionally, so I allowed
her to talk. She rambled about various things, which helped ease her tension.
We had a very smooth transition during bag drop because I had automatically checked us in online. There were no interactions with others—just Kim and me. We had arrived early, which was a bonus, and the atmosphere was quite peaceful.

Points to consider helping a participant/client do things differently by not reacting to events. Arriving early to the airport.
Playing with hair and braiding has been a distraction. Head phones noise cancelling are a must. Having everything she believes she needs in the carry on was reassuring.

BLOG... CHIANGMAI THAILANDTHE PLANNING Part 2 Before leaving, Kim experienced moments of fight or flight. She had tried ...
20/08/2025

BLOG...
CHIANGMAI THAILAND
THE PLANNING Part 2

Before leaving, Kim experienced moments of fight or flight. She had tried certain medications to manage her anxiety, as well as to cope with the overwhelming feelings she felt about getting on a plane. She described her emotional state as “feeling like I was going to die.” The guilt of leaving her family made her feel very confused. The week before we left, she even considered backing out. I could sense that she was frightened, frustrated, and unsure of what to do.
So, I encouraged her to start packing.
(Stock images online free content)

BLOG THAILAND CHIANG MAI PART 1 The Planning ...The weeks leading up to our trip, Kim had sessions with her OT to help h...
17/08/2025

BLOG

THAILAND CHIANG MAI
PART 1
The Planning ...
The weeks leading up to our trip, Kim had sessions with her OT to help her with travel. OT has been incredibly beneficial for Kim over the last couple of years, significantly increasing her capacity. I was there as a witness for her and to reinforce the idea of planning and guiding the development so she could regulate her emotions. We discussed how she might feel, what would help her mitigate any feelings that could trip her up in a public setting. She trialled remedies and relaxation meditation techniques, introducing new ones and visiting old, tried ones.
In the planning, I took responsibility for organising logistics flights and finances. There were family to consider Kim’s family of five needed support. Support workers for the children who have NDIS plans. Schooling them up to cook meals over the 10 days she was to be away. So, Kim’s partner could still put in work hours. Kim and I have a strong, trusting relationship, and having both worked hard to develop it is rare. My professional relationship with Kim is as a Mental health support worker. I have not counselled her, but I do use counselling techniques; she does have a stunning psychologist.

This first part of the blog is to describe the supports we have put in place over the past 3-4 years I have been with Kim. Please comment and discuss your thoughts. The blog has been accepted by Kim and her son Jacob we have changed names to protect privacy. I hope you all enjoy this valuable piece of writing; I apologise in advance for grammatical errors and any style issues. Take it for what it is.

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Posture Form Adjustable Pillows This travel pillow has been the best investment for my travel. Fits in your bag and is ...
15/08/2025

Posture Form Adjustable Pillows
This travel pillow has been the best investment for my travel. Fits in your bag and is the right height for comfortable sleep.

BLOG on the way …. Thailand , Chiang mai… Watch this space as my client and I journey through Thailand. Names and some p...
11/08/2025

BLOG on the way ….
Thailand , Chiang mai…

Watch this space as my client and I journey through Thailand. Names and some places will be renamed to protect privacy.

04/08/2025

The Gold Coast’s top cop has praised the work of a northern Gold Coast group achieving stunning results rescuing young people from a life of crime.
STORY ▶️ https://bit.ly/3V22bWx

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Pilates 101 Jo has worked in the Fitness Industry since 2008 and brings her expertise as a Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer having run Marathons and Half Marathons from the age of 20 giving her over 20 yrs experience with nutrition and goal planning. She will enable you to meet the goal you have in mind right to the end. Combining these core components is what Jo is passionate about. From the moment of your desire to exercise to the moment when you have reached a goal. Right down to those with injuries Jo will meet you where you are and take you beyond where you would like to go. Pilates; Breath, Core Control,Flexibility, Spine mobility. You will feel uplifted taller and a general feeling of well being. With fluid, controlled movements in succession your body will transform. PILATES, HIIT AND YOGA All levels shapes varieties and most importantly it is about you.