On The Couch Counselling

08/05/2026

“I couldn’t survive losing my baby.”

I used to say that too.

Then it happened.

And the cruelest part?
You do survive it.

You wake up the next morning.
Your heart still beats.
People still expect you to answer texts and fold laundry and continue existing like your world didn’t just split in half.

That’s what nobody prepares you for.

Not just the loss itself…
but the fact life keeps moving after it.

You survive,
but you are never the same version of yourself again.

08/05/2026

Stalking and monitoring involves repeated, unwanted contact or behaviours that track where you are or what you’re doing. These actions are designed to intimidate, frighten or control you.

You can learn more about stalking and monitoring behaviours and how to get support here: https://1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/stalking

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, 1800RESPECT is available for support, information and referrals.
📞 Call 1800 737 732
📱 Text 0458 737 732
💻 Visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services

(Image text: Stalking can look like persistent calls, texts, being followed, showing up uninvited, sending unwanted gifts or leaving notes on your car.)

08/05/2026

A new blog is up on Mother’s Day and the complexity it can hold. This one speaks to grief, estrangement, and the idea of being a “good enough” mother. You can read it here.

Why does Mother’s Day feel hard for some people. Mother’s Day can be difficult when there has been loss, estrangement, trauma, or complex relationships with a mother or child. The day can highlight what is missing, unresolved, or painful, especially when social expectations focus only on celebra...

04/05/2026

I’ve just shared a new blog exploring perceived control in family relationships, and how these patterns develop and play out over time. Control can take many forms, and at times can be linked to a need for safety rather than simply intention. If you’ve ever found yourself navigating ongoing tension in your family, this may offer a helpful perspective.

Making sense of difficult family dynamicsIn some families, there can be a sense that one person holds more control in relationships, or is experienced by others as critical, hard to please, or difficult to be around. At other times, it may not be as clear-cut, but there can still be recurring tensio...

03/05/2026

Today is International Bereaved Mothers Day.

A day that holds many different kinds of loss.

For the mother whose baby died.
For the woman carrying the quiet, ongoing grief of infertility.
For those living with childlessness not by choice.

These experiences are not the same, but they are often held in silence, minimised, or misunderstood.

Today is not about comparison. It is about recognition.

If this day touches something in you, you are not outside of this conversation. Your experience matters, even if it has gone unseen or unspoken.

If you feel able, you might take a moment to acknowledge your own story, or gently acknowledge someone else’s.

And if today feels heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone.

28/04/2026

Sometimes grief and trauma feel too heavy to carry alone. I offer a calm, compassionate space in Mandurah - and online - to sit with your story, learn gentle tools (including somatic techniques and relationship-focused support), and rebuild safety at your pace.

If you’re facing loss, reproductive or birth trauma, or relationship pain, you don’t have to do this by yourself. Contact or email me to ask about in-person, phone or online sessions.

You’re not alone. Take one gentle step today and let’s walk this path together.

Learn more and book a time: https://wix.to/4DraeDW

27/04/2026

This Mother’s Day, we invite you to slow down and create something lasting at the Mostyn & Frankie Mothers Day Pottery Workshop.

Guided by the talented Vanessa from Three Hearts Ceramics, you will spend the afternoon hand-building your own ceramic mug and plate. Whether you are a seasoned creator or have never touched clay, Vanessa’s gentle facilitation ensures you will leave with pieces you’ll cherish for years to come.

Enjoy a glass of champagne, an individual grazing platter, and a quiet moment with a tea or coffee. Every guest will also receive a small gift for Mum and a voucher to enjoy the store after the session.

Spaces are limited, book your spot today!

WHEN: 9 May | 3:30 - 6:00pm
WHERE: Mostyn & Frankie | 18 N Yunderup Rd, North Yunderup WA 6208
TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-pottery-workshop-tickets-1987807596030

27/04/2026

When your body feels overwhelmed, try this gentle grounding exercise with me. You can do it standing or sitting down. Place both feet flat on the floor and notice the weight through your soles. Breathe slowly for three counts in, three counts out. Scan for one part of your body that feels steady - rest your attention there for a few breaths. If it helps, soften your shoulders and feel the support beneath you. Repeat as needed until you feel calmer.

Somatic work like this can ease physical arousal, increase body awareness, and help you re-engage with relationships from a steadier place. I offer in-clinic sessions in Mandurah to explore these practices more deeply.

Learn more and book a session: https://wix.to/viY04vP

Have you tried grounding before? Share what helped for you. 🧡🌿

27/04/2026

Please join me in The Quiet Cradle Pregnancy Loss Grief Cafe private FB group for posts, discussions, events & support. Please share to anyone who may be interested and need this kind of contact. Thank you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/4523805774419725/

24/04/2026

This morning’s inaugural Pregnancy Loss Grief Café felt quietly meaningful. There was space for honesty, reflection, and the kind of conversation that so often goes unspoken. It was a privilege to hold that space and begin something that I hope will gently grow over time.

If this kind of space feels important, I’d be grateful if you might share this with someone who could benefit.

Thank you, Darrell.

21/12/2025

https://www.onthecouchcounselling.com.au/post/when-christmas-feels-joyful-again-and-why-that-s-ok

Why it’s ok to feel Joy at ChristmasFor many people who live alongside the death of someone they love, there’s an unspoken rule that grief should hurt - especially at Christmas - like there’s an expectation that grief should be front and centre of your life, forever. But…over time…somethin...