Compassionate Counselling for Deep Healing
Pregnancy, Birth, Trauma & Sexuality – A Holistic, Transpersonal Approach
Healing Begins with Connection
Reaching out for help and sharing your story is an act of vulnerability. It takes courage to take that first step.
When we prioritise our own healing, it ripples outward, benefiting our children, families, and communities.
I believe that we are the true experts in our own lives. Navigating through life’s challenges is most effective when we feel safe, non-judged, and truly heard.
When we seek support, we want to connect with someone who understands and sees us as a whole person—someone who doesn’t just focus on symptoms but honors our unique journey.
What to expect in a counselling session
- Meeting you "wherever you're at" in your life journey;
- Non-judgemental, warm, respectful approach;
- Respect for your sexuality and gender identity;
- Respect for your beliefs, values and spiritual/religious background;
- Trauma-informed and intersectional feminist framework;
- Working with you as a whole person;
- Creative and somatic (body-based) ways of healing and reconnecting with the body;
- Respect for your confidentiality and privacy;
- Support to access resources in the community;
- Support to build your own coping skills and solutions.
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
- Anxiety and depression;
- Perinatal mental health concerns;
- Parenting;
- Traumatic pregnancy / birth / postnatal experience;
- Healing after sexual violence (childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, domestic violence);
- Complex trauma (childhood abuse, neglect, attachment issues);
- Sexuality and intimacy;
- Fertility issues;
- Grief and loss;
- Relationship issues;
- Life transitions (particularly menstruation, birth, menopause);
- Spirituality, spiritual development, spiritual ‘awakenings’;
- Altered states of consciousness;
- Preparation and integration of psychedelic medicines;
- Embodiment and somatic approaches to healing;
- Mindfulness, meditation, yoga and shamanic practices.
Counselling is about supporting you ‘wherever you’re at’ right now
There are many reasons why we can face mental health challenges. Trauma-informed counselling can help address some of these common symptoms and experiences, including:
- Feeling lost or struggling to find meaning;
- Feeling anxious;
- Feeling sad / depressed;
- Feeling stressed / overwhelmed;
- Having sleep issues;
- Feeling like you’re not coping with day to day living;
- Struggling in your relationship with your partner/husband/wife;
- Trauma related symptoms such as, nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, angry outbursts, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, addictions, loss of identity, low self worth, feeling disconnected from your body, loss of memory, dissociation etc.
The Silent Struggle of New Parents: You Deserve Support
Stress is a harsh reality for many new parents. Research shows that 1 in 5 mothers experience depression during pregnancy or within the first two years postpartum. Even more concerning, suicide remains one of the leading causes of maternal death in Australia.
When it comes to birth trauma, statistics vary—while it’s often cited that 1 in 3 women experience their birth as traumatic, some studies suggest that up to 45.5% of people giving birth in Australia report childbearing as a traumatic experience.
But birth itself is not inherently traumatic.
Rather, the way our society, maternity care systems, and support structures treat new parents often fails them. Too many gaps exist in maternal healthcare, leaving the mental health and well-being of parents—especially mothers—at risk. These struggles don’t just affect individuals; they ripple through families, relationships, and entire communities.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You deserve care, too.
If you’re struggling, support is available. You are not alone.
Pregnancy & Postnatal Counselling
Counselling sessions are aimed at supporting you ‘wherever you’re at’ with your current pregnancy or mothering journey.
You might be feeling:
- Anxious, sad, worried or fearful;
- Trying to make sense of a challenging, difficult or traumatic birth experience;
- Stressed, overwhelmed, tired, like you’re not coping with day to day living;
- Finding it hard to adjust to mothering, or have little family support;
- Struggling in your relationship with your partner/husband;
- Finding it difficult to connect and bond with your baby;
- Experiencing fertility issues, IVF or pregnancy loss;
- Thinking about all your options regarding your pregnancy, including continuing the pregnancy, termination or adoption.
Availability & Fees
- I offer a brief phone consultation to discuss support options at no cost, and so we can both feel if it's a good fit to work together
- I offer extended counselling sessions, up to 75 minutes, and the fees are $220
- IN-PERSON - Friday at It Takes A Village Midwifery Centre, Kenmore, Brisbane
- PHONE or VIDEO sessions available - Fridays (limited after hours sessions)
- SLIDING SCALE - Reduced fee option for those with financial barriers and/or BIPOC are welcome to ask about this option (Phone or video sessions only)
- Medicare rebates available for sessions when you are referred by your GP with a Mental Health Care Plan. Please contact via email if you need any support getting a referral.
- Victim Assist and NDIS funding options
Counselling Appointments
Book your session or a free initial call
Anne Castles, BSocWk
ABN: 72 648 150 387
Medicare Provider Number: 494 282 3X
AASW Member Number: 439847
I pay my respects to the Turrbal and Jagera people, the First Peoples with an ongoing connection to the land I create and offer my work from in Meanjin (Brisbane). Always was, Always will be Aboriginal Land.
info@annecastles.com.au