Hi, I'm Kate!

I'm passionate about working with women who feel drained and emotionally overwhelmed because, well, I've been there. I know how tough it can be, but I also know there's a way through it. Our experiences might be unique, but we're all on the same journey.

One thing we share is our tendency to tackle life head-on, giving it our all. We push ourselves, put in the effort, and keep moving forward. It might work for a while, and we might even see some exciting things happen, but deep down, we know it's not sustainable. Eventually, we hit a wall and feel like we've got nothing left. Then someone tells us to "take care of ourselves," and it feels like an impossible task. Self-care becomes just another thing on our never-ending to-do list, and we feel guilty for even thinking about it.

Let me share my story with you. There was a time when I ended up bedridden for a whole year because I ignored the signals my body had been sending for so long. I kept pushing through the exhaustion until it became impossible to ignore. I had to take a hard look at where I was, surrender to my healing journey, and make some serious changes in my life. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary, and I did it overtime with a support team.

Long story short, my own journey led me to a passion for helping other women navigate their own paths through burnout. I picked myself up, went through my own healing process, got qualifications in counselling, yoga, and all things nervous system and the vagus nerve and then started helping other women who were on the brink of burnout and needed a change.

My journey as a therapist began in 2013 when I completed my Family Therapy training in Melbourne. I started working with women dealing with burnout, trauma, and chronic illness. I responded to the health crisis I saw in many women's lives by creating a women's restoration yoga program to support those facing burnout and chronic fatigue. I was also invited to work with women and children in women's shelters, where I designed therapeutic programs in yoga, gardening, and cooking. I found it incredibly rewarding.

The combination of therapy and yoga has been invaluable in supporting people through physical health challenges and mental and emotional distress. This led me to pursue further studies in mental health counselling, undergo Mental Health Aware Yoga training, complex trauma, somatic therapies, and understand deeply the Polyvagal theory in therapy. These practices and learnings have deepened my own exploration and self-inquiry, unlocking profound transformations in the human psyche.

Getting to where I am now, holding a therapeutic safe space for others experiencing emotional and mental distress, involved a lot of study, personal healing, working with mentors and guidance from experienced professionals. There's always more to learn about ourselves and the therapeutic space I provide for others. It's an honour to witness and validate individuals with compassion, acknowledging all they've experienced and overcome.

I'm excited to share a restorative approach to living authentically and well. Here are some of the ways I love to support women on their healing journeys:

- counselling and somatic therapy

- yoga therapy

- women's circles

- women's restoration yoga

My work is gentle, nourishing, and supportive, as healing only occurs within a safety.

When I'm not doing what I love—supporting women in my private practice—you'll find me pottering in my veggie garden or connecting with nature. I enjoy exploring walking trails, practicing yoga, delving into self-care that deeply nourishes me, and spending time with family & friends. I deeply appreciate the abundant blessings life has to offer, and there's always something to be grateful for!

Hello there! I'm Kate, and I'm delighted that you've found your way to my website. I'd like to take a moment to share a glimpse into my life's journey and how I've reached this point.

During my twenties, I embarked on extensive travels around the world, seeking spirituality, exploring various healing modalities, yoga and mediation paths, and connecting with inspiring spiritual teachers. I also immersed myself in nature, hiking and trekking through trails and mountains. These experiences of self-discovery shaped my purpose and values, which continue to guide me as I transitioned into my thirties and now my forties.

Amidst this incredible journey, one adventure stands out as a life-changing chapter that touched the depths of my being. A remarkable turning point was my Kokoda Track expedition, where I joined a spirited group of 20 women for an unforgettable journey through the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea. Beyond the physical challenges and breathtaking landscapes, this trek became a metaphor for my own inner exploration. As we navigated the historic trail, I found myself not only learning about the courageous history of the region but also delving into the uncharted territories of my own emotions and spirit. Each step on the path mirrored the steps I was taking in understanding myself. The connection to stillness and spirit deepened, offering me a renewed perspective on my life's journey and a deeper trust in my unfolding path.

Before entering the field of counselling, I dedicated my twenties to Corporate Administration. As my thirties unfolded, I found immense fulfillment working as a teacher's aide (SSO) in the Education Department. Providing invaluable one-on-one support to students with autism, learning difficulties, and childhood trauma was an incredibly rewarding experience that fueled my desire to further my studies and work with children.

For the past nine years, I've fully immersed myself in the field of counselling, pursuing various qualifications and expanding my knowledge. I completed a Post Grad in Family Therapy and obtained diplomas in Counselling and Mental Health. Additionally, I've delved into areas such as Family Constellations, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Grief & Loss - Existential Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Breathwork through ongoing studies.

In tandem with my counselling practice, I've been teaching yoga for the past 15 years. I've designed transformative women's yoga classes and mentoring programs, had the privilege of teaching on yoga trainings, and developed my own Women's Yoga teacher training program. I've also facilitated women's circles and created therapeutic gardening, cooking, and yoga groups for women and children in a women's shelter. These diverse experiences have added depth and richness to my journey.

Over the past five years, I've had the honour of working with two significant Mental Health Organisations in Adelaide. In the last 18 months, I've found a new counselling role that aligns with my values, providing an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community. In the last two years, I've also been running my own practice, with a specific focus on supporting women facing chronic fatigue, burnout, and depletion. This mission is deeply personal to me, as I personally experienced a health crisis in my early 30s—a collective health crisis that resonates with many women.

I've also had the incredible opportunity to extend a compassionate voice through my work on the Mental Health Telephone Support Line (LETSS). Offering comfort and guidance to individuals grappling with mental, emotional, and suicidal distress, as well as their carers, family, and friends, has left an indelible mark on my heart. Witnessing the resilience and strength in those I spoke with has left me in awe of the human spirit, continuously seeking its place of belonging in this world. It's been an immense privilege to provide support during their most challenging times of emotional and suicidal distress.

For the past six years, I've also experienced the joy of facilitating a social skills program for children and teenagers with autism. This program has fostered a supportive community and connection for both the young participants (aged 6 to 14 years) and their families. Contributing to their growth and well-being has been exceptionally rewarding.

My love for humanity, passion for learning, and zest for exploring all that life has to offer is what drives me. Helping people and creating a meaningful difference in their lives is at the core of my being. 

In addition to these endeavors, I embraced a long-standing desire from my bucket list—Latin Dancing. Engaging in this expressive art form became a source of immense joy for me. Among the various dance styles, Brazilian Zouk dance in particular ignited a profound sense of delight that reverberated throughout my being. For six transformative years, the rhythm and movement of latin dancing provided not only a creative outlet but also a powerful stress release. This dance was more than just a hobby; it was a passionate connection to my inner self and a reminder that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.

Furthermore, the ongoing evolution of my journey has led me into the world of Human Design. This intricate system provided insights into my strengths, challenges, and the optimal ways to navigate life's twists and turns. As I delved deeper into this wisdom and my own human design, I realised the incredible potential it held not only for my personal growth but also for the expansion of my mentoring endeavors. To fully embrace this transformative knowledge, I am currently engaged in working with a Human Design coach, fine-tuning my understanding of my 'Projector' profile and honouring what allows me to 'do me' authentically. This enhanced insight is destined to broaden my capacity to guide others in their own exploration of Human Design and self-discovery. As I prepare to step into this new chapter, I am filled with excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead and the meaningful impact that this knowledge will have on the lives of those I have the privilege to support.

I absolutely love this quote: "This is the place where you are right now, God circled on a map for you." - Hafiz. Our lives follow a natural course. Embracing this reality enables you to have faith that your current location is precisely where you are meant to be, fostering opportunities for learning and growth.

Inspiring Paths and Endless Possibilities with love,

Kate X

My journey with burnout and chronic exhaustion spanned 15 years of ceaseless busyness. Driven by a constant need to achieve and a relentless commitment to my corporate profession, I wore the masks of the 'good girl' and 'people pleaser.' I pushed myself beyond my limits, both personally and professionally, while neglecting my natural flow of energy and body. The crash of chronic fatigue forced me to face the raw and painful reality of my situation. I had been living on adrenaline, and it became clear that something needed to change. I had to create space in my life for healing, reflection, and simply being.

Perhaps you can relate to this struggle. Is it difficult for you to pause, recognise that you can't continue like this, and accept the need for change? Do you find yourself over-accommodating or self-sacrificing in the pursuit of acceptance, love, or approval? Does neglecting your basic needs during your childhood leave a void within you? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be liked for who you truly are, without contorting yourself to please others?

My healing journey from adrenal fatigue, burnout, and chronic exhaustion has been a transformative gift. It gave me permission to rest and invite support into my life. During this period of rest, I confronted the neglected feelings and needs that I had carried since a young age. It allowed me to lay to rest the drive behind my perpetual busyness and people-pleasing tendencies.

Reaching out for support and allowing a counsellor to walk alongside me was a pivotal moment in my healing journey. Having someone who understood my story and experiences made all the difference. Restorative yoga, regular blood testing, and proper nutrition also played crucial roles in my recovery. As I embraced a nourishing space of counseling and yoga each month, I felt my energy, strength, and vitality returning.

Embarking on a significant healing journey and navigating life-altering circumstances requires courage to face oneself and accept support from others. It involves releasing and grieving, healing, and moving forward, even if it doesn't align with our initial desires. Ultimately, it's about becoming the human beings we have the potential to be—loving, honest, empowered, and authentic.

My burnout and chronic exhaustion recovery journey became a guide to awakening my true nature and identity. Beneath the layers of societal expectations and masks, such as the 'good girl' and people-pleaser, lies the need to unravel the underlying trauma. With the guidance of a skilled counselor and our willingness to let go, we discover our authentic selves and begin living in alignment with our values and internal rhythms.

For me, this journey involved peeling back layers of masks and emotional patterns, reclaiming my authentic self over the past 15 years. And now, I extend this invitation to you—to return home to yourself and ignite your inner radiance. As you embark on this authentic path, it truly becomes easier.

This life-changing and challenging journey during my early 30's has brought me to a place of deep respect and honor for my humanity, natural rhythms, and flow of energy as a woman. It means living in harmony with the cycles of nature and recognising the importance of self-care.

Further along my life path in my own career through my late 30s and early 40s, I found myself face-to-face with burnout again. But this time, it wasn't just the regular stress of work; it was something deeper, something systemic. Picture this: you're working hard, trying to do your best, but the (workplace) system itself seems to be working against you.

In my last job, it felt like I was constantly battling against impossible targets and deadlines set by management. No matter how hard I pushed myself, demonstrated initiative, and undertook professional development, there was always this nagging feeling that I was falling short. And to make matters worse, there was this culture of competition that poisoned the atmosphere. Instead of supporting each other, we were pitted against one another, like we were on different teams.

But perhaps the worst part was the feeling of being gaslit – made to doubt my own experience and instincts. It's incredibly disorienting when you're told everything's fine, but you can see the cracks forming everywhere.

Eventually, it got to the point where it felt like I was running on empty, both physically and emotionally. And I wasn't alone. My colleagues were feeling it too. It was like a collective sigh of exhaustion permeating the office.

What I learned from all of this is that burnout isn't just an individual problem – it's a symptom of a larger issue within many organisations. It's about the way decisions are made, the culture that's fostered, and the values that are prioritised. 

To truly address burnout, it's going to take more than just self-care and well-being workshops held within organisations as 'band-aids'; it requires a fundamental shift in how we approach work – one that prioritises people over profits, collaboration over competition, and well-being over deadlines and KPIs. It's a tall order, no doubt. But if we want to create workplaces where people can thrive, it's a challenge we can't afford to ignore.

May my story inspire you to embrace support in your own life and realise that it's about being everything to your beautiful self, living authentically based on your values and the well-being of your integrity.

To read more about my healing and recovery journey from burnout you’re welcome to download my e-book [on-line products coming soon]. I will also be making available to purchase a book called 'A Pathway to Wellness' where I was invited to contribute and write a chapter, and share my healing journey from chronic fatigue.   Please feel free to touch base with me. I would love to hear your story and offer guidance for your healing journey.

For now, you may like to grab a cuppa and enjoy this relaxing conversation within a podcast with myself and Lorene chatting about our experiences with burnout, life, what we would say to our 20 year old self, and restorative practices to nourish our inner wellbeing ~ https://youtu.be/mb8GNQXjIN8

May you find the joy in living well and being true to you.

With warmth, 

Kate X