Salutations

Hi All,

My name is Sammi, I'm mama to two year old Bodhi and live on the North Coast of NSW. I'm a counsellor specialising in birth issues, and a freelance writer.

Looking forward to engaging in some vibrant discussion

Hi

Hi and Welcome Sammi... I know I need you a birthing cousellor... Welcome to the forum...

HELLOOOOO THERE!!!

Angie she's just what you're looking for!!! pm her NOW!!!

LOL Nut let her get to know me a bit better first please ...

Nut is a pushy pushy person isnt she

Hi Sammi, welcome to the forum.

Is your work focused on one area ie. birth trauma, beliefs about birth etc or do you cover a range of areas?

Another one interested here too! What are your qualifications Sammi (if you dont mind my asking)? Where did you study?

Thanks all for your replies and interest

To give a brief run down, I counsel people with all issues from preconception to early parenting (and do general counselling too). My special area of interest is traumatic birthing experiences. However, having said that, it's difficult to limit myself as a counsellor to birth issues only- because of course, birth and mothering happens in contexts- such as how you feel about yourself, your past experiences, your relationships, and so on.

I aim to assist you in exploring the wholeness of your childbearing experience, from pre-conception through to early parenting. I help you understand your emotional and social experiences, and find meaning within your experiences, as well as helping resolve pain or trauma, and engaging deeper with yourself as a mother (or appropriate), and as an individual.

The issues I suggest as potential areas for counselling include:

Traumatic birthing experiences
Birth Debriefing
Resolving Issues Prior to Conception
Preconception, conception and pregnancy
Miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion
Birth Choices
Adjusting to Parenthood
Parenting with Connection and Bond
Relationship Changes

I work with mothers, as well as fathers, extended support networks and birth workers such as doulas and midwives.

In terms of qualifications, I'm a fully insured, accredited and qualified member of the Australian Counselling Association, meaning I have met standards of study and experience with clients to be classed as a qualified counsellor, as well as holding appropriate insurance and abiding with a code of conduct.

I have an Advanced Diploma of Applied Social Science majoring in counselling, and this year will be finishing off the final couple of modules for my Bachelor of Social Science majoring in counselling, through the Australian College of Applied Psychology. I have two years experience working with women who have experienced traumatic birthing (and personal experience of a traumatic birth myself); as well as six months in private practice; and experience working with and counselling families in alternative education systems, adolescents and in early childhood.

I am based in Bellingen in NSW, but I also do phone consultations. If you would like more information PM me, or you can also visit www.birthstoriescounselling.com.au to get some more information.

Sorry this has turned into a bit of a marketing speil!