About Me

Hi, 

I'm Bernice, a tertiary qualified (Master of Applied Psychology) and registered counsellor living on the Gold Coast with my beautiful family. I was born and raised in sunny South Africa and was privileged to call New Zealand home for seven years prior to settling in Australia. I have always had a passion for working with people and as the years have passed, personal and professional experience saw me become a passionate advocate for women's mental health and well-being, particularly in areas of  toxic/abusive relationships, burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism and AUDHD). 

For as long as I can remember, I said and did the right things. I followed directions and toe'd the line. 

I listened to my parents, teachers and all the adults around me, who I was assured had my best intentions at heart.
I was guided, encouraged and shaped into what I was reassured would culminate in my success as a human being. I received key messages (sometimes unintended and others with purpose, in a power struggle):

“You can do better (it's not good enough)”
“You are just not applying yourself/working hard enough/trying enough”
“I am so disappointed ….”
“Don’t be silly”
“That’s a bit selfish don't you think?”
"Don't always be so stubborn"

I grew up, I followed the recipe, and to my surprise life did not work out the way it should have! Nothing went according to plan and everything always felt like a battle. I felt like a total failure and a fake regardless of my achievements. Messages of rejection, disapproval and dismissal became part of my everyday internal language, and no one knew. The mask the world saw differed greatly from the person in the mirror for the longest time, even long after finishing 6 years of study at university and finishing my degree Cum Laude. 

Here’s the beauty though, I overcame (most of) my unhelpful stories. I worked really hard and felt really uncomfortable on many occasions. I knew I had to claim back my power and navigate my life as a woman in a world not really set up for women, let alone someone like me.  Today, I can say I am truly comfortable with being me, and I am proud of who I am. I am different to the typical woman. I have strengths that I play to, and weaknesses I am aware of, but confident that I can overcome or navigate these with success on most days, and so can you. 

You do not have to do this alone. I can offer you a space where you can unload, gain clarity and overcome what is keeping you stuck, by providing you with skills from an integrative and holistic approach. 

Bernice