Louise Friend Counselling
Specialist Grief Counsellor
Certified Bereavement Practitioner
Clinical Supervisor & Educator

Meet Louise
I have over 20 years of experience in counselling, working for community and health organisations, in areas such as grief, loss, trauma and bereavement. I have also worked with people whose lives are affected by dementia, mental health issues, disability, chronic and life limiting illnesses.
Some of the organisations I have worked for include NSW Health Palliative Care, for the Bereavement Counselling Service, Carer Gateway Counselling Service, Dementia Australia and the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement.
I provide specialist grief clinical supervision for therapists in the areas of grief, loss and dementia, ensuring my supervisees have a supportive space to discuss their work, receive guidance and enhance their skills in supporting their clients. I am a member of the College of Supervisors (Australian Counselling Association).
I am also a qualified trainer and assessor and have developed and presented workshops for many not-for-profit organisations. I have also taught at the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) and delivered the Graduate Certificate Course in Bereavement Counselling & Interventions for the Australian Centre of Grief and Bereavement.
Therapeutic approach
What I offer you
A safe and respectful space
I provide trauma informed counselling that recognises and responds to the effects of trauma on individuals.
Benefits of trauma informed counseling:
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Emotional Safety: I work in partnership with my clients, fostering mutual respect and trust with a focus on my clients' safety and stabilisation.
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Empowerment: My clients regain a sense of control and autonomy, crucial for healing by emphasising their strengths
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Healing and Resilience: I help clients to build coping strategies and resilience to manage trauma-related symptoms for long term growth.
Person centred care
I provide person-centred care which focuses on providing individualised support that respects and responds to the unique needs, preferences, and values of my clients.
Benefits of person-centred care: I work in partnership with my clients, fostering mutual respect and trust with a focus on my clients' safety and stabilisation.
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Empathy & Compassion: I provide a compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental environment where clients can express their grief freely and at their own pace.
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Responsive to change: I recognise that grief is not a linear process and I respond to the changing nature of grief over time.
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Respect for Individuality: I prioritise each client's individual choices and preferences, allowing them to have control over their care and grieving process.
An integrative approach
As an integrative counsellor I am able to provide a versatile approach, that can adapt to the diverse needs of my clients.
Benefits of an integrative approach:
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Holistic Care: Addresses the cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioural and spiritual needs of my clients' well-being.
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Tailored Approach: Uses the most effective models and techniques for each of my clients, improving the chances of successful outcomes.
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Adaptability: Easily adapts to the changing needs and progress of my individual clients.
Below are some of the counselling and grief models which I am trained and experienced in, and which I may draw upon, in collaboration with my clients:
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
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Cognitive & Behavioural Therapy
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Continuing Bonds Model
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Dual Process Model of Coping With Grief
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Emotional Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
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Existential Therapy
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Gestalt Therapy
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Meaning Reconstruction Model
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Narrative Therapy


Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Graduate Certificate in Bereavement Counselling & Interventions
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)
Certificate IV in Training & Education
Diploma in Counselling & Communication
Level 4 Member - Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
ACA Registered Supervisor - College of Supervisors https://www.theaca.net.au/
Certified Bereavement Practitioner - Australian Centre for Grief & Bereavement



Fees and Rebates
Individual Counselling - $160.00 – 1 hour session – for face to face or zoom sessions.
I can provide some private health fund rebates including: AHM, Bupa, Medibank, HCF and ARHG.
Please check with your provider to see if you can claim for your counselling sessions.




