Nurturing Now Counselling Telehealth Chronic Illness Disability Neurodivergence SS Smiling

Sia Spark (M.Couns)

Hi, I’m Sia — a counsellor with over 13 years of experience in mental health interventions, specialising in neurodivergence, chronic illness, and disability — and someone who knows what it’s like to have your world reshaped by your body going rogue.

As a late-diagnosed autistic woman with multiple chronic illnesses and a spinal disability, I have lived experience of the difficulty of navigating such diagnoses in a world that feels like it wasn’t built for you… plus the whirlwind of emotions that can come with traversing the grief, uncertainty and deep sadness that can accompany these experiences. I’ve witnessed first hand how my experiences didn’t just change my body… they changed my identity, my relationships, and how I saw myself in the world.

I know the grief, the confusion… and importantly, the quiet strength it takes to re-calibrate from that place.

That’s why I do this work.

I offer counselling that’s grounded in lived experience, professional training, and deep empathy. My approach is holistic, considering the whole person’s mind, body, spirit, and the sum of all that they have experienced. I’ve supported survivors of domestic violence, people navigating complex health systems, and those grieving the loss of who they used to be. I bring not just tools and training, but heart, humility, and hope.

First and foremost, I believe that healing isn’t about “fixing” you… it’s about honouring who you are, what you’ve been through, and what you need in this moment.

It’s about nurturing where you are now.

I take a humanistic, person-centred and trauma-informed approach to every session, meaning you’ll be met with empathy, respect, and care…. not a rigid formula.

I won’t lock you into any one modality. Instead, we’ll work together to find what feels most supportive for you. This might include drawing from approaches like CBT, DBT, or mindfulness-based strategies, but everything is guided by your preferences, your pace, and any past experiences — positive or painful — you’ve had with therapy. Your voice leads the way.

Education

Master of Counselling (M.Couns) | Health and Harmony College

Diploma of Counselling (Dip.Couns) | Edith Cowan University

Diploma of Grief and Bereavement Counselling | Health and Harmony College

Advanced Certificate of Mental Health Counselling | Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors

Certificate of Counselling | Australian Institute of Professional Counselling

Bachelor of Communications (B.Comm) | Murdoch University

Certifications

Cert. P1 & P2 Lifeline Crisis Support | Lifeline Australia

Cert. ASIST 11 Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training | LivingWorks Australia

Cert. Youth Mental Health First Aid 3 | Mental Health First Aid Australia

Cert. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Eating Disorders Enhanced (CBT-E) | Centre for Clinical Interventions Australia CCI

Cert. Suicide Prevention - QPRT Suicide Risk Assessment & Management - Level 3 | QPR Institute

Cert. Mental Health First Aid | Mental Health First Aid Australia

Cert. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Foundations (CBT) | Centre for Clinical Interventions Australia CCI

Committee Appointments

Consumer Advocate | Disability and Health Sector Consultation Committee (DHSCC)

Consumer Representative | North Metropolitan Health Service Disability, Access and Inclusion Committee (NMHSDAIC)

Lived Experience Advocate | Macquarie University - Neurodivergence and the Listening Brain (NLB) Advisory Group

Consumer Advocate | Monash University - SUPPORTMeds Consumer Advisory Group

Consumer Advocate | National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Consumer Advisory Group (NCIRS)

Therapies Offered

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Person-centred/Humanistic Therapy

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy

Endorsements

Health Care Consumers' Association | Member

Complementary Therapists Accredited Association | Member

Australian Counsellors Association | Member

My practice is…

Inclusive: I welcome clients of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

Trauma-informed: I understand the impact of medical trauma, diagnostic journeys, and systemic barriers.

Neurodivergent-affirming: I work with autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent clients in ways that respect their communication styles and sensory needs.

Flexible: I offer Telehealth appointments and adapt sessions to suit your energy, access needs, and preferences.

If you’re ready to talk, I’m here to listen.

It is my absolute privilege to walk alongside you in your journey towards wellbeing… whatever that may look like for you and your life.

Book a session