Grief Counselling for Adolescents and Adults

A gentle, safe space to navigate grief and loss. Personalised grief counselling, guided by professional expertise and grounded in lived experience.

Reach out
Line illustration of two figures embracing in comfort

I can help with …

  • Coping with the death of a loved one (family, friends, or pets)

  • Perinatal loss (pregnancy loss, stillbirth, infertility, ending a pregnancy, or the death of a baby or child)

  • Relationship loss (separation, divorce, challenging dynamics, family estrangement or friendships ending)

  • Coping with illness or disability (in yourself or caring for someone else)

  • Major life transitions (having children, moving, changing schools or careers, children leaving home, retirement)

  • Supporting grief that may be unacknowledged (bereavement through suicide or socially unrecognised relationships)

Take a gentle first step

Reach out for a free 15-minute chat to explore whether our service feels right for you.

Reach out

Hi, I'm Kim Dang McDonald (she/her)

I've spent over 20 years as an occupational therapist, working in schools, community health centres, perinatal mental health, and specialised mental health services. For nearly a decade, I provided counselling support to young people experiencing significant mental health challenges at headspace.

A few years ago, I experienced a profound personal loss that shifted the focus of my work.

This lived experience deepened my understanding of grief and reinforced the importance of personalised support. It led me to begin working in the grief space, supporting bereaved parents through perinatal loss, as well as people caring for family members with medical conditions or disabilities, including life-limiting illnesses. I am now dedicated to supporting people cope with all types of grief and loss, whatever their experience may be.

Alongside my private practice, I work as a grief counsellor at a specialist bereavement service in Melbourne's west, supporting individuals and families grieving the death of a loved one.

I bring a compassionate and authentic presence to sessions, creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. While I understand grief from my own journey, I honour the unique experience of each person's grief.

Kim Dang McDonald, grief counsellor, smiling and seated on a sofa

How I can support you or your adolescent

I provide one-to-one grief counselling for teens (12+) and adults, either in-person in Ascot Vale, Victoria, or via telehealth.

Support is available for:

  • Experiencing grief and loss of any kind - whether from the death of a loved one or other life changes
  • Navigating the physical, psychological, cognitive and spiritual impacts of grief
  • Coping with difficult feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, or anxiety
  • Adjusting to changes in life caused by grief, including relationships, work, or your sense of self
  • Helping parents understand their teen's experience and how to best support them
  • Finding meaningful ways to remember and honour a loved one while continuing with life
A warm, comfortable counselling room with a grey sofa, orange cushions and indoor plants

My approach

Grief often feels like an invisible backpack. Some days it's impossibly heavy, and other days it's lighter. While the weight may not change, your ability to carry it can grow stronger. My role is to walk alongside you or your teen, offering support as you navigate that journey.

Because every person's loss is unique, sessions are shaped around individual needs.

Together, we'll create a gentle, supportive space where grief is welcome in whatever form it takes.

If you or your young person are unsure what might help, that's okay - we can explore it together and discover what feels most supportive.

To support you, I draw from a range of approaches including Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, compassion-based practices, and creative methods such as art or play. Each approach is shaped around the individual, using their existing strengths to guide the journey.

Line illustration of a figure carrying a stack of orange books

Reach out today

Reaching out can feel difficult, especially when you're grieving. You don't have to face it alone, let's have a free 15 minute chat to see if we're the right service for you.

You can get in touch by:

FAQ

Many people have questions when starting grief counselling. Here are some common ones and what you need to know.

What is a mental health occupational therapist?

A Mental Health Occupational Therapist (OT) is an AHPRA-registered health professional who supports people to manage the impact of mental health challenges on their daily life. In the context of grief counselling, this means helping you navigate the emotional, cognitive, and practical changes that grief can bring. I have also completed the Mental Health Endorsement Program through Occupational Therapy Australia. This endorsement recognises the additional knowledge, skills, and experience some OTs have in the area of mental health, and it also allows clients to access Medicare-rebated sessions for counselling.

Do I need a referral to see you?

No, you do not need a referral to book a session with me. However, if you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions, you will need a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP/doctor, paediatrician, or psychiatrist.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), and how do I get one?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) allows eligible clients to access up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per year. To get a plan, you'll need to see your GP/doctor, paediatrician, or psychiatrist, who will assess your mental health needs. It's a good idea to book a slightly longer appointment, as preparing the plan can take extra time. The process can feel confusing, so you're welcome to contact me for support in organising the necessary paperwork.

How much does it cost?

The full fee for a 50-minute session is $180. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate of $87.25 per session, which means your out-of-pocket cost is $92.75. Additional credit card processing fees may apply. Payments are processed securely through an online practice management system, and your Medicare rebate is claimed automatically shortly after your appointment.

Can I use private health insurance for my sessions?

Private health insurance rebates for counselling with a mental health occupational therapist can sometimes be available, depending on your policy. The easiest way to know is to check directly with your health fund. If you're eligible, I'll provide a tax invoice so you can claim any rebate.

Do you offer online/telehealth sessions?

Yes, sessions can be in person, online, or by telephone, whichever works best for you. Many clients find it convenient to attend appointments from home, while others prefer the comfort of attending an office - you can choose what feels right for you.

What does the first session look like?

The first session is an opportunity for you to share what brought you to counselling and how grief is affecting different parts of your life. It's normal to feel a bit nervous about starting - we'll take things at your pace. You don't have to talk about anything you're not comfortable with. We can also start thinking about what would feel most helpful for you. If this service isn't the best fit, I can also discuss other options that might suit you better.

What days are appointments available?

Counselling appointments are mainly available on Fridays. However, if this doesn't suit, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We can explore alternative days and times that might be possible.

Do you offer counselling for issues other than grief?

Yes. While my primary focus is grief counselling, I also support clients experiencing a range of emotional and life challenges. This includes providing evidence-based and trauma-informed psychological strategies for people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health conditions. I also have a special interest in perinatal mental health and youth mental health. If you're unsure whether I'm the right fit, you're very welcome to get in contact and we can discuss your needs together.

Can I sit in on my teenager's session?

I understand as a parent you want to support your teen. If your young person needs extra support, a parent or trusted adult can join the first session with their consent. After that, sessions usually work best when your teenager has a private space to share their thoughts and feelings. With your young person's permission, I can provide updates on their progress and suggest ways you can support them at home. If your teen agrees, we can also arrange a joint session. In cases where there are serious concerns about your teen's safety, a parent or trusted adult will be informed, even without consent.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?

If something comes up and you can't make your appointment, just let me know as soon as you can by phone or email. For cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, or if an appointment is missed, a 50% of the full fee applies. Unfortunately Medicare rebates can't be used for this fee. Thank you for understanding - this helps keep spots available for others who need support.

Support Services

If you are struggling with how you're feeling and need more immediate support, the following services can provide more timely assistance.

Important: Mind & Heart Grief counselling is not a crisis service. If you require emergency assistance, please call 000 or attend your local emergency department.

Grief & Loss or Mental Health Support

Crisis Support