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My Online Services

My standard fee for individual counselling is $70 per session

I work with first-generation and born in a cult ex-members.

The cult influences impact both in ways that intact the personality and belief system. While first-generation ex-members can hook to a previous life before joining, for those who are born in a cult, the challenges are about discerning what aspects of the built belief system are theirs from the one imposed by the cult.

It’s a journey that doesn’t happen overnight and presents challenges as often, ex-members are left with trauma and the aftermath of having to start all over from zero, but with a baggage of religious abuse.

 

For this reason, understanding how cults operate, thought reform and coercive control tactics is an essential part of the therapy journey.

An essential component of my practice when I work with people recovering from cultic settings is psychoeducation, in which you learn how cultic, highly controlled groups work. You will learn how coercive control tactics might have influenced your life.

Having gained that knowledge, you will be supported in exploring your beliefs, values and thought patterns and be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and self-exploration. 

Within the therapy, you will be helped to process the emotional and psychological impact of the cult experience. The aftermath of having spent years in a cult can leave persons with some of the following symptoms:

 

  • Guilt, Shame, Anger

  • Feeling betrayed

  • Feeling fool

  • Emotional exhaustion

  • Loss of support system and community

  • Exploited vulnerability

  • Self-blame

  • Low self-esteem

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Little to no ability to make decisions

  • Fear about the future

  • Doubts

  • Experience distrust

  • Loss of sense of belonging

  • Having a fear of upcoming godly punishment

  • Fear of going to Hell/Armageddon/Rapture

  • Loss of Sense of Purpose

  • Identity Crisis

  • Anger about being manipulated

  • Guilt about having manipulated others

At Your Journey Counselling you will have a safe space to process your emotions by someone who understand your experience and you will be supported through your journey of healing and growth.

I have a strong commitment to helping women heal from the damage that unhealthy and abusive relationships. The experience gained working in the Domestic and Family Violence sector has given me the knowledge and learning the importance of accessing support as the first step in recovering and moving forward.
I have supported many women from different cultures and backgrounds, yet their experiences were universal, abuse tactics follow specific patterns.  Within my services, you will be supported with psychoeducation, counselling, case management and advocacy.

Some types of abuse are initially subtle and might leave the person experiencing it confused, and it might take a long time before a person realises the negative effects that abuse has had on her.  It is not uncommon for women experiencing abuse to have people-pleasing patterns, struggles to assert themselves, trust issues, low self-esteem, and loss of sense of self, which might lead to co-dependency and potentially re-exposure to abuse.

Within the therapy, you will experience:
• A safe space, where you will have the opportunity to process your emotions,
• Understanding patterns of abuse, and power imbalance
• Learn strategies to deal with traumatic events,
• Learning about your patterns and attachment style,
• Learn tools to heal, and be compassionate with yourself
• Build self-confidence,
• Gain assertiveness and move forward in your life.

I offer trauma-informed therapy, with a person-centred foundation, including components of psychoeducation essential to understanding the cycle of abuse and its patterns. I integrate Motivational Interviewing, Gestalt and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 

Case management is a strong component of my practice that provides you with practical support in connecting you with the services available that you might be eligible for. My practice is trauma-informed and person-centered, meaning that you will lead me on what you need help with, and we will go at your pace.

 

Many people who have experienced abuse might have to start all over again.  Finding a new home, refurbishing it, clothing, accessing financial support (when eligible), obtaining employment or upskilling to obtain more remunerative pay, budgeting, seeking community, parenting courses and more.

 

After an initial assessment of risk and vulnerabilities, we will be focusing on your strengths and identifying barriers, and we together we will work on achieving your goals. This process, together with connecting and receiving targeted support, will contribute to building stability and increase your well-being.

ONLINE | AUSTRALIA WIDE

Please keep in mind that Your Journey Counselling is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know are seeking immediate support please refer to the crisis support information

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm to yourself/themselves, please call 000 (triple zero) or present to your nearest emergency department.

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© 2025 by Giada Fichera. All rights reserved 

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