From pain to purpose:
Your journey to healing. counselling & Grief Coaching:
Your safe space when your heart is Hurting & soul is tired.
Life can be messy & chaotic.
Enduring a painful breakup or feeling lost is never easy. It's just as hard to watch a loved one make poor decisions and deal with the consequences. When illness strikes unexpectedly, it can leave you feeling powerless and uncertain about the future. We understand how difficult it is to forge ahead and start fresh when you're in a difficult situation.
Navigating change is tough, particularly with emotional matters. The best path through the hurt is to lift ourselves up, press on, and find our balance again.
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Life's journey is filled with unexpected endings and having to start over. Navigating these changes alone can be daunting.
Whether you're setting out on a new adventure or adapting to the newfound silence after the children have left home, having a support system is crucial.
We are here to offer that support, to hear you out and to offer guidance.
These periods of transition may be loaded with fear, sadness, discomfort and questions, but together, we can discover the solutions and carve out a new direction.
Remember, you are not walking this path alone; we are here ready to journey with you.
We are your safe space when your soul is tired.
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As women, we're intimately familiar with the ebbs and flows of change. These times can bring a deluge of emotions and stress, but it's essential to remember our innate strength and resilience that help us overcome these challenges.
Grieving our losses is part of a healthy process, paving the way for new beginnings. It's how we honor the significance of our past, recognizing its role and the difficulties it presented. Embracing this, we find renewed purpose and optimism, embracing our power and realigning with our deepest values and beliefs.
In this evolution, we should hold dear our capacity for resilience and craft a future filled with hope and fulfillment.
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Counselling provides a secure environment to explore the depths of your psyche. With online counselling, you're no longer bound by location, opening up a realm for reflection and growth. It's a leap of faith into self-discovery, identifying the values and beliefs that guide you to a brighter future.
As you let go of emotional baggage, deciding what's worth holding onto, you move into a new life phase with clarity, purpose, and hope. The journey might seem daunting, but with the steady guidance of a skilled counsellor, you can navigate it with grace and resilience. Together, we'll tackle your vulnerabilities and cultivate the best version of yourself.
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Making yourself a priority is essential. In the midst of our busy lives, we often overlook our own needs and wishes. However, self-care is a worthwhile pursuit for everyone. Prioritising your own well-being isn't about being selfish; it's about committing to your happiness and health. It's crucial to carve out time to care for your body, mind, and soul, to establish boundaries, and to say no when needed. Setting aside moments for activities that bring joy and foster self-care is vital. Keep in mind that by placing your needs at the forefront, you become stronger, happier, and more fulfilled, which is beneficial not just for you, but also for those around you. By reinforcing our connection and sense of community with ourselves and others, we can embrace self-compassion and begin to prioritise our well-being starting today.
Sisu Life Design Team
Mother Daughter Duo:
Jaana & Satu Surakka
Discover the team at Sisu Life Design, led by Satu and Jaana Surakka, the dynamic mother-daughter duo, who infuse their practice with a touch of family charm.
Transforming counseling into an engaging experience, they guide you through life’s storms.
It is possible that you might find yourself more dedicated to enhancing your mental health and overall well-being than spending hours on your favorite streaming platform.
Don't worry about being overwhelmed with information; all the essentials for starting your journey—scheduling, direct online booking, and clear fee information—are just a treasure map away on their booking portal.
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FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL COUNSELLOR
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Counselling
Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy
Professional Memberships:
Registered with the Australian Counselling Association
Registered Probationary Family Therapist with the Australian Association of Family Therapy
Welcome to Sisu Life Design!
Experienced Counsellor and Coach with over ten years of experience in mental health and addiction counseling. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings and discover your inner strength.
Personalised Counselling Services: I offer a range of services tailored to your needs, including:
Mental Health Counselling
Addiction Counselling
Depression Support
Anxiety Management
Habit Formation and Change
Emotional Regulation
Self-Esteem Building
Identity Exploration
Self-Compassion Training
Youth Counselling (ages 13 and up)
Why Choose Sisu Life Design?
Compassionate and Empathetic Approach: I understand the challenges you face and provide a warm, non-judgmental space for you to share your story.
Holistic Healing: My approach integrates various therapeutic techniques to help you achieve emotional and mental well-being.
Empowerment and Growth: I believe in your potential to overcome obstacles and thrive. Together, we will work towards unlocking your inner hero.
Book Your Free 30-Minute Consultation: Ready to start your journey towards self-discovery and healing? Schedule a free 30-minute virtual consultation with Sisu Life Design today and take the first step towards a brighter future.
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Supporting Young People in Identity Development with the DNA-V Model
As a professional working with young people, I have observed that many face challenges in developing healthy identities. To address this, I utilize the DNA-V model, a powerful tool that enhances self-awareness and mental resilience. It's also serves as perfect antidote to boredom, dispelling the myth that there's nothing to do.
The DNA-V model integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, and contextual behavioural science. This evidence-based approach has been proven to help individuals lead more passionate and fulfilling lives. It fosters psychological strength, emphasizing consistent living, vitality, and success. Additionally, it enhances the ability to cope with challenges, stress, and change.
By incorporating the DNA-V model, I aim to support young people in their journey towards self-discovery and mental well-being.
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As a dedicated counsellor in the community sector, I specialise in supporting children, youth, and families. With extensive experience contracting through various local businesses, I have provided counselling and grief coaching services. In 2021, I launched Sisu Life Design to empower women and young people as they navigate life’s challenges and changing seasons.
With a background in counselling, case management, and program facilitation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my practice. My passion for mental health and well-being, particularly for youth, drives my commitment to providing empathetic and effective support. At Sisu Life Design, I offer a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth. I also appreciate humour and being able to laugh.
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Our thoughts are the only limits to life's possibilities! Growth and change are choices we can embrace.
Every individual possesses potential. I reject the idea that a leopard can't lose its spots, clinging instead to the belief that:
“As long as there is breath, there is hope.”
Transforming pain into purpose, mindful that the night is darkest just before the dawn.
H-Hold
O-On
P-Pain
E-Ends
This philosophy guides my practice as a registered Counsellor.
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Qualifications:
B Couns
Adv Dip Counselling & Family Therapy
Hei!
I would have never guessed that one day, my counselling bio would be found on a website. Had someone told me once upon a time that I would pursue further study in my 50s and 60s, I would have laughed at them. Responding with a sarcastic:
“who me?”
Yet here I am.
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I conduct face-to-face sessions at my home in Fraser, Canberra, as well as online sessions via Zoom. My counselling services are bilingual, catering to both Finnish and English-speaking clients.
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Empowering Lives with Faith and Compassion
I provide dedicated Christian counselling and psychotherapy services for women, children, and adolescents. Committed to faith and passionate about helping others, I offer a secure and nurturing space for healing and personal growth.
My counselling services cover the following areas:
Bereavement: Offering compassionate support to manage the sorrow of loss and embark on the journey to healing.
Emotional and Mental Health: Tackling emotional and psychological hurdles to enhance overall well-being.
Parental Guidance During Changes: Aiding parents in adjusting to changes and supporting their children through life's transitions.
Relationship Counselling: Building stronger relationships through improved communication and connection.
Support for Families Dealing with Addiction: Delivering guidance and support to families grappling with a loved one's addiction.
Rediscovering Purpose and Hope in Trying Times: Helping individuals find new purpose and meaning in life when hope seems distant.
Faith-Based Counselling for Women, Children, and Adolescents: Merging faith-driven principles with therapeutic practices to increase emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
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Since 2014, I have been a certified counsellor. In addition to my credentials, my own diverse life experiences have contributed to my growth.
These experiences have deepened my understanding of human nature, the intensity of emotions, and the healing process in establishing a 'new normal' following transformative events.
Periods of hardship and doubt can nurture personal growth and strength, paving the way to fa new sense of purpose and hope.
In my practice, I bring compassion, curiosity, and warmth. Acknowledging that we all, at times, require additional support and, above all, need to be heard, listened to, and understood when life is challenging.
In moments when the pain is overwhelming, I hope to provide support when nothing in the world seems to make sense.
Assistance is offered for those grappling with intense grief, confusion, emotional turmoil, pain, or sorrow.
~You will overcome this. It won't be without pain. It won't be swift. But God will turn this chaos into something good. In the interim, avoid being reckless or naive. Yet, do not lose hope. With God's assistance, you will prevail.~
~ Max Lucado ~
What we do
Education & Training
Additional Certification
TIST Level 1 & 2
Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment
CGP
Certified Grief Informed Professional
CAIMHP
Certified Addiction Informed Mental Health Practitioner
Formal Education:
Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy
(AQF 8)
Bachellor of Counselling (AQF 7)
Adv Dip. Counselling and Family Therapy
(AQF 6)
Dip. Counselling and Family Therapy
(AQF 5)
Group Facilitation
RAGE: Renavigating Anger & Guilty Emotions | Certified Group Facilitator
Drumbeat: Building Resilience Through Rhythm | Group Facilitator
Circle of Security Parenting | Group Facilitator
Follow Sisu Life Design on the socials:
Direct Online Scheduling
Are we the right counsellors for you?
Are you new to Sisu Life Design? Let’s schedule a complimentary session to see if we would travel well together. We like to keep it real over here, honouring the importance of finding the right counsellor for you.
We know it can be awkward contacting a business directly to schedule an appointment—to eliminate this part we provide access to direct online scheduling.
Crisis support:
Are You in Crisis?
Contact: Australian Emergency Services:
Call Triple 000
Are You Currently Experiencing an Immediate Crisis?
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![Sisu Life design is not a crisis support service. We can offer suggestions so the right support can be located.]()
Are You OK?
Sisu Life Design is committed to providing top-quality service to our clients. If you are a woman or young person looking for counselling and coaching as you go through this time, we are here to help you build resilience and find purpose. Whether we are truly the best online counselling service in Australia is up to you to decide.
Please note that we are not a crisis supports service. If you are experiencing a crisis or require immediate assistance, we encourage you to contact emergency services, CAMHS, or a crisis support service.
In times of crisis, it’s crucial to prioritise your well-being and take immediate steps to regain a sense of control. Start by grounding yourself; focus on your breath and take a few deep, calming inhales and exhales. Identify and acknowledge your feelings—it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Reach out for support, whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a professional counsellor. They can provide perspective and guidance tailored to your situation. Break down the issue at hand into manageable parts, and approach it one step at a time. Lastly, foster a self-care routine that includes physical activity, proper nutrition, and enough rest, as these elements can help stabilise your emotional state. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone.
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![Crisis Support Service: Lifeline Australia]()
Crisis Support | Lifeline
13 11 14
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![Get Immediate Support: Beyond Blue]()
Immediate Support | Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
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![Stop Domestic & Family Violence]()
Family Violence: White Ribbon Australia
1800RESPECT
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![Crisis Support: Suicide Call Back Service]()
Online Crisis Support Service: Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
