Simon Merchant Epilepsy Counselling
online Australia-wide, mobile across Gold Coast.
My Approach
Are you or your family in need of support or guidance with answering...
what is epilepsy?
what are epilepsy symptoms?
what is an epilepsy management plan?
what is the difference between epilepsy tonic clonic seizures, absense seizures, or other diagnosis'?
what impact is epilepsy going to have on my life and can I manage it?
how can I identify and manage triggers?
how can I access epilepsy-informed support?
The good news is epilepsy is not a life sentence, and with acceptance, and chosing a few lifestyle adjustments, you can pursue positive, life, filled with purpose.
trauma-informed counselling
My relatable lived experience sits at the core of of my holistic, 'person-centred' approach to supporting and guiding clients. This, together with my professional qualifications, supervision, empathy and compassion are among the most common reasons clients seek me out.
Service Delivery
My family and I live on the Gold Coast, Queensland. I offer Counselling online to clients Australia-wide. For clients living on the Gold Coast, I offer mobile counselling.
About me
Welcome. I'm Simon, an epilepsy counsellor offering online counselling Australia-wide and mobile support across Gold Coast suburbs.
I am passionate about supporting and guiding individuals and families living with epilepsy.
I have lived experience since childhood - diagnosed with absense seizures at age three and tonic clonic seizures at eighteen.
I hold a Diploma of Counselling, and have a over 25 years experience in small business ownership, believing this has kept me emotionally strong and empowered. I am a husband and a father. I have a love for music, the outdoors and being active.
I offer a 'person-centred, holistic approach' in a private, confidential space, either online or in-person at your home, to collaborate with you and help you to achieve your goals. Wherever you are on your journey, I am committed to ensuring you feel safe, secure and supported.
1.
Living with Epilepsy
Epilepsy Australia
'270,000 Australians live with epilepsy.'
Living with epilepsy can present challenges that stem two-fold. One, physically, and secondly, more from societal barriers, stigma, and lack of accessibility in the environment.
These challenges are unique to everyone's journey, and yet whilst peer experiences can often be similar; learning to cope and manage one's own thoughts and emotions can be a deeply personal journey, sometimes requiring professional guidance and support.
Every person has the right to tell their story in confidence, be respected and supported in their decisions.
I offer empathetic, person-centred, non-judgemental counselling providing practical tools and emotional support to help support day-to-day, transitional and long-term wellbeing.
2.
Mental Health
Mental health and epilepsy are deeply interlinked. People living with epilepsy, can face a higher risk of mental illness such as depression and anxiety due to factors like social isolation, discrimination, and barriers to employment, leading to increased psychological distress.
Mental illness itself can be a disability if it substantially impacts daily functioning, highlighting the need for tailored, person-centered support.
3.
Stress Management
Stress significantly worsens mental health for people with epilepsy, and lowers the threshold of seizures. To help minimise the impact of stress we can introduce some key strategies:
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Stress Management Techniques: Mindfulness, deep breathing, and cognitive strategies build resilience.
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Support Systems: Strong social support significantly reduces mental illness risk.
4.
Low
Self-Esteem
Living with epilepsy, we can be vulnerabe to thoughts challenging self-worth.
By using Cognitive Behavourial Therapy (CBT) strategies and interventions clients can be empowered to challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier self-esteem.
4.
Advocacy and Education
Simon Merchant Counselling specialises in individual advocacy, for clients seeking support to clear barriers or obstacles, that present themselves from time to time in their lives.
With experience in Stigma and Discrimination Reduction, Employment and Workplace Inclusion, and Transport; Simon's blend of lived experience, communication skills and commercial accumen you may consider Simon to support, represent or speak on behalf of yourself to help express views and protect your rights.
Simon can work effectively, briefing legal representation, if required.
Simon personally advocates for epilepsy awareness and education online through his instagram page postive.epilepsy.life.
Getting Help
Please complete and submit the contact form below to arrange a free 15 minute initial consult. I will reply within 48 hours to arrange a mutually convenient time, and provide you an Intake Form to complete and return prior to your consultation. Meet me, learn about my approach and the counselling process, discuss your concerns and questions you have. This important 'meet and greet' helps you make an informed choice prior to contracting, and also ensures your needs fall within my scope of practice.
1.
Living with Epilepsy
2.
Mental Health
3.
Stress Management
4.
5.
Low
Self-Esteem
Advocacy and
Awareness