Shine Counselling

08/11/2025

To my beautiful Shine Counselling community,

This isn’t the post I ever imagined writing.

Some of you are aware, others are not, however I am on a cancer journey, one that has unfortunately required me to step back from counselling and the dream I had worked so hard to build.

I poured my heart into Counselling, supporting people through their journeys meant everything to me.

Letting go has been extremely painful, and it has taken a lot of reflection to accept that sometimes our purpose changes before we’re ready.

In the quiet moments of that transition, I found comfort in something simple: crochet.
What started as a way to ground and distract myself has slowly grown into something very meaningful to me.

✨I’m grateful to introduce
Melissa’s Crochet Elegance ✨
where I pour my heart into creating elegant pieces made with the utmost care, intention and love.

Perhaps you may like to view my page and even purchase some christmas bells. 🎄

Thank you for walking with me through this change — for your kindness, your patience, and your support.

Even though my path looks different now, my heart for people remains the same.

With love and gratitude,

Melissa ❤️

08/12/2024

As 16 Days of Activism starts wrapping up for another year, we thought we would encourage you to look ahead to 2025.

We encourage all members of the community to start thinking about how we can continue to work together towards preventing violence against women and girls.

We know that from 26 May 2025, coercive control will be a criminal offence in Queensland. This is a positive step towards acknowledging the spectrum of violence and abuse experienced by women and girls, and that people using this form of violence will be held responsible and accountable.

______

Need help?
In an emergency phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic or family violence call DVAC support services on:
(07) 3816 3000 Ipswich
(07) 4642 1354 Toowoomba
Available 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

For 24-hr services, call DVConnect on 1800 811 811 or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or reach out via the online chat on the website (http://www.1800respect.org.au) to speak to a trained counsellor.

05/09/2024

Due to ill health, "A Different Kind Of Love" support group for women that are directly impacted (either currently or in the past) by Domestic and/or Family Violence, will be in recess until Thursday 12th of December.
Please feel free to still register for our future meetings or to make enquiries call Shine Counselling on 54918580.
If you are in immediate danger please call 000.

26/05/2024

Shine Counselling is excited to announce that "A Different Kind Of Love" support group for women that are directly impacted (either currently or in the past) by Domestic and/or Family Violence, will be recommencing as of June 13th at the Baringa Community Centre in Aura.
Each meeting will be held on the second Thursday of each month, 6.30-8.30pm.
We have child minding available if required and security on site.
Registration is required, so please call Melissa at Shine Counselling on 54918580

Professional Registered Counselling Service. Specialising in Addictions, Grief & Loss, Conflict Resolution, Couple & Family Counselling.

26/05/2024

Shine Counselling is excited to announce that "A Different Kind Of Love" support group for women that are directly impacted (either currently or in the past) by Domestic and/or Family Violence, will be recommencing as of June 13th at the Baringa Community Centre in Aura.
Each meeting will be held on the second Thursday of each month, 6.30-8.30pm.
We have child minding available if required and security on site.
Registration is required, so please call Melissa at Shine Counselling on 54918580

25/04/2024

This right here is what will help change the horrific pandemic that is violence against women here in Australia. 💔
More men need to stand up and speak out about violence against women.

10/04/2024

16 women have already been killed by violence in Australia this year. (to 16.3.24).

Violence against woman is increasing, despite all the talk of creating change not much action is happening and I believe us woman can’t be any more vigilant, so it’s time men step up and help us out.

Men are still not calling out violence against woman. Why? This shows the perpetrators that it’s ok, that’s it’s acceptable to treat woman in such ways.

Please can I ask everyone who sees or knows of abuse taking place to be brave and stand up and call it out.
And it’s not just physical violence, it’s coercive control because physical violence ALWAYS begins with some sort of coercive control.

If we all work together, we might have a better chance of reducing these increasingly sickening statistics.

08/03/2024

22/02/2024

Domestic Violence isn’t only physical abuse. A common coercive control tactic that abusers use is gaslighting. One form of gaslighting is manipulation. This is when the abuser tries to make you feel like the bad one for your reaction to their wrong behaviour. It is done to try and gain power and control over you.
REMEMBER YOUR feelings matter.
REMEMBER YOUR WORTH ❤️

13/09/2023

R U OK?
Today is R U OK day, and a good reminder to ask those around you if they are OK, but importantly ask yourself, how am I travelling? Am I ok?
We often overlook our feelings, we try and “brush them under the rug” in the hope it will make those unpleasant feelings magically “disappear” however doing this actually just gives them more power.
So how about having a sit today and really asking yourself that question.. “Am I really ok?”
If there are things you are struggling with, help is available. Please reach out and I can put you in contact with assistance to help you onto the right track to getting to be ok. 🌺