Evoke Counselling and Support Services

19/08/2026

An introduction…

Hi everyone , My name is Jo,

GOLD COAST

Counselling

Evoke Counselling and Support Services

🎨 paint over, Rewrite, and renew.

Online , in office or in your own home.

ACA Level 2 ( Australian Counselling Association registered)

NDIS Screening ( counsellor)

Blue card ( WWCC)

Private Practice, for self managed and plan managed participants .

I have been Counselling for 6years.

My work has largely been with NDIS clients. Working to improve capacity, well being and helping clients become curious about living a life they want to live.

Sometimes exploring change.

Navigating challenges and barriers to living well.

Solutions focused at times and always a client centred approach. With a positive outlook at all times. I work to a varied approach depending on the individuals and what it is they are wanting from sessions. Using different modalities techniques and theories. These are always discussed and decided upon with the participant.

Advocating for a client/participant attending appointments if they need help addressing their needs to other professionals and also family members.

Services I provide fall into these codes:

Counselling code

Psychosocial code

Mental health support / support work daily living code

I have extensive experience and knowledge working with neurodivergent clientele, all types of physical disabilities, personality disorders, bipolar schizoaffective, depression, grief and loss, navigating aging . Families and couples too.

I believe in helping people live their best life. If you would like someone to get along side and help you with living a life of curiosity and abundance.

Reach out to

Joanna Brown ( Jo)

0488917098

Through the page or send me a text message. If you want to and feel comfortable calling then we can chat . I would love to hear from you and see where we can journey together.

* NB we are offering half price till the end of August , new clients ….

15/08/2026

We have seen how active rest makes a difference to your life.
This is my active rest. Walking a beach !
I have my favourite including my home town of Langs Beach Northland New Zealand. This is a page I created and is a place that holds so many awesome memories for me growing up.
But today Miami Miami-goldcoast is my place of rest every week. I head there for a walk and talk with my creator God Jesus Christ , my saviour.
I have a belief do you?

13/08/2026

There are two weeks left of our August special. *50% off ⭐️
I have spaces available please don’t miss this opportunity to get started on your mid year reset.

Taking the first step toward professional support is a powerful decision, but finding the right fit shouldn't feel like a financial strain.
To welcome you to our practice and help you prioritise your mental well-being, we are offering half-price counselling sessions for new clients throughout the entire month of August.
Whether you are looking to manage stress, navigate a major life transition, or simply need a safe, confidential space to speak with Jo, our team is here to listen.
N.B *New clients only !
Call, text or email
Evoke Counselling and Support Services 0488917098
[email protected]

07/08/2026

Did you not the topic on Active rest ?

07/08/2026

What is it that you love to do in your free time?

07/08/2026

So much joy here. Living her best life.
You can too!

07/08/2026

Update on our creative ideas.
Active Rest …

06/08/2026

Our Gold Coast winter has set in and perhaps heading out the door. Being the middle of August. You may have had some achy moments with a cough to boot.
I have provided this morning an infusion, I make when I’m under the weather.
With the properties of Lemon, Cinnamon Ginger and Honey.

🍯 boil your jug /kettle
Squeeze one whole lemon.
Mix 1tsp cinnamon.
K**b of ginger you can finely grate it.
2 heaped tsp of honey ( choose natural local to your area) .

Place in your mug of choice and pour the hot water over everything. ( let the kettle cool a bit not boiling) .
Allow to steep and cool.

*I use local honey to my area.
Grow my own lemons
Any type of cinnamon powder
Ginger whole root

01/08/2026

Neurodivergent Parenting of young children.
Children love boundaries and want to know where the lines are drawn. Even your neurodivergent ones.

What makes parenting different not a lot actually. Because the tools I use for neurodivergent parents are also just as well suited to any parent.

Communication should favour directness and emotional safety.
Charts with well defined pictures work really well for young children.
Timers set for tasks help a child to see the time ticking or counting down.
Place well balanced meals in front of small children and put the same food on your own plate. Eating it with them, and make it a time of socialisation. You can put multiple options on the plate that tailor to all the food groups . Encourage them to try a couple of protein options and a couple of carb options including some fruit and vegetables. Ensuring that the nutritional value for the child is met. Children are learning taste texture and smell too about the world and food is no different. Let them try new things but have a few consistent variations you know they love.

Scaffold Instructions: Break tasks down into singular, manageable increments instead of giving multi-step verbal directions. Less talk and more role modeling, one single step to the next step and so on. Less is more.

De-escalate Yourselves First: Utilise deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or step away safely for a moment when a situation escalates.

Seek Aligned Communities: Connect with local or online neurodiversity-affirming parent networks to combat social isolation.

If you would like some help in these areas please do get in touch.

Evoke Counselling and Support Services
0488917098
[email protected]

31/07/2026

Deciding how to get help, can be daunting.
While I do think AI can help with some things. I believe it is a slippery slope away from socialisation and the kind of help individuals may need.
AI answered my question about Counselling really well.
Be aware and read to the end of this article. Please find real time professional help when considering your mental health needs.

Here is its response;

AI is not a good choice for counselling because it lacks genuine empathy, cannot handle severe mental health crises, and fails to understand deep human context. Lack of Empathy and Real Connection no genuine feelings: AI only mimics a caring tone and cannot actually feel or experience empathy. Instant validation over growth: Chatbots tend to agree with users to make them feel comfortable, whereas real therapy requires healthy friction and professional challenge to foster true personal development. No biological bonding: Human therapy builds trust and safety through a real relationship that activates the nervous system's capacity to heal, which a computer program cannot replicate. Safety and Crisis RisksPoor risk detection: AI chatbots can fail to recognize severe warning signs, such as self-harm or suicidal intent. Inability to manage emergencies: If a person falls into a deep crisis, an AI system cannot provide real-world intervention, emergency response, or proper medical safety management. Limitations in Understanding and Accuracy Ignoring individual context: AI often gives generic advice based on internet data without understanding a person's unique background, culture, trauma, or complex life situation. Risk of misinformation: As noted in Fraser Blog - Why Using AI for Therapy is a Bad Idea, "“AI chatbots aren't necessarily providing accurate information, which not all users understand.”"Privacy concerns: Chatting with commercial AI models lacks the strict legal and medical confidentiality protections guaranteed by a licensed professional counselor.If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, please reach out to a professional service like Beyond Blue or Lifeline (13 11 14 in Australia).