What to Expect from Holistic Counselling: A Client's Guide
Real experiences from holistic counselling sessions on the Sunshine Coast
You've booked your first holistic counselling session. Maybe you're curious, maybe you're nervous, maybe you've tried traditional therapy before and you're hoping this will be different.
So what actually happens in a holistic counselling session? And more importantly — how will it feel?
As a holistic counsellor and shamanic practitioner on the Sunshine Coast, I've walked hundreds of people through their first session. And one of the most common things I hear afterwards is: "That was nothing like I expected — in the best way possible."
Let me walk you through what a session with me actually looks like, what makes it different from traditional talk therapy, and what my clients have experienced along the way.
This Isn't Your Traditional Therapy Session
If you've been to therapy before, you might be expecting to sit on a couch, talk about your week, and discuss your childhood for an hour.
Holistic counselling is different.
"Therapy I've had in the past has been all about processing trauma and getting the feelings out (which of course is very important and helpful when you haven't had that before). But I found it so refreshing and equally as helpful to talk about things in the context of getting more information, and using that information to heal and put to bed false beliefs." — AW, Female, 27 y/o
Yes, we talk. But we also work with your body, your energy, your creativity, and your spirit. We don't just analyze what's wrong — we actively shift it.
What Happens in Your First Session
Before You Arrive
Once you've booked your free 20-minute consultation call and decided to work together, you'll receive a welcome email with:
Information about what to expect
How to prepare (spoiler: you don't need to do much)
Location details if you're coming in person to Mooloolaba Wellness Collective
When You Arrive (In-Person or Online)
The first few minutes are about settling in. This isn't a clinical setting — it's a warm, safe space where you can actually relax.
"Rachel Rose is so approachable and relaxed. It was like catching up with an old mate, seriously. I felt completely at home, it wasn't a big deal or serious. Very easy going environment which made things so easy and seamless." — RH, Male, 39 y/o
Whether you're in my therapy room on the Sunshine Coast or joining me via video for online holistic counselling, I'll start by checking in:
How are you feeling right now?
What brought you here today?
What would you like to shift or explore?
There's no pressure to have all the answers. This is a collaborative space.
The Session Itself
Here's where holistic counselling gets interesting.
We might talk through what's happening in your life. But we also might:
✨ Use creative expression — drawing, art, or symbolic work to access deeper parts of your experience
✨ Work with your body — noticing sensations, tracking emotions physically, grounding your nervous system
✨ Explore your inner world — meeting different parts of yourself through Internal Family Systems
✨ Use ritual or ceremony — creating sacred space for grief, transitions, or big shifts
✨ Work with your energy field — clearing what doesn't belong to you, strengthening your boundaries
"Rachel Rose’s holistic counselling sessions were so fun! I've never really felt that creative or talented so I've often shied away from drawing. When you asked me to draw things that represented my support system and the love in my life, it was a huge opportunity to have fun and feel lots of love, and remember just how much support I've had in the past."— AW, Female, 27 y/o
The work is intuitive and client-led. I follow where you need to go — not a rigid structure or protocol.
What Makes This Approach Different
1. It Goes Straight to the Root
"Holistic counselling with Rachel Rose is held in a non-judgement zone, where we work out where the deeper issues lie in our subconscious mind, remove the noise, go straight to the root." — LB, Female, 46 y/o
We don't just talk about surface-level symptoms. We get to the core — the patterns, the beliefs, the ancestral wounds — and we shift them at the source.
2. It Honors Your Whole Self
"What makes Holistic Counselling with Rachel Rose different is her unique blend of traditional techniques with a deep understanding of the body and nervous system, as well as ancestral patterns and influences. She is incredibly holistic in her approach." — DM, Male, 39 y/o
This isn't just about your thoughts. It's about your:
Nervous system and how it's holding stress
Body and the emotions stored there
Relationships and the patterns playing out
Spirit and your connection to something bigger
Ancestors and the lineages you carry
3. It's Adaptable and Intuitive
"I appreciated that in some of the sessions, Rachel Rose was able to adapt and kind of go off script to better identify and resolve something that may have been important or more important in that moment before proceeding forward. Her adaptability was crucial in some sessions and I really appreciated it because sometimes one cannot properly identify the true challenge or cause. So essentially, Rachel's adaptability and curiosity allowed us to follow the right path." — RH, Male, 36 y/o
I don't follow a rigid treatment plan. If something unexpected arises in session — a memory, an emotion, a realization — we honour it and follow where it leads.
4. It's a Judgment-Free Space
"Holistic Counselling with Rachel Rose was FREE FROM JUDGEMENT. It was an understanding atmosphere and made a calming and positive effect on my mental health." — AA, Female, 41 y/o
You can show up exactly as you are. There's no "right way" to do this work. Whether you're articulate or all over the place, crying or laughing, certain or confused — it's all welcome here.
5. It Creates Deep Inner Spaciousness
"Rachel Rose’s presence and approach to Holistic Counselling made it possible for me to meet these parts of myself with compassion & curiosity. Her guidance helped me create more internal spaciousness, clarity, & trust, not just for my own healing, but also for how her counselling style sets that safe space." — SK, female, 33 y/o
The way I hold space matters. It's not just what we do — it's the energy, presence, and care I bring into every session.
What People Experience After Sessions
Every person's journey is unique, but here are some common shifts my clients notice:
Immediately After:
Feeling lighter, clearer, more grounded
Relief from mental loops or emotional heaviness
A sense of inner peace or calm
Clarity about next steps
"Our last session I felt light and full of love and happiness, which is exactly how I would hope to feel after counselling." — AW, Female, 27 y/o
Over Time:
Breaking free from repeating relationship patterns
Stronger boundaries and more self-trust
Deeper connection to yourself and your purpose
Healing ancestral wounds and family dynamics
Increased capacity to handle life's challenges
Nervous system regulation and resilience
"I find Rachel Rose’s Holistic Counselling style to be the perfect balance of warmth, compassion, expertise, and guidance. I've found it very easy to connect with her and feel safe and trusted in her presence." — DM, Male, 39 y/o
Modalities I Draw From
My training and experience spans a wide range of therapeutic approaches, which means I can tailor the work to what you need:
Trauma-Informed Practices:
Polyvagal Theory
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Trauma processing techniques
Nervous system regulation
Creative & Somatic Therapies:
Sensorimotor Art Therapy
Creative expression
Body-based processing
Mindfulness and nature therapy
Relational, Belief & Pattern Work:
The Work of Byron Katie
Structural, Systemic, and Family Constellations
Attachment repair
Relationship dynamics
Spiritual & Energetic Practices:
Shamanic clearing and healing
Ritual, altar work, and ceremony
Energy boundary repair
Ancestral healing
See my full list of qualifications and experience by clicking the link below.
Who Is Holistic Counselling For?
You might resonate with this work if you:
✓ Have tried traditional therapy and felt like something was missing
✓ Feel stuck in repeating patterns you can't seem to break
✓ Struggle with boundaries, people-pleasing, or absorbing others' energy
✓ Are highly sensitive, intuitive, or identify as an empath
✓ Want to heal relationship dynamics and family wounds
✓ Are navigating grief, trauma, or life transitions
✓ Feel disconnected from yourself or your purpose
✓ Want support that honors your spirituality and whole being
Holistic Counselling on the Sunshine Coast & Online
I offer both in-person sessions at Mooloolaba Wellness Collective on the Sunshine Coast and online holistic counselling for clients across Australia.
Whether you're in Noosa, Maroochydore, Maleny, Eumundi, Brisbane, or beyond — you can access this work from wherever you are.
Current Intro Offer: 3 Sessions for $300
If you're ready to experience holistic counselling for yourself, I'm currently offering an introductory package:
3 Sessions for $300
These sessions give us space to:
Explore what's really happening beneath the surface
Create practical tools and insights for your daily life
Begin the journey toward feeling more like yourself again
This package is perfect if you want to experience the work without committing to long-term therapy straight away.
What to Expect from Working Together Long-Term
Healing isn't linear. It unfolds layer by layer.
Some clients work with me for a few sessions to navigate a specific challenge. Others stay for months or years as we work through deeper patterns, ancestral healing, and spiritual growth.
There's no "right" timeline. We move at the pace that feels aligned for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long are sessions?
A: Sessions are typically 60 minutes. Some clients prefer longer sessions (90 minutes) for deeper work — this can be arranged.
Q: How often should I come?
A: Most clients start with weekly or fortnightly sessions. As you build more internal resources, we might space them out to monthly or as-needed.
Q: Do I need to prepare anything?
A: Just come as you are. If you want to bring a journal or notebook to write insights, that's great — but not required.
Q: What if I don't know what to talk about?
A: That's totally okay. I'll guide the session with questions and prompts. The work is collaborative, so we'll figure it out together.
Q: Is this covered by health insurance?
A: I'm a fully qualified Holistic Counsellor with AHHCA membership. However my services are not currently offered through medicare or private health cover.
Q: Can I do this online?
A: Absolutely! Online sessions are just as effective as in-person. I work with clients all over Australia and worldwide via secure video.
Q: What's the difference between holistic counselling and shamanic healing?
A: Holistic counselling is talk-based therapy integrated with creative, somatic, and spiritual practices. Shamanic healing is energy-based clearing and soul retrieval work. They are different types of sessions and are to be booked separately.
Learn more about Shamanic Healing by clicking the link below.
Ready to Begin?
If you're on the Sunshine Coast or anywhere in Australia and you're feeling called to deeper healing — I'd love to support you.
Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation Call
This complimentary call gives us a chance to:
See if we're a good fit
Discuss what's bringing you here
Talk about how I approach the work
Answer any questions you have
It's a no-pressure conversation to help you feel confident about whether working together aligns with your healing journey.
What Clients Say About This Work
"I find Rachel Rose's Holistic Counselling style to be the perfect balance of warmth, compassion, expertise, and guidance. I've found it very easy to connect with her and feel safe and trusted in her presence. What makes her different is her unique blend of traditional techniques with a deep understanding of the body and nervous system, as well as ancestral patterns and influences. She is incredibly holistic in her approach." — DM, Male, 39 y/o
You're not broken. You're just ready for something deeper.
Let's begin.
Rachel Rose
Holistic Counsellor & Shamanic Practitioner
Sunshine Coast, Queensland & Online Australia
