Support for
All Grief
We provide compassionate counselling and support groups for all grief and loss.
Contact us at 0404 658 052 or [email protected].
Our Services
Counselling
One-on-one sessions with a certified counsellor.
- $150 per session ($90 concession)
Support Groups
We offer a safe and welcoming space to share, listen and support the community. Fees by donation only.
Community Events
We hold events that honour grief, remembrance and connection.
Our Approach
We believe that grief deserves care, space and understanding. Our counsellors are:
Trauma-informed
Inclusive and non-judgemental
Guided by evidence-based practice
Meet Our Team
Find out more about our dedicated team members.
Sign up for future updates
Join our mailing list for updates and invitations to community events
Kath Budzinska
With over four decades of experience as a Registered Nurse/Midwife, Kath's career has spanned the full spectrum of birth, life, and death.In addition to her nursing background, Kath completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology in order to offer trauma and grief support to parents and families with adverse experiences around birth and babies.Her compassionate approach has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Kath also conducts Professional Development seminars for health professionals, providing them with essential tools to process their own grief. Her dedication to helping others navigate loss is at the heart of her work, making her an invaluable part of GriefWise WA.
Ruth Lawless
Ruth Lawless is a qualified counsellor, committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for individuals embarking on transformative journeys of self-discovery and growth.With a deep understanding of life's challenges, Ruth walks alongside clients every step of the way, offering unwavering support and guidance.Specialising in anxiety, depression, relationship issues and grief counselling, Ruth adapts personalised pathways towards healing, resilience, and empowerment.Through professional counselling, clients are equipped to navigate their unique circumstances and recover their minds and spirits.Ruth looks forward to the privilege of supporting you on your journey towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.With a client-centred approach, Ruth is dedicated to fostering an environment where healing and personal growth are not only possible but inevitable.
Chris Doyle
Chris was born in Dublin, Ireland, where she grew up in a vibrant working-class family filled with musicians, poets, and storytellers. Educated by the Sisters of Mercy, she was told she had "brains to burn" but needed to harness her potential. After years in the hospitality industry, she shifted her focus to family as she raised her children.Counselling has always been integral to Chris's life. Inspired by her maternal grandmother, a natural therapist known for delivering babies and offering wise counsel, Chris developed a deep appreciation for compassionate listening. This influence led her back to her studies once her children were grown, allowing her to pursue a fulfilling career in counselling.Now, Chris is dedicated to providing support and guidance to those in need, drawing on her rich personal history and the values instilled by her grandmother.
Chantal Vanderhaeghen
Chantal is a compassionate, seasoned therapist who has embraced diverse career paths to join GriefWise WA. Holding a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Office Administration, and a Diploma in Counselling, she is also a Reiki Master with experience in trauma coaching, blending her business skills with emotional support.
Contact Us
Terms and Conditions
Last updated: 29 September 20251) Who we are
GriefWise WA (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides counselling, grief support groups, and community events in Western Australia (in-person and via telehealth).2) Not a crisis service
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. Our services are by appointment only and are not suitable for emergencies.3) Eligibility & consent
• Adults (18+) may book for themselves.
• Young people (under 18): we generally require parent/guardian consent unless the clinician determines the young person can consent to care on their own.
• You agree that information you provide is true, accurate, and up-to-date.4) Scope of service & disclaimers
• Our services support mental health and wellbeing. We do not provide medical, legal, or financial advice.
• Outcomes vary from individual to individual.
• We may decline or discontinue services where safety, suitability, or boundaries are compromised.5) Bookings, cancellations & no-shows
• Appointments can be made online or by phone/email.
• Cancellation window: cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• Late cancellations / no-shows may be charged up to the full session fee.
• If we must cancel (e.g., illness), we’ll offer a new time or a refund of any prepayment.6) Fees & payment
• Current fees are displayed at booking or supplied upon enquiry. Concessions (if any) will be stated clearly.
• Fees may change; the price at the time of booking applies.
• If a third-party funds your session (e.g., employer assistance), you authorise us to share necessary attendance/ invoicing details with that party.7) Telehealth
• Telehealth involves risks (e.g., internet failures, privacy limitations). You agree to use a private space and stable connection.
• We’ll provide reasonable security safeguards, but cannot guarantee uninterrupted or error-free connections.8) Groups & community events
• Confidentiality in groups: we request all participants keep personal stories of others private.
• You agree to be respectful, substance-free, and to follow facilitator instructions. We may remove any participant for unsafe or disruptive behaviour without refund.
• Photos/media: We will not photograph or record identifiable participants during counselling or groups.
• For community events, we will only capture images with consent.9) Safety & duty of care
• We may interrupt or end a session to manage risk.
• We may contact emergency services or nominated contacts if we believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or where disclosure is required by law.10) Intellectual property & website use
• Site content (text, logos, images) is owned by GriefWise WA or used under licence. Do not copy, modify, or distribute without permission.
• Third-party links are provided for convenience; we are not responsible for their content or practices.11) Refunds
• Counselling: fees are non-refundable once a session is delivered.
• Groups/Events: refunds or transfers follow the event listing.12) Feedback
Contact us for any feedback or enquiries.13) Changes to these Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The “last updated” date shows the latest version. Continued use of our services means you accept the changes.
Privacy Policy
Last updated: 29 September 2025We respect your privacy and handle your information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).1) What we collect
We collect only what we need to provide safe, effective services:
• Identity & contact: name, DOB, address, phone, email, emergency contact.
• Health & sensitive information: presenting concerns, history, session notes, assessments, risk/safety information, referrals, GP/specialist contacts.
• Admin & transactions: appointment history, invoices/receipts.
• Website & forms: messages you send, mailing-list preferences.
• Events: registration details; optional media consent (if applicable).
We usually collect information from you directly. We may receive relevant information from referrers or family/support persons with your consent or where permitted/required by law.2) Purpose of data
• Provide counselling, groups, and events; manage bookings, billing, and follow-ups.
• Supervision, quality assurance, and practice management.
• Safety and risk management, including contacting supports or services where there is a serious risk.
• Legal and regulatory requirements.3) Use & disclosure
We may use and disclose information:
• Within GriefWise WA to staff/contractors on a need-to-know basis.
• To your nominated providers (e.g., GP, psychiatrist) with your consent.
• Without consent if required or authorised by law (e.g., to prevent or lessen a serious threat to life, health or safety; respond to abuse/neglect concerns; or comply with lawful requests). (WA has designated mandatory reporters for certain roles; we follow applicable laws and ethical guidance.)
• To service providers (processors) that help us operate (e.g., practice management/telehealth, website host, form & email providers, payment gateways, secure cloud storage). These providers must protect your information and may only use it for our purposes.4) Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational safeguards. Telehealth has inherent risks; we minimise these but cannot guarantee absolute security.5) Data retention & disposal
We retain client records for at least 7 years from the last contact, and for clients seen as minors, until at least age 25, consistent with widely-adopted health record guidance in Australia. When no longer required, we securely destroy or de-identify records.6) Direct marketing
We only send newsletters/updates with your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in our emails or by contacting us.7) Children & young people
Where appropriate, we obtain parent/guardian involvement. We may speak privately with the young person to promote safety and therapeutic rapport, while balancing confidentiality and any legal/safety obligations.8) Third-party sites
Links to external sites may be provided for convenience; their privacy practices are not ours. Review their policies before sharing information.9) Contact
For any concerns, please contact us.10) Changes to this policy
We may update this policy. The “last updated” date reflects the latest version.