Joanne Mujic
Counsellor

Hi, my name is Joanne one of my passions is supporting older clients. I offer support to clients themselves or families with an aging relative or loved one. While my primary focus of support is counselling, I am also very knowledgeable regarding admission processes, government support options and all the red tape associated with nursing care. I know the system well and can offer advice and guidance on the overall process.

I have lived personal experience to complement my professional training. My mother has significant dementia and is in care and my partner has Huntington’s disease and lives at home supported by an aged care package.

In my experience changes in, and the need for, additional care can be a big stressor for the individuals and supporting families alike. Once in care there are also stressors of adjusting to changes in living arrangements, social and family networks and changes to physical and mental capabilities. The statistics tell us that over 40% of those in care are clinically depressed with most homes offering only pastoral care.

My approach includes evidence based talk therapy like CBT, EFT and MCBT. I have a master’s degree in counselling together with formal training in Dementia and Aged Care support. I also use guided autobiography as an effective tool for small groups which I offer directly in age care facilities as a weekly activity over 8 weeks (please reach out and I’d be happy to provide more information on this program). This program assists in building relationships, eases loneliness and provides purpose.

I’m based in Frankston (Victoria), however am very comfortable offering support online or via telephone and have plenty of experience tailoring my approach in this way.