Our Team
Strength ~ Connection ~ Community ~ Future
Founder / Counsellor
Richard O'Connor
A desire to make a difference and a love of people and exercise, inspired my entry into the wellness industry in 1991. I have worked in many capacities, including creating two businesses, one educational (est 2007), focusing on professional development, and a Personal training gym which was established in 2002 that I still operate today in Robina. During this time I have had the opportunity to care for many people from diverse backgrounds with varying health and wellness challenges and help them achieve their individual goals. Many of these people for almost 20 years.
Along the way my interest in mental health has deepened, leading me to undertake my Bachelor of Counselling degree at Griffith University Gold Coast. Walk and Talk for Wellness is another small way I hope to make a difference in the lives of the people in my community.
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I look forward to walking and talking with you soon!
Richard is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast
Supervisor / Counsellor
Joanne Mitchell
After years of a successful management career, where I had the rare but rewarding opportunity to coach and guide people to reach their full potential professionally, I wanted to continue to explore how I could help people on a more personal level. Helping people is what I feel passionate about.
I started a Bachelor of Counselling and since I’ve graduated, I’ve started my own private practice,am a tutor at Griffith University and have done some work in the NDIS sector. All the while developing my skills in mental health and giving people a trusted avenue to talk about their lives.
I now get the amazing opportunity to come back to my Walk and Talk for Wellness family. During my degree I was a trainee counsellor and loved the Walk and Talk format. Healing in nature and walking in beautiful environments has shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress and I can’t wait to meet up with you soon!
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Jo supervises for our locations in the Gold Coast
Counsellor trainee
Kaitlin Carr
Hey, my name is Kaity, I'm a third-year counselling student. My passion for counselling was driven by my own personal journey through mental health challenges. By engaging in talk therapy, I gained a strong belief in the transformative power of resilience. I have experience working with people in grief and loss, and youth mentoring, through which I have strengthened my skills in understanding and supporting individuals through their most vulnerable moments.
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Nature serves as both a sanctuary for my own self-care practices and a therapeutic tool in my work. I've found peace and rejuvenation in the embrace of natural environments. This connection to nature not only sustains me but also informs my approach to counselling, offering holistic avenues for healing and growth.
Empowering others to discover their inner strength and resilience is my guiding principle. As I continue my journey toward becoming a counsellor, I remain committed to fostering hope in those I work with.
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Kaity is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region
Counsellor trainee
Kate Powell
For over 15 years, I thrived in the dynamic world of events and marketing, crafting engaging experiences and fostering strong partnerships. My passion for human connection now leads me down a new path - psychotherapy. Equipped with a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and currently pursuing a Master's in Psychotherapy and Counselling, I'm committed to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges and cultivate emotional well-being.
My previous experience in stakeholder engagement, project management, and building communities translates into a deep understanding of the human experience – a valuable asset in supporting clients on their journey to mental wellness.
Kate is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region
Counsellor trainee
Crissy Ladek
As a mature student of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Professions and a 14-year frontline healthcare veteran, I bring a unique blend of lived experiences and compassion to my practice. With a focus on collaboration, community and wellness, I’m passionate about walking with individuals towards their resilience and healing.
Drawing from my own journey and a belief in the therapeutic benefits of movement and nature I am looking forward to the integration of eco-therapy principals from walk and talk for wellness. My solution-focused approach centers on active listening and collaboration, empowering clients to discover their strengths and solutions.
As an Army Veteran, I hold a special commitment to the well-being of fellow Veterans, and I continuously expand my learning in areas of neuropsychology and trauma to better serve my clients.
I am looking forward to embarking on a path to a brighter tomorrow.
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Crissy is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast​
Counsellor trainee
Martin Skok
For over ten years I owned and operated a thriving apiary business which included training hobbyists through to professionals, liaising with multiple organisations and the public with a strong focus on customer relations as well as all the minutiae of running a business. While I spent time volunteering, I wanted to do more.
As a mature age student and father of four I bring a unique perspective to counselling. I am especially drawn to nature based counselling due to the impact that nature has had on me throughout my life.
I’m excited to join the Walk and Talk community and help others discover fresh hope.
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Martin is available at our Benowa location in the Gold Coast region
Counsellor trainee
Carly Beecher
As a third-year counselling student, my passion for listening and understanding others extends beyond traditional settings. My role with Walk and Talk Wellness enables me to integrate nature's therapeutic benefits with impactful conversations. I believe in addressing mental health through a holistic lens—considering the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit—and strive to create a space where clients feel truly heard and supported.
My empathetic and open-minded approach helps me connect with clients in a safe, non-judgmental environment where they can freely explore their thoughts and feelings. I’ve found that the combination of walking and talking fosters a unique connection and provides fresh perspectives for both the client and myself. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate their challenges and discover strength in their journey toward mental well-being.
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Carly is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region​
Counsellor trainee
Kyle Robinson
I am a third-year Counselling student at the Australian College of Applied Professions. My passion for counselling and psychotherapy comes from life experience and my NDIS client base.
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I am a strong supporter of the mind-body experience, as well as a connection with senses and environments. There is a strong connection between these aspects and the resilience of the mental and psychological self. Moreover, social connection is fundamental to supporting transformation, development, and growth, which are core to many therapeutic models. These factors highlight the purpose of Walk and Talk for Wellness, and my personal philosophies and values.
I employ many approaches that support a comfortable and person-centred connection. My process is based in non-judgemental, holistic, and empathic psychotherapeutic principles to support my clients in their personal challenges or vulnerabilities. I look forward to the opportunity to support you in the future.
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Kyle is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region​
Counsellor trainee
Luc Hart De Keating
As a dedicated Psychology student and aspiring Mental Health professional, I am eager to make a meaningful impact by supporting others in their lifelong journeys. My therapeutic approach is built on my core value of empathy, which drives my understanding and compassion for others.
As a part-time therapy assistant, I have acquired interpersonal skills that have allowed me to build and uphold a therapeutic relationship with each and every one of my clients. These skills include active listening, patience, and the ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel valued and understood.
Nature holds a special place in my heart, as I’ve witnessed its profound impact on healing and personal growth. There’s something uniquely restorative about being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. It fosters a sense of calm, encourages reflection, and always pulls me back to the present. I believe that integrating nature into the therapeutic process can enhance healing, allowing clients to connect with their emotions in a more profound way.
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Luc is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region​
Counsellor trainee
Ginger Allen
As a dedicated psychology student and passionate advocate for positive mental health, I am deeply committed to enhancing the quality of individuals' lives. My therapy focuses on the basic human need to feel heard and understood, building connection and empathy.
I wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy that Walk and Talk therapy uniquely intertwines the healing power of nature with a holistic approach to counselling. At the core of my therapeutic practice is the commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can openly express their feelings, free from judgment. I aim to ensure that each person feels valued, respected, and understood throughout their journey.
My personal experiences with chronic pain have given me a distinct perspective on the transformative power of nature in managing pain and navigating life's challenges. I have found that nature plays a crucial role in calming the mind and anchoring us in the present moment, which is essential for fostering healing and personal growth. Through this lens, I strive to guide others on their own paths to wellness, drawing on the restorative qualities of the natural world to support their journeys.
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Ginger is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region​
Counsellor trainee
Sedinam Amouzou
I am currently working towards earning a bachelor's degree in counselling. Since high school, I have had an interest in psychology and counselling and I always knew that I wanted to help people for a living. Through my personal experience being the client in counselling, I understand how much help counselling can provide in improving one's mental health, peace within, and resilience against life's hardships. I understand how life changing counselling can be for people as it was for me. This is what drives my passion for counselling.
As a disability support worker and international student from the United States, I bring a unique perspective to counselling with more awareness of different cultures and people with disabilities. I believe that having a connection to nature can play an important role in finding peace and improving one's mental health. I embrace calming natural environments as part of my approach to counselling. I am happy to be a part of the Walk and Talk for Wellness community and to help others face life's challenges and find inner peace.
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Sedinam is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region​
Counsellor trainee
Andrew Piers-Blundell
Since 2009, I have supported community members in various capacities as a support worker, caseworker, and trainer. My work across Education, Youth, and Disability sectors has deepened my appreciation for the power of human connection and the value it brings to our everyday lives.
Currently, I am enhancing my skills through a Bachelor of Counselling at Griffith University, aiming to help others gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
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With a belief in our innate capacity for growth, I strive to guide individuals in exploring their experiences to foster personal development. Together, we can uncover and strengthen your resilience, identifying meaningful ways to apply your strengths in life.
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Let’s explore new perspectives together in nature, and create a path toward a more fulfilling life.
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Andrew is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region​
Counsellor trainee
Lynne Fenwick
I am a South African immigrant, who made Australia home 25 years ago. With three children under the age of 10, a new chapter of life was begun. The process of emigration was a step into the unknown, and at different times met with sadness and delight, success and failure.
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I have a passion for helping others find their way to joy when confronted with obstacles. I have life experience which will soon be complemented by a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling. I bring a real-life perspective to real-life experiences. While there is a commonality to the challenges we face, there is a uniqueness to the impact those
challenges have on our lives.
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My passion and desire is to assist individuals develop resilience and find lasting joyful moments on their journey of life. I am here to help navigate the unexpected, unplanned and unwanted speed-bumps in life, via a holistic approach of mind, body and soul. I am grateful to be part of this extraordinary Walk and Talk for Wellness counselling and mentoring team.
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Lynne is available at our Benowa, HOTA and Nerang locations in the Gold Coast region​