Counsellor Profiles

All Counsellors are Qualified members of Professional Counselling Bodies

Jo Koskela - Jo now has an appointment calendar for you to book at your convience.

Jo is married to Noel and they have raised four children who are now all young adults. Originally from New Zealand they have been settled in Australia for over fifteen years. Their marriage has not been without difficulties and it was these hard times that invoked Jo to go on a search for the answers that would keep their marriage together. Living Wisdom has been that answer for them even though facing their own ‘demons’ was challenging they knew it would be necessary.  Since then Jo has studied in Australia to graduate with an Advanced Diploma in Family Therapy and Counselling (Christian) and has been counselling for 8 years.  “It is such a privilege to be involved in people’s lives in this very real way and to see hurting hearts turned into thankful ones” says Jo.  She is a very insightful, caring and trusted Counsellor who won’t leave you stranded in your ‘pit’ but work with you in a loving and productive way to achieve your goals and desires.  Jo is also available to come and speak at your request by donation or a negotiated price.

Dale and Gina Dearman

Both Dale and Gina are passionate about helping people find real answers for lasting mental, emotional and spiritual health. Dale has over twenty years experience working with youth and families in High School Chaplaincy and has completed his Masters in Counselling. He has had life experiences that have driven him to find skills and tools to progress into a fulfilling life and marriage. Gina has fifteen years of experience in business and personal management in the beauty Industry. It was through this process that she discovered her love for people and the desire to help those that are in pain. She has completed studies in Family Therapy and Counselling (AIFC) and Living Wisdom, Level One and Two in New Zealand. Currently, she is keeping challenged through the preparation of her first book. They are enthusiastic about working with couples in the area of pre-marriage education and equipping married couples with tools to bring success and intimacy. Both Dale and Gina are available for counselling and seminars with individuals, groups, families and couples.

Ben Ramsey (Mount Gambier, South Australia)

Ben’s desire is simple - to positively help people become free from whatever issue in life is holding them back or causing problems. Whether that be generic issues such as marriage, relationships, anger, grief or self worth, through to more clinical diagnoses including depression, anxiety, addictions, or OCD, Ben is able to work with you to find the right truths to set you free. Ben is married with three young boys and has been working in this field since 2005. Ben originally trained asa high school teacher (music), before completing an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy, Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts Psychology (Honours). Ben is currently employed as a provisional psychologist with the Education Department (SA), is a Level 3 member of the Australian Counselling Association, and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society. Ben is the director of New Life Counselling & Training and runs Living Wisdom schools in 2-week and 16-week formats, along with one day seminars.  Ben is frequently described by past clients as ‘sensitive, understanding, easy to talk to yet still direct in identifying the root issues’. Transform your mind, your life, your future.  Ben runs a two week Living Wisdom School over 16-20 evenings twice a year.  This is a brilliant way to experience this life changing course if getting a two week block to yourself is difficult. He also runs Workshops/Seminars on various topics around the South East so keep an eye on his website. www.newlifecounselling.com.au

Daphne Austin

Daphne enjoys the challenge of helping people reach their full potential - in life, in relationships, in work, ministry or whatever field they find themselves involved with.  Living Wisdom is an integral part of people finding and reaching their potential. Daphne is a wife and mother of three adult, married children, and has been involved in psychology, and counselling for 20 years, and more recently pastoring.  She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, holding degrees in Arts, and Behavioural Sciences, and is completing post graduate theological studies through Tabor College, Adelaide. Having herself come from a difficult family background, with many challenges, and family members with health and mental health problems, Daphne personally understands what is needed to work through family and life issues to reach ones potential. Vocationally, from initially a nursing background - she holds a particular interest in the interplay of health, mental health and psychology, and for many,  the interplay of ones spiritual journey of life. Currently Daphne is at Transformations By the Bay, (Men’s Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Residential) where she is a Director and Consultant Psychologist.  You can contact Daphne by email:- daphne@nextsteps.net.au