Meet Antonia from Thinkful the accessible mental health companion you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Overwhelm: it’s a well-worn word for many of us on the Coast, constantly buzzing and hustling and juggling work, kids, caring duties, and all the things that make life a little less like a highway and more of a rollercoaster, without a guiding light. If this sounds familiar then let us introduce you to Antonia Jennings, the heart and soul behind Thinkful Counselling, a unique and refreshing approach to mental health and wellbeing helping regular Coasties tackle life’s ups and downs without stigma (or long wait times).
Counselling on the Central Coast
After more than 20 years working in the wild world of corporate HR, she earned a solid track record of helping people tackle mental health challenges of all types, dealing with the intricacies of human psychology alongside all of the other responsibilities and expectations of life.
However, life took a turn for Antonia five years ago when she decided to set up her own HR consultancy. The pandemic’s arrival threw the business world into chaos, creating an unforeseen demand for her services. While she thrived professionally, the burnout was real. Antonia realised that she wasn’t fully present in her personal life, which included her kids and partner.
“I decided to pivot,” Antonia recalls. She embarked on a journey to finish her counselling qualifications, and gain accreditation with the Australian Counselling Association. Her newfound passion for mental health led her to establish Thinkful Counselling, a service that fills a gap in the mental health landscape.
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“I wanted to provide therapy for the everyday person,” Antonia said.
“I knew myself, I didn’t always need a mental health care plan but someone to hold my space without offering judgment or opinions. Sometimes, all we need is someone neutral to listen, empathize, and guide us through life’s challenges with proven, helpful tools and strategies.”
Antonia’s approach is warm and non-judgmental. She told Coasties, “I sit with people and affirm for them you’re doing a great job with what you have in front of you. I see you for who you are, what you are. I don’t judge you or shame you; I hold your space and hold a mirror up to show you your strengths.”
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Thinkful Counselling in Umina
Antonia is especially passionate about helping busy working parents and young adults struggling with post-pandemic challenges. For working parents, the demands of juggling careers, relationships, aging parents, finances and your own self-care can be overwhelming.
And then there are the young guns, the 19-25-year-olds who’ve missed out on life’s typical ups and downs because of the pandemic. They’re feeling the weight of the world’s expectations, and Antonia’s on a mission to restore their hope and give them the tools to rock adulthood.
Thinkful Counselling stands out for its accessibility and flexibility. Antonia is committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care. There are no waitlists, and you don’t need to go through the hurdles of seeing a general practitioner for a mental health care plan. Thinkful Counselling also won’t box you into rigid schedules or lock you into long-term commitments, because, “sometimes, all you need is an hour or two to get back on track,” Antonia said.
Whether you’re a busy parent juggling it all or a young adult finding your groove post-pandemic, Thinkful Counselling is your companion on the journey to mental wellness.
If having a mental health buddy you can turn to when life gets a bit bonkers sounds like exactly what you need, you can book in an obligation free chat with Antonia through her website
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Congratulation!