Michele Chaseling is a registered Social Worker and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provider, offering counselling and social work support to eligible veterans.
At Compass Counselling, we recognise that military service and the transition into civilian life can bring unique experiences and challenges. These may affect your emotional wellbeing, relationships, family life, housing, sense of identity and ability to adjust to significant changes. Michele provides a compassionate, trauma-informed and person-centred approach, with support tailored to your individual circumstances, needs and goals.
If you hold an eligible DVA Gold or White Health Card, you may be able to access DVA-funded social work services following a referral from your GP or treating medical specialist.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact Compass Counselling or speak with your GP about a referral.
As a registered DVA Social Worker, Michele can provide counselling, case management and practical support across a range of areas, including:
Michele can also work collaboratively with other health professionals and services involved in your care where appropriate and with your consent.
At Compass Counselling, support is provided within a safe, respectful and non-judgemental therapeutic environment. A trauma-informed approach recognises that past and present experiences can affect many areas of a person’s life. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, Michele works collaboratively with you to understand what is happening in the context of your individual experiences, circumstances and needs.
Counselling can provide an opportunity to explore difficult experiences, develop practical strategies, strengthen emotional regulation and resilience, and identify ways of moving forward that are meaningful to you.
The aim is to support you with compassion, dignity and respect, while recognising your strengths and allowing you to remain actively involved in decisions about your care.
Sometimes counselling alone is not enough. Practical issues involving housing, services, healthcare, transition, finances or other life circumstances can contribute significantly to stress and emotional wellbeing. As a Social Worker, Michele can provide case management and advocacy alongside therapeutic support where appropriate.
This may include helping you to:
This combined approach allows support to consider both your emotional wellbeing and the practical circumstances affecting your life.
Family members may be eligible for DVA-funded social work services where they hold an eligible DVA Gold or White Health Card. Veterans and their families may also be eligible to receive free and confidential support through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling.
Open Arms provides a range of services to eligible members of the veteran community and their families, including:
You do not necessarily need to hold a DVA card to access Open Arms services; eligibility is based on your connection to the Australian Defence Force and other eligibility criteria. For further information, visit the Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling website or contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Michele offers DVA Social Work appointments through Compass Counselling. Appointments provide an opportunity to discuss what has been happening in your life, identify the areas in which you would like support, and develop an individual approach based on your circumstances and goals.
If you are a DVA client looking for compassionate, trauma-informed counselling, case management or social work support, please contact Compass Counselling to discuss your needs.
Or, if you are ready to make an appointment:
Book an Appointment with Michele
Our aim is to work alongside you to support your wellbeing, strengthen your resources and help you move forward in a way that is meaningful for you.
We look forward to walking alongside you in your healing and recovery and celebrating with you in your positive change and empowerment. We will get back to any enquiries within 2 business days.