In Episode 47 of the HerStory Podcast, Kylie King sits down with Tracy Shirvill from Finding Felicity Counselling to talk about career change, lived experience, and why mental health support in Australia is still falling through the cracks.
Tracy shares her journey from working in administration to retraining as a registered counsellor during midlife – right in the middle of the pandemic. What started as a long-held interest in psychology turned into a bold career pivot driven by personal reflection, lived experience, and a desire to offer the kind of support she once needed herself.
The conversation also dives into the realities of the counselling industry in Australia, including why counsellors are excluded from Medicare, how funding gaps impact access to care, and why lived experience matters just as much as formal qualifications. Tracy explains her solution-focused approach to counselling, how online delivery removes barriers for clients, and why language, identity, and self-definition play a powerful role in healing.
If you’ve ever considered a career change, struggled to access mental health support, or felt frustrated by outdated systems – this episode is a grounded, honest look at what needs to change and why speaking up matters.
What You’ll Learn in Episode 47
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Why Tracy chose counselling after years in administration
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What solution-focused counselling looks like (and how it differs from traditional CBT)
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Why counsellors are excluded from Medicare and most funding pathways
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How lack of access to mental health services affects everyday Australians
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Why lived experience is critical in mental health support
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How language can empower or disempower identity and healing
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Simple ways to advocate for better mental health access in your community
Guest: Tracy Shirvill
Tracy Shirvill is a Registered Counsellor and the founder of Finding Felicity Counselling. After a successful career in corporate administration, Tracy chose to follow her passion for supporting others through counselling. A pivotal life event prompted her to reflect deeply on her values, beliefs, and goals, ultimately leading her to pursue a more meaningful career path.
Tracy began her training with a Diploma of Counselling, followed by a Bachelor of Counselling, and is now a dedicated member of the Australian Counselling Association. She specializes in providing compassionate, solution focused support to women navigating life’s transitions, particularly those who are childfree or childless.
When she’s not working, Tracy enjoys unwinding with a good book, her cats, a cup of coffee, and her ever-growing Lego collection.
Find Tracy:
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