Dr Brooklyn Storme PhD

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Funding for Practitioners Impacted by Cyclone Alfred

Image source: WA Today 7th March 2025

Hello, I'm Dr Brooklyn Storme, PhD, leader of the Ultimate Private Practice, a supportive online community for almost 8,000 health professionals and private practice owners across Australia. As the aftermath of what became a Tropical Grade storm continues to evolve especially with flooding in areas such as Lismore, our hearts are with our colleagues in these regions who face potential devastation to both their homes and practices.

Supporting Your Colleagues

Why This Matters So Deeply

As mental health professionals ourselves, we understand the double burden our colleagues will face: dealing with their own losses while simultaneously being called upon to support their communities through collective trauma. When disaster strikes, counsellors are essential frontline responders helping communities process grief, anxiety, and distress—yet they can only provide this vital service if they themselves have the resources to practice.

Many counsellors in private practice operate with limited financial margins and without the institutional backing of larger organisations. The loss of equipment, office space, or basic infrastructure can mean months without income, creating a devastating ripple effect for both the practitioners and the vulnerable clients who depend on their services.

Make a Tax Deductible Donation

Apply for Support

Getting Support Is Very Easy

I have created a straightforward process for you to apply for funding. All you need to do is complete a simple form.

The funding campaign closes at midnight on 31st March 2025. You will be contacted by me on 1st April 2025 by phone, to arrange transfer of funds.

The amount of money allocated is determined by a simple equation of dividing the total amount of money raised by the total number of applicants.

Proof of disbursement will be made available here on the website for transparency purposes while identifying recipient information will be removed.

Apply for Funding

About the Fundraiser

How your support will help our colleagues in Northern NSW & QLD

Every dollar raised through this campaign will directly support counsellors in our community affected by Cyclone Alfred and its aftermath in two critical ways:

1. Rebuilding Professional Capacity

Funds will help replace essential tools of practice lost to the cyclone:

Laptops and technology for telehealth sessions
Office furniture and equipment
Internet connectivity solutions
Professional resources and materials
Temporary office space where needed

2. Supporting Counsellors' Own Mental Health

We recognise that counsellors themselves may experience trauma, anxiety, and stress following this disaster. Portion of funds will provide:

Therapy sessions for affected counsellors
Supervision and peer support
Self-care resources to prevent burnout
Respite opportunities during the rebuilding phase

Non-Intrusive Application Process - Apply With Dignity

Our community members in affected areas will be able to apply for assistance through a simple, dignified process. I am committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on how funds are being disbursed. Application is through completion of a simple form.

How Funds are Distributed

The funding amount raised is distributed equally between all applicants. This ensures all applicants receive support irrespective of the level of impact experienced by the event. Information about the funds and their distribution will be made publicly available here on my website (data will be treated to protect the privacy of recipients).

By supporting these counsellors, you're not just helping individual practitioners—you're ensuring that mental health services remain available in communities when they're needed most. You're contributing to both immediate relief and long-term resilience for areas impacted by Cyclone Alfred and its aftermath.