We are delighted to welcome Karen Nickelson to First Light as a volunteer Program Advisor.
As both a qualified clinical practitioner and someone with lived experience of caregiving, palliative care, end-of-life, and widowed bereavement, Karen brings extraordinary compassion, empathy, and understanding to our community.
Karen’s connection to First Light is also deeply personal.
Widowed in 2022, she found support through our community at one of our local catch ups, which encouraged her to take the brave step of attending Camp Widow just six weeks after the death of her husband of 28 years to Glioblastoma (two years after being diagnosed).
“When I was widowed, I wasn’t sure how I should feel, whether what I was feeling was normal and what advice I should take.
“I was fortunate to discover that a First Light Catch Up was held regularly in my local area, and was welcomed beautifully by the coordinator.
“I immediately felt validated and made some valuable connections which led to being invited to attend Camp Widow a few weeks later.”
Karen holds a Master of Social Work/Master of Mental Health Practice, a Bachelor of Human Services with majors in Counselling and Child and Family Studies, and a Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling.
Through her private practice, Red Heart Counselling and Support, Karen provides a range of social work services, including counselling, case management, and advocacy.
She is also a parent to three adult children and understands the many layers of family transition and loss.
We are incredibly grateful to have Karen supporting First Light as a volunteer advisor and look forward to the wisdom and care she will bring to our programs and community.
“It is my privilege these days, to use my profession to raise awareness of grief and loss, and to volunteer with First Light.
“My best advice to anyone searching for a counsellor is to be committed to continuing your search until you find a professional whose practice aligns with your values.
“Go with your gut! If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, it probably isn’t.”
Karen is a member of:
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Palliative Care Social Workers Association of Australia (PCSWA)
To learn more about Karen and her work, please visit her website.
