About Jess

Introduce yourself

Hi there! My name is Jess Sudiacal (Soo-dee-ahh-cul). I am the owner and creator of Sunny Hearts. I'm a registered counsellor (Level 3 MACA), associate play therapist (APTA), dedicated partner, a wholehearted dog enthusiast (I have a red cattle dog named Rosie!) and an AuDHDer (this is a link). I am also Filipino Australian.

I have completed my Master of Counselling at the University of Queensland after completing an undergraduate Bachelor's Degree in Science majoring in Psychology. I am a certified Interplay practitioner. I have completed training in Play Therapy at the Queensland Institute of Play Therapy (QIPT). I am Level One and MIM assessment trained in Theraplay. I am currently training in Synergetic Play Therapy and my supervisor is Sarah Harwood from Blooming Heart Therapy and QIPT.

What's your mission? 

I have always told people that I am ruled by the weather. On sunny days ☀️, the world just seems more beautiful and open. I feel it's at its best. I find myself more grounded, warm and connected to myself. Life is short and the world is complex, so those moments of connection are so important and precious. My mission is to help guide as many people as I can to find their own version of their sunny heart! 💛

What's your approach? 

I mainly use humanistic, expressive therapies in my counselling approach. I also use a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), Theraplay and creative/art therapy techniques. My area of interest is primarily in play therapy and working with children and families. I know I will not be the best fit for everyone and I believe that I am not the expert in what you, your family or your children have gone through. I believe in a bottom-up, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming approach, meaning that I will not use one approach for all. Everyone has the potential for healing, warmth and nurturing from within - I am merely here to guide you to that 🌻

What do you spend time your spare time doing? 

If I'm not spending time with my dog watching Criminal Minds, I could be playing Genshin Impact, seeing a live band, going out for a nature walk 🍃, or settling in with a nice book to do with the human brain, trauma, behaviour, the nervous system or more often than not, fantasy/sci-fi or manga! I also might spend some time being creative. I have ever-changing special interests! Can you tell I'm neurodivergent??  

Favourite colour? 

Rainforest Green! 🌲

Favourite animal? 

Many! I love animals having volunteered for the RSPCA in my early career. It'll be a toss up between penguins 🐧, racoons 🦝 (Can I domesticate one, pretty please?) or (obviously) dogs 🐶 

Music? 

Anywhere between Rock 🤘 , Pop ✨ and Classical 🎻 I was a musician in a previous life!