At eleven years old, I created a clay tablet on which I wrote “peace be with you”.

I still aspire to foster peace within myself and for others.

The Short Version

I consult with clients in the field of psychological wellbeing education, specialising in mindfulness and compassion-based contemplative approaches.

I have had the privilege of working with organisations, such as:

The University of Melbourne’s Contemplative Studies Centre;
Openground, Australia’s leading provider of MBSR and MBCT programs and teacher training;
The Australian Association for Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists; and
Jess Huon, a popular Australian Buddhist Teacher.

I also offer group and 1:1 meditation guidance informed by my own meditation journey since 2009; a meditation teacher certification in mindfulness and compassion-based resilience; and my Masters studies in contemplative psychotherapy.

And I model and create campaigns with brands who share my ethos for environmental, social and spiritual responsibility.

If you would like to explore how I could bring value to you or your organisation, I welcome you to contact me.

Credentials

Masters in Counselling, Monash University, (2024-2026)

Contemplative Psychotherapy Certificate, Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science (2021-2024)

Working Skilfully with Meditation-Related Safety and Challenges for Meditation Teachers, Cheetah House (2022)

Psychological First Aid, John Hopkins University (2022)

Compassion-based Resilience Training Certification, Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science (2021)

Buddhism and Modern Psychology Certificate, Princeton University (2019)

The Science of Happiness Certificate, UC Berkley, (2018)

Existential Wellbeing Counselling Certificate, KU Leuven (2018)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Sociology, Swinburne University (2007-2009)

Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), Swinburne University (2002-2007)

My Story

My name is pronounced NEHR-uh-duh.

Nerida is an Australian Aboriginal name meaning 'waterlily.' However, I'm actually named after an Aussie model my Mum admired in the 80’s, and fate led me to a career as a fashion model.

Not long after I started modelling, I had a traumatic international experience, which lead to anxiety and depression leaving me feeling utterly miserable and desperate. However, I luckily found the resolve to craft a wellbeing plan, including daily meditation, that eventually ended my struggles.

Meditation served as a lifeline, leading me back to inner stillness beyond the conceptual 'me', offering freedom from the prison of the mind, alleviating much of my suffering.

My practice also held me through waves of grief when my Dad passed away unexpectedly and my Mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. All of these experiences have been pivotal in leading me towards a path and vocation in healing. My intention is to share insights, teachings, and meditative practices from my healing journey, hoping they'll benefit yours.

As Thich Nhat Hanh says: “No mud, no lotus.”

“I wish I could show you,

when you are lonely or in darkness,

the astonishing light of your own being.”

—Hafiz

Fashion Revolution Australia

Advocacy Work

Pioneering sustainable fashion in Australia.

Between 2011 - 2016, I publicly advocated to raise the profile of environmental and social responsibility in the fashion industry through public speaking, ambassadorships, commissioned writing, digital marketing content creation, and consulting.

“I want to encourage a desire elegant design, environmental efficiency and ethical craftsmanship.”

—Nerida Lennon

Highlights

Securing funding partnerships with Film Victoria and The British Council.

Presenting for: The British Council’s Sustainability Conference (Jakarta); RMIT University’s Fashion students (Melbourne); The University of Melbourne’s Design Students; Sustainable Living Festival (Fed Square, Melbourne); and Fashion Revolution Australia Festival (Sydney).

Commissioned writing for The Guardian.

Featured media, such as InStyle magazine ‘ Women of Style’ scholarship award nominee.

Recognition by leading Australian newspaper, The Age, as one of Melbourne’s Top 100 most influential, inspiring and creative people.