Many people have difficulties in these areas. Can you imagine how you would feel if these issues weren't such a big part of your life? But how do you get to this point? The common view of therapy from popular media is that therapy takes years and involves baring your soul to someone who doesn't say very much at all and might even nod off while you're talking! This can be frightening, not to mention costly in terms of both time and money. Who has the resources to commit to years of weekly therapy sessions?

Fortunately this is an outdated view. Research has shown us that the most effective therapies are those that place a strong emphasis on practical problem-solving. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy falls into this category. This is a short-term, cost effective approach, and recommended by the medical profession because it is based on clear evidence that shows it achieves what it says it will. CBT involves you doing most of the work between sessions so that change is always happening, and you soon learn how to implement strategies without the help of a counsellor.

Since emotional states are seldom logical, an approach that utilises imagery and writing can provide an alternative path for self-exploration and communication. Expressive Arts Therapy provides a process of discovery through creative activities in a supportive setting to facilitate growth and healing. When using art as an expressive mode for self healing or therapeutic purposes, we are not concerned about aesthetics or craftmanship. Using the creative process for deep inner healing allows the mind, body and emotions to bring forth the client’s intuitive, imaginative abilities as well as logical, linear thought. We learn to let go, express and release, as well as gain insight by studying the symbolic and metaphoric messages. Our creativity speaks back to us if we take the time to let the messages in.
 

HERE'S THE PROBLEM

Because many people don't realise how modern counselling works, they choose to stay stuck in lives that aren't working for them. What happens to people who don't work on aspects of their lives they aren't happy with?  I don't have to tell you, you see them all around you. They continue to struggle with life, enduring unsatisfying relationships, remaining in unfulfilling jobs, constantly comparing themselves to others and dealing with symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, even becoming physically unwell. And sadly, they try not to think about a life they would really enjoy if only they knew how to reach for it.

As human beings we need to find a balance between meeting the demands of our crazy lifestyles and finding time to nurture and listen to ourselves. This can involve making time for family and friends, creative interests, holidays, sporting activities and self-care, and often requires time, money and support that we just don't have. Who wants to keep pushing uphill, experiencing life as a struggle?  This is where counselling comes in, helping you to help yourself, providing the support and skills to manage your life so that you can make the changes you need to.

THE GOOD NEWS

The truth is most people don't need a large number of consultations, the average being between 6 to 12 sessions, which may be spaced weekly, fortnightly or monthly to suit your schedule and budget.  Your first consultation involves identifying what you would like to change, and possibly completing some brief tests to help clarify the nature and degree of your concerns. During subsequent consultations you then receive information and support in applying appropriate strategies for making the changes you want.  Of course these suggestions are based on scientific principles to ensure they will be effective.

WHAT COUNSELLING IS NOT

• NOT a quick overnight fix - our current patterns of thinking and behaving have taken years of practice, this doesn't mean it will take years to change them but, as with any habit, you do need to put some effort into doing something differently.
• NOT a long-term commitment - you can choose the number and frequency of your sessions. We will make an estimate of what will work best for you in the first session. Some people only need to come once or twice, others come weekly, some attend a few sessions and then come back for a refresher session in six months. It's your choice because you know what fits best for you.

THE KEY BENEFITS

Because this style of counselling involves teaching you strategies to make the required changes in your life, you will be learning skills that will be lifelong. In effect, you become your own counsellor. That's why these approaches aren't lengthy. We give you 'homework' to do between sessions, because it's what you do differently in the real world that will make your life different. This means you can draw on these techniques at any time you need to, five or fifteen years from now.

WHAT DO I GET?

• A one hour session in a peaceful relaxed setting

• A thorough assessment of your problems and concerns

• An estimate of the number of sessions you will most likely require to reach your goals

• Specific suggestions to take home and start trying right away

• Day and evening sessions are available as some people prefer to come after work or, alternatively, before picking the kids up from school.

You will meet with a registered psychologist with almost 15 years experience working with people to improve their lives. Click on the Who Am I page for further details.

A WORD ABOUT PRIVACY

All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential, no information will be released to anyone unless you give a written and signed request to do so. However there are some exceptions to this which are in place to protect you - for instance if there is a risk of harm to yourself or another person. Also if you were referred by a doctor, a progress note will be usually be sent as a courtesy unless you request otherwise, and if you are involved in a court case a report may be required. I would always attempt to discuss this with you first should any of these apply.


CAN'T I DO THIS ON MY OWN?

Of course you can. There are many wonderful self-help books out there, and friends and family can often provide support when things get tough. However it's sometimes hard for friends to maintain objectivity when helping you. An outside person can offer you support in a safe, nonjudgmental manner consistent with your values, not someone else's. A counsellor can also provide a new perspective when exploring insights, along with practical support when implementing suggestions from self-help literature.


WHAT WILL IT COST?

At the moment, the Australian Psychological Society recommends an hourly fee of $200.  That's because learning the principles for taking control of your life are worth it.  However not everyone is able to fit this into their budget, even for a small number of sessions. To reduce any barriers to you getting the help and support you need, I offer one hour sessions for the discounted fee of $130. You may also get a further discount if you are in a private health fund or are a student or pensioner.

Additionally you may be aware that in November 2006 the Government made changes to Medicare which now provides a substantial rebate (approx. $78 per session) for up to 12 sessions of psychological treatment. You simply need to be assessed by your GP to ensure you meet the criteria for referral.

You might be surprised at how affordable your investment will be when you realise how much time, effort and expertise has gone into creating a cost-effective service for you that addresses your concerns with up-to-date principles based on solid and current research. From time to time I also run groups and classes that are even more economical, usually around $25 per session. Keep an eye on the Groups page to see what's coming up.

Even then, you want to know if seeing a counsellor can really make a difference to your life. I can't guarantee that counselling or groupwork will help you, however both have helped many people all over the world - you won't know if it's right for you until you try it.  So if you want to explore further, call or email for a chat to see how we might work together to help reclaim the life you know you were meant to lead.
 

• Gaining a greater level of personal fulfilment

• Developing a healthy balance between work and personal life

• Reducing stress at work and in family life

• Recovering from past trauma or abuse

• Overcoming problem eating behaviours

• Making effective decisions and managing conflict

• Learning to ask for what you want

• Finding relief from chronic worry

• Stop feeling self-conscious in social situations

• Dealing with fears of a specific object or situation

• Stop feeling responsible for others

• Control muscle tension, dizziness, racing heart, shaky hands, hot flushes

• Stop avoiding places where these difficulties may occur

• Coping with the break up of a relationship

• Breaking unproductive habits