How counselling can help
The counselling relationship is a therapeutic relationship between the psychologist and the client, which is goal directed and objective. Counselling can help you by offering an objective perspective in safe, caring space that is confidential and just focused on you and your child. This may be very helpful for parents as they navigate difficult issues with their children.
Children and Adolescents
For children, counselling will depend upon the age and the abilities of the child, particularly their verbal ability. Primarily I use play therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. There is a lot of evidence to support both play therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy as interventions for a number of issues.
The teen years are a special time of life where there are many physical, mental and social changes. While this is exciting for many it also presents many challenges. I can help teens and parents work through some of the challenges presented at this time.
Types of Therapy
I am experienced in a number of evidence based therapies which include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Though this process you learn how to challenge your thoughts and change how you feel.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy- Learn how to accept things you can’t change and how to commit to action for the things you can change. This type of therapy helps put you in touch with your goals and the things that give your life meaning, and then help you learn how to take action towards those goals.
- Positive Psychology interventions which looks at helping people identify their strengths and build upon them.
- Relaxation training- learn to understand and manage stress through various physical and mental techniques.
- Mindfulness- learn mindfulness skills, or ‘paying attention to the moment’, as a way to help you engage with the present. This can be a powerful tool to help you deal with a range of issues including worrying and anxiety, as you learn to redirect your attention away from troubling thoughts or experiences.
- Play therapy is less directive but gives children the opportunity to express their stories and emotions without words. It helps children learn to express feelings without words and gives insight into issues.
Modes of Therapy
I can offer face to face sessions in my office and can also do consultations by Skype.
Sessions delivered by Skyke do not attract a Medicare rebate currently, so the full fee is applicable. You may be eligible to claim on your Private Health insurance. Payment for Skype session needs to be made up front before the session starts.
Further Reading
https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/jul/22/university-counselling-really-helped-me
https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/defining-and-delivering-effective-counselling-and-psychotherapy/how-does-counselling
Get in contact if you want more information on our services.
