Areas we can help with
At Aware Psychology and Coaching, our resident qualified and experienced Psychologists can provide you with support in a broad range of areas. We provide individual services for adults in addition to online group programs and corporate training.
Counselling Services are available either face to face in our centrally located offices in Sydney or via high quality and secure online video counselling. We also offer global coaching services via video for training in emotional resilience and general wellbeing.
You may be eligible for an Medicare counselling rebate of $89.65 per therapy session for up to 10 sessions under the Better Access Initiative if you are referred by an appropriate medical practitioner (GP or Psychiatrist). Please book a counselling appointment or inquire for more details.
Adjustment & Change
It is often said that the only constant in life is change. Undergoing change requires adjustment to situations and life events as they arise. Some of these changes will lead to stress, anxiety and even depression. Many of these changes will be positive events such as births, new relationships, and marriages, yet they may still be accompanied by significant stressors that can impact the quality of life and happiness. Other major life transitions such as moving home, a new job or promotion, or the loss of a loved one can all contribute towards increased levels of stress and anxiety.
When someone starts to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or concerned that they cannot cope it is often an indication that they may benefit from a little extra help. It is not unusual to feel uncomfortable in new situations, or when more than one change or adjustment presents itself at a time. Asking an independent third party for support often beneficial which is why a Counsellor or therapist can be of great value during periods of change and adjustment.
A therapist will be able to provide support with coping strategies and reframing your thoughts surrounding the transition you are experiencing as a means to assist you with gaining with managing situations that are out of your control.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of unease often in the form of worry or fear. It can be mild, or severe, and can have a negative impact on someone’s life.
We all experience anxiety at some point in our lives. We all know the feeling of butterflies prior to taking an exam, or job interview. This is a perfectly normal way to feel. However, some people will find it challenging to control their worries and at this point, the feeling of anxiety may become more frequent and affect their daily lives, with the impact being seen at home, socially and at work.
Whilst anxiety is a symptom of phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder it is most commonly associated with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). That said, just because we experience anxiety does not mean we are impaired or meet criteria for a mental health disorder. Some of the symptoms of anxiety include a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, sleep impairment, and racing thoughts.
Treatment for anxiety is highly effective and a trained Counsellor can help provide you with self-management techniques to assist with living a more normal and fulfilled life.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health concern that impacts negatively on how we think, feel, and act. It can cause feelings of sadness or low-mood with a sense of hopelessness. Sometimes it is associated with changes in appetite, sleep patterns and energy. People living with depression may also experience feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and struggle to focus, or make decisions.
Depression is more than simply feeling sad or a little down for a couple of days. Most people do at times go through periods of low mood and don’t have anything to worry about. It is perfectly normal to feel this way every now and then and unrealistic to expect that we should be happy 100% of the time. For most of us, life generally has a few difficulties, and sometimes we need a little extra help to manage these.
There are varying causes of depression. Significant life changing events such as bereavement, the loss of a job, or having a baby can trigger depression. Alternatively, depression can be genetic and for others it may seem to come from nowhere, in which case your lifestyle and diet may be the contributing factor.
We all experience symptoms of depression at some point in our lives. The sooner you acknowledge your symptoms and take action towards managing these, with the assistance of a Psychologist or counsellor, the more effective intervention will be. Delayed intervention may contribute to the condition worsening and can impact relationships, careers and the ability to lead a fulfilled life. Taking action is a very positive, courageous step and you may surprise yourself with how making a few lifestyle changes can assist with managing your symptoms. These may include regular exercise and recreational activities; improving your diet and cutting back on alcohol or recreational drug use.
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Grief refers to the process of recovering from the loss of someone or something that we care about. This may include the death of a loved one or pet, the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, a change of way of life or the loss of important possessions such as a house fire. Individuals will deal with loss in different ways, the circumstances they find themselves in, their background or even religion may affect how they are impacted by grief.
People experiencing grief may experience different feelings, from sadness, yearning and guilt to relief. At times those going through grief may experience laughter and other times they may cry. They may also be asking or telling themselves what they could have done differently.
Grief will pass quickly for some, and for others, it will be prolonged. At times it may lead to depression.
When a person’s feelings of grief start to impact their ability to function or lead their lives normally they may benefit from the support of a qualified Psychologist & Counsellor. Therapy can be a highly effective way of learning to cope with how you feel and to make sense of the loss and adjustment. Your Counsellor can help you make sense of your loss in a safe and confidential environment.
