Helping find meaning during life's challenging times
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What to expect...
What can I expect in a counselling session?
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People coming for counselling are sometimes embarrassed, ashamed, defensive, reticent or feel beyond being able to be helped. I listen with empathy and hear your story with compassion. I seek to be curious about your situation and to ensure that you are truly heard. I welcome all emotions and make every effort to help you to feel safe and comfortable.
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Depending what your starting concern is, I might use a variety of talking therapies (narratives), cognitive behavioural (thinking) tools, or other physical awareness practices to help clarfy your problems.
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I practice in an ethical manner in line with OT Australia code of ethics and PACFA guidelines. Your information is confidential. Consent to discuss Information to be shared with referring practitioners will be discussed with you at your first appointment, along with limitations to confidentiality, for example if you are at risk of harming yourself or others. A client information/ Referral form outlining this is available here.
Why the term 'intrepid'?
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We all have problems in our personal lives, but sometimes they build up to a point where something simply has to change. 'Intrepid' suggests a fearlessness or resolve in dealing with something new or unknown. I see my role as helping clients identify what needs to change, and then empowering them to be intrepid in making sustainable change happen.
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Why Occupation?
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Intrepid Counselling is an Occupational Therapy based counselling service.
Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages and from all walks of life who because of illness, accident or circumstance are unable to participate fully in their chosen occupations. This includes people who experience social or emotional distress or mental illness. Examples may be anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, grief and loss, psychotic illness, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, dementia, family or peer relationship problems, learning and adjustment difficulties.
Research has shown that people who are actively engaged in activities that are meaningful to them are less distressed by their mental health and pain symptoms.
My counselling is most often short term, goal oriented counselling which is person centred, non judgemental and strengths based. Working together with treating professionals, I offer hope for people experiencing distress or struggle which is impacting on their ability to function fully in relationships, to enjoy being a parent, to have a social life, to work, or to live according to their own values.
The basis of my work is in helping people develop awareness of what helps and what hinders their engagement in meaningful activity, and to explore new ways to manage their symptoms.
I specialise in all aspects of perinatal mental health, including pre- and post-natal depression and anxiety, but can also help with other mental health issues.
Inspirations:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou
"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths."
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
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"In order to love yourself, you must behave in ways that you admire"
Irvin Yalom
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"We may define therapy as a search for value."
Abraham Maslow
I'm not sure if you can help?
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Regardless of your diagnosis, I listen carefully to what is bothering you the most. Together, we may explore where the difficulties originated, who is responsible, the language you use about yourself and what you've tried before. We might also explore ways to think creatively about changing the way you think, feel and behave. My primary focus is on what might help, here and now.
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Recent research has shown that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is an effective treatment for relapse prevention in those with recurrent depression (JAMA Psychiatry 2016). Whilst I don't adhere to a particular religious ideology, I have a deep interest iand belief in the value of mindfulness practices including meditation. I use mindfulness meditation as one tool in my practice.
Change can be challenging. Working together to set goals for achievable changes is often helpful. There may be practical strategies that can help. These might include goal setting, time management, communication skills, stress management techniques, breathing and meditation, or using apps and tools to aid behaviour change. Often people already have ideas about what they need to do, but need support to remain committed to making change.
I also have a broad knowledge of health and community services in the inner and North West areas, and can help link you with these for extra support.
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