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Working with Mental Health

My Approach to Working with Clients to Maximise Mental Health

I focus on establishing a heart-centred, caring, nonjudgmental, supportive, and collaborative relationship with each client. I’ve long recognised the intrinsic unity of the human being in its somatic (physical) nature. Rather than relying on one approach, I use interventions that bridge the body and mind, deepening and benefiting both.

My goal in using Psychotherapy alongside other approaches is to offer solutions that integrate bodily sensation, thought, emotion, and movement. This helps individuals increase their connection and aliveness while emphasising their strengths, resources, and resilience.

I teach my clients to become more aware of their bodies, track bodily sensations, and implement physical actions that promote meaningful changes in their thoughts and emotions. Through this process, they discover which resources they can rely on and which patterns need to be challenged or changed.

A typical psychotherapy session with me may include techniques such as talk therapy, breathing exercises, sound, movement and other soft interventions. People suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or trauma often hold their bodies in ways that trap pain. These gentle techniques help release and heal those tensions, free trapped grief and trauma, and increase vitality while relaxing the body.

This enables my clients to consciously shift away from old, habitual, and dysfunctional patterns into fully integrated and embodied states of well-being. Together, we create new cellular memories and reveal an expanded, conscious awareness of their sense of self.

Every therapy session is unique. I follow what my clients present and adapt my approach to suit their needs. For some, I may use techniques such as hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), mindfulness, eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), or emotional freedom technique (EFT). There are no fixed rules; I integrate various methods to tailor the therapy to the individual.

This integral model allows me to address human nature and the complexities of healing. By creating a strong union between mind and body, I empower my clients to practise new behaviours that free them from issues, traumas, and emotional upsets. Together, we harmonise the conflicted parts of their mind and body, helping them achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.

 

Legal and Ethical Obligations for Counsellors

As councillors and therapists, it is our legal and ethical obligation to ensure our clients get the best possible care and treatment and the best advice regarding supportive services.

We observe the client’s rights and respect for one’s human worth, dignity, and privacy in accordance with their gender, ethnic lineage, social background, occupation and religious orientation.

We adhere to The Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics and Practices as a standard.

This document can be downloaded using the following link: Click Here

Mental Health Information Sheet

Understanding Mental Illness

Approximately 20% of the Australian population experiences mental illness each year. Mental illness refers to a range of diagnosable disorders that significantly impact cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. It can affect people of any age, background, or culture.

While mental health problems can cause changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, especially during times of stress—these are generally less severe than mental illnesses. However, without proper support, mental health problems can develop into mental illnesses.

Most individuals with mental illness recover and go on to lead fulfilling lives, enjoy meaningful work, and make positive contributions to their communities.

Types of Mental Illness

Mental illnesses vary widely, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. They are generally categorized as either psychotic or non-psychotic disorders.

Psychotic Disorders
In psychosis, individuals lose touch with reality, affecting their ability to process thoughts, emotions, and the world around them. Psychotic episodes often include:

  • Delusions: False beliefs of grandeur, persecution, or guilt.
  • Hallucinations: Experiencing sights, sounds, smells, or tastes that aren’t there.

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder marked by sensory hallucinations and behavioural changes, while bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, from joy to severe depression.

Causes of Psychosis
Psychosis may be triggered by hereditary factors, stress, or substance use (e.g., marijuana, LSD). Some individuals only experience brief episodes, while others have ongoing issues related to conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Recovery from psychosis often involves a combination of medication and community support.

Non-Psychotic Disorders
Non-psychotic illnesses include personality disorders, phobias, eating disorders, anxiety, and some types of depression.

  • Anxiety Disorders: Often lead to panic attacks with symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath. Treatment can involve medication, therapy, and relaxation techniques.
  • Depression: Characterized by prolonged feelings of hopelessness and lethargy, sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts. Treatment may include medication, counselling, and exercise.

Individuals with non-psychotic disorders are often more aware of their condition and may respond well to therapy.

Causes of Mental Illness

The causes of mental illness are complex and can include genetic predispositions (as seen with schizophrenia), stress, grief, trauma, social isolation, and health crises. Stigma and reluctance to discuss mental health challenges can delay early treatment and intervention.

Combating Stigma Around Mental Illness

Myths and negative stereotypes lead to stigma, isolation, and discrimination for people with mental illness. Stigma can deepen the sense of isolation, exacerbating symptoms.

Support from family, friends, and community members is critical to improving the quality of life for those affected. Here are some ways to help:

  • Encourage Early Intervention: Help friends and family seek early care to alleviate symptoms.
  • Support High-Quality Services: Advocate for accessible, effective mental health care and treatment.
  • Openly Discuss Mental Illness: Talking about mental health reduces stigma and increases understanding.
  • Support Caregivers: Family members and caregivers also face challenges; support them in navigating their roles.
  • Learn Stress-Management Techniques: Strong coping skills foster resilience and reduce mental health risks.

Talking about mental illness openly and empathetically, along with early intervention, can create positive change in understanding and treatment for individuals and communities alike.

Where to go for more help?

Your first stop for more help

  • Your general practitioner.
  • Your community health centre.
  • Your community mental health centre.
  • For information on services, check the Community Help and Welfare Services and 24-hour emergency numbers in your local telephone directory.
  • For immediate counselling assistance, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Lifeline can also supply you with contacts, further information and help.

 

Other useful sources of information about mental illness are: