Adults

Counselling for Adults

Below are some of the problems that we can help with:

Stress

Stress is a growing problem in the modern age and can have a large impact on relationships, functioning, health and well-being. Speaking to a psychologist can help you learn effective stress management techniques which can ultimately improve your overall health and functioning.

Depression

One in five people suffer from depression at some time in their lives. Depression can be very debilitating resulting in feelings of worthlessness, low energy, negative thinking, weight loss/gain, anxiety, loss of interest in life and even suicidal thoughts. Counselling with a psychologist using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other evidenced based techniques can help reduce the symptoms associated with depression and improve quality of life.

Anxiety

It is normal to feel anxious when stepping out of your comfort zone. However, anxiety, fear, phobias, panic attacks or excessive worrying can become crippling and prevent you from living a full an meaningful life.  Counselling  can help you identify negative beliefs and thought patterns and manage anxiety better.

Post Traumatic Stress

The effects of being a victim of, or witnessing, a traumatic event usually reduce with time. De-briefing with a health professional after a traumatic event can assist in the recovery process. Sometimes symptoms such as distressing thoughts and images, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and physical symptoms can persist and begin to impact negatively on work, relationships and health. Counselling can help make sense of a traumatic event, reduce negative symptoms and improve coping.

Survivor of Childhood Abuse

Unfortunately, up to one in four people have suffered some form of childhood physical or sexual abuse or neglect.  For some, the impact of childhood abuse can carry forward into adulthood, affecting self-esteem, mood, relationships, beliefs, behaviour and coping abilities. Working with a psychologist can help recover from the early trauma and reduce the impact of the past in the present and future.

Relationships

Are you struggling in your relationships? Do your relationships always seem to fail? Is your marriage in crisis? Counselling can assist you to identify negative patterns in your relationships and work toward developing rich, fulfilling  and healthy connections.

Mood

Most people experience a range of moods depending on what is happening around them. However, frequent and extreme mood swings that seem to have no apparent external cause can impact on relationships, work and daily functioning. Counselling can assist to identify underlying causes of mood swings and teach strategies for balancing moods.

Anger

If anger is impacting on your relationships, work or life then it is time to seek help. Working with a psychologist can improve your ability to control your anger and communicate effectively.

Grief and Loss

Grief is a normal reaction to significant loss. There are many types of losses such as death of a loved one, separation or significant change resulting in loss. Friends and family can have trouble knowing how to respond appropriately, especially when grief is prolonged. Talking with a caring professional can help assist in moving forward despite the pain of loss.

Addictions and Compulsive Behaviours

Addictive or compulsive behaviours can include gambling, shopping, hoarding, drinking, nail biting, eating too much or not enough, obsessing or any other repetitive behaviour. These behaviours often have their foundation in reducing anxiety or emotional distress.  Counselling can help you identify triggers for addictive or compulsive behaviours, improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Work and Career

If you are floundering in your work or career then talking with a psychologist can assist you to discover your strengths, talents, personality traits, values and dreams. We also offer assistance in adjustment to injury and return to work planning.

Sleep

Sleep problems such as nightmares, frequent waking and difficulty falling asleep are common.  The underlying causes of sleep problems are varied and can include medical issues, anxiety, stress, hormonal imbalance and diet. Medical advice should always be sought to rule out physical causes such as sleep apnoea. Counselling can assist with establishing good sleep routines and addressing stress, anxiety and dietary issues.

Self-esteem

Often people with low self-esteem feel judged and view themselves more negatively than others.  Low self-esteem or self-worth can result in anxiety, depression, poor relationships, self-doubt and lack of confidence. Counselling can assist in developing a healthier and more positive self-esteem that can lead to greater confidence and living a more fulfilling life.

Life Transitions

Throughout our lives we go through many transitions such as moving from school to work, becoming an independent adult, becoming a parent, retirement, work/career changes, migration and many more. Sometimes making these transitions can be difficult and can result in changes in mood, anxiety, stress, frustration and  loss of confidence. Here at Live Well Now we can assist you in understanding your reactions and adjusting to change.

Adjustment to Injury or Illness

Unfortunately life does not always go as planned and at any time we can become ill or injured in a way that impacts negatively on our lives for an extended period. Adjusting to a chronic or severe injury or illness  may result in depression, anxiety, frustration, feelings of powerlessness, reduced activity, loss of employment or reduced income or chronic pain. Speaking with a psychologist can assist you to come to terms with the changes in your life, develop future plans which take into consideration the changes, develop tools to manage stress, mood or anxiety, and manage pain better. We are able to assist with adjustment to injury under Work Cover.

Personality Issues

Everyone has a different personality which is formed over time from birth as a result of a combination of genetics and environment. Some people can develop personality disorders such as borderline, obsessive-compulsive, avoidant, dependent, schizoid, anti-social or narcissistic personality. A personality disorder refers to a long term pattern of thinking, emotion or behaviour that results in distress or negatively impacts on daily functioning. Often these disorders are associated with childhood abuse or neglect or poor attachments. Counselling can help develop insight into emotional and behavioural patterns , manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.