Anxiety Clinic
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, apprehension, fear, or worry. Anxiety affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Problem anxiety interferes with the sufferer's ability to sleep or otherwise function. Severe anxiety can have a serious impact on daily life.
Anxiety Clinics* are held regularly. Phone for an appointment 0425 334380 or email counsellingforyou@ymail.com
Further information on Anxiety disorder is below.
Anxiety may occur without a cause, or it may occur based on a real situation but may be out of proportion to what would normally be expected. Severe anxiety can result in everyday life becoming a constant state of worry, fear and dread. Left untreated, anxiety can dominate a person's thinking so much that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities and relationships. Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias), depression, and/or substance abuse can also occur.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety may include:
Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
Irritability
Muscle tension
Headaches
Sweating
Difficulty concentrating
Nausea
The need to go to the bathroom frequently
Tiredness
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Trembling
Being easily startled
Heather Pinel
Clinical Counsellor & Community Chaplain (Grad.Dip Counselling; Clinical Pastoral Education; Chaplaincy in Education)
Improving Self Esteem Course
As part of our DSG (Depression Support Group) community initiative, a 5 week courses are offered.
Phone or email to register your interest for the next course.
Cost: $35** for the entire course. Includes course materials and morning tea.
** Non-refundable once course commences
Child-care is not available
This safe, non-threatening and interactive course will explore:
Facets of Low Self Esteem
Accepting Yourself
Heathy Self-Esteem Model
To register for this course, please send your name and contact details (postal address, email, landline and mobile) to counsellingforyou@ymail.com
Phone or email to register your interest for the next course.
Cost: $35** for the entire course. Includes course materials and morning tea.
** Non-refundable once course commences
Child-care is not available
This safe, non-threatening and interactive course will explore:
Facets of Low Self Esteem
Accepting Yourself
Heathy Self-Esteem Model
To register for this course, please send your name and contact details (postal address, email, landline and mobile) to counsellingforyou@ymail.com
Online Addictions Support Group (for Men)
"What went wrong?"; "Why can't I stop"; "What's my problem?" What happens if I spill the beans
The most likely reality is that your addiction is primarily not your fault.
Continuing to indulge in online activities that injure you and those that love you is a choice when you may feel like you are caught. There is hope. There is help. You are not on your own.
To join a weekly support group* for men, email counsellingforyou@ymail.com
All details are kept confidential.
(* Central Coast NSW; Australia)
The most likely reality is that your addiction is primarily not your fault.
Continuing to indulge in online activities that injure you and those that love you is a choice when you may feel like you are caught. There is hope. There is help. You are not on your own.
To join a weekly support group* for men, email counsellingforyou@ymail.com
All details are kept confidential.
(* Central Coast NSW; Australia)
Reading Recommendations
Sheet MusicUncovering the secrets of sexual intimacy in marriage
Author - Dr Kevin Leman, psychologist and family expert
The ShackWhere tragedy confronts eternity
Author - William P Young
How to stop struggling for perfect happiness and find a richer lifeThe Happiness Trap
Author - Russ Harris
Love is not just a feeling. Love is a choice and something we all need...Love is a Verb
Author - Gary Chapman
Further reading recommendations can be found by scrolling down this page
Understanding Depression Workshop and Support Group
Braver, Stronger, Wiser shares the stories of four people living in rural and remote Australia who have struggled with – and sought help to manage – various forms of depression.
"This initiative continues to help Australians deal with depression across Australia. Figure show depression now affects one million adults in Australia each year.
Braver, Stronger, Wiser features an extensive range of resources including emergency contact numbers, a link to The Salvation Army’s Hope for Life online suicide prevention training program, expert advice from Professor Michael Baigent of beyondblue, and much more." (http://salvos.org.au/about-us/news-and-resources/braver-stronger-wiser/)
To register your interest to attend a workshop and/or join a support group, please email your name and contact details to counsellingforyou@ymail.com
*Personal details will be used for administrative purposes only and kept confidential*
"This initiative continues to help Australians deal with depression across Australia. Figure show depression now affects one million adults in Australia each year.
Braver, Stronger, Wiser features an extensive range of resources including emergency contact numbers, a link to The Salvation Army’s Hope for Life online suicide prevention training program, expert advice from Professor Michael Baigent of beyondblue, and much more." (http://salvos.org.au/about-us/news-and-resources/braver-stronger-wiser/)
To register your interest to attend a workshop and/or join a support group, please email your name and contact details to counsellingforyou@ymail.com
*Personal details will be used for administrative purposes only and kept confidential*
He stood quietly beside her and asked…”do you know anything about Panic Attacks?”
A summer thunder storm erupts and a middle age woman crawls under her bed. An outgoing and beautiful young woman with a thriving business; strong family ties and a blossoming marriage finds herself unable to keep driving when faced with a bridge on a busy freeway. A lady in her senior years who has never been apart from her husband in over forty years of marriage is trapped when hospitalization is required for the love of her life. Years of pent up guilt, feelings of inadequacy and shame bring a married woman to the brink of a breakdown. A cold sensation creeps quickly and quietly through from the inside of a lady as she thinks of her husband, currently away on a business trip overseas. A young man; tall, athletic, well built with a professional career faces an unexpected and life-changing crisis. Recurring nightmares leave a middle aged man in a cold sweat most mornings and exhausted physically and emotionally.
Sweaty palms, breathlessness and overwhelming, immobilizing and irrational fear are just some of the symptoms that can be experienced that are commonly associated with Panic Attacks. A strike can happen without discernible warning and leave a person incredibly edgy and seemingly unable to function.
A general understanding of panic attacks can be an incredibly valuable tool if confronted with this reality for yourself or someone you are with. It is helpful to remember that whilst frightening, in general, panic attacks do pass.
Anxiety, tension, stress and phobias: whether a one-off or years of suffering, with appropriate support and assistance, triggers of panic attacks can be explored and worked on that can build the resources within to cope and even overcome the difficulties of these alarming events.
If you have experienced the huge obstacle of panic attacks, you need to know that there is nothing to be ashamed of or kept a secret. So commonly, suffers keep privately struggling; the secret and symptoms remains hidden within and the question ‘what’s wrong with me’ perpetuates internally.
There are many more detailed panic related issues, insights and coping tools than touched on here. I invite you to share your story; ask a question or make a remark with others by posting a comment. If you feel you would like to explore the effects of panic and anxiety related situations within your life, please feel free to contact Counselling For You counsellingforyou@bigpond.com or phone 0425 334380 for a phone or personal appointment.
Sweaty palms, breathlessness and overwhelming, immobilizing and irrational fear are just some of the symptoms that can be experienced that are commonly associated with Panic Attacks. A strike can happen without discernible warning and leave a person incredibly edgy and seemingly unable to function.
A general understanding of panic attacks can be an incredibly valuable tool if confronted with this reality for yourself or someone you are with. It is helpful to remember that whilst frightening, in general, panic attacks do pass.
Anxiety, tension, stress and phobias: whether a one-off or years of suffering, with appropriate support and assistance, triggers of panic attacks can be explored and worked on that can build the resources within to cope and even overcome the difficulties of these alarming events.
If you have experienced the huge obstacle of panic attacks, you need to know that there is nothing to be ashamed of or kept a secret. So commonly, suffers keep privately struggling; the secret and symptoms remains hidden within and the question ‘what’s wrong with me’ perpetuates internally.
There are many more detailed panic related issues, insights and coping tools than touched on here. I invite you to share your story; ask a question or make a remark with others by posting a comment. If you feel you would like to explore the effects of panic and anxiety related situations within your life, please feel free to contact Counselling For You counsellingforyou@bigpond.com or phone 0425 334380 for a phone or personal appointment.
"With billions of people in the world, someone should figure out a system where no one is lonely."
Edward Hallowell writes that for most people the two most powerful experiences in life are achieving and connecting. Most of what grabs our attention and commands our engery falls under these two categories.
Connecting has to do with our relational world - things like falling in love, forming great friendships, being cared for when we are sick, or receiving words of deep affection from parents.
Achieving has to do with our accomplishments - winning contests, pursuing career success or realising a difficult goal.
Hallowell points out that our society is increasingly devoted to obessed with, and ensalved by achieving, and increasing bankrupt and impoverished when it comes to connecting.
Achieving is not a bad thing - when it's done in the right way and for the right reasons. But it is no substitute for connecting. In fact, if it is to be done right, it must honour community. The only really signficant achievements are those that enrich the life of community.
So it is ironic that achievement for it's own sake has become a kind of idol in our society. I have never known anyonewho failed at relationships - who was isolated, longely, unconnected, had no deep friendships - yet had a meaningful and joy filled life. Nor a single person who achieved great things but never connected. People who accumulated vast amounts of wealth, fame, orpower but never acquired an open heart. People who had a Rolodex of contacts but not a single friend. Everyone of them died with bitter regrets. Every one.
Conversely, I have never know anyone who succeeded at relationships - who cultivated great friendships, who was devoted to their family, who mastered the art of giving and receiving love - yet had a bad life.
No matter how little money we have, no matter what rung we occupy on anybody's corporate ladder of success, in the end what everybody discovers is that what matters is other people. Human beings who give themselves to relational greatness - who have friends they laugh with, cry with, learning with, fight with, dance with, live with, live and love and grow and die with - these are the human beings who lead magnificent lives.
When they die, not one of them regrets having devoted themselves to people, their friends, their neighbors, their children, their family. Not one.
(Source: The wonder of Oneness from Everybody's normal till you get to know them; John Ortberg)
Connecting has to do with our relational world - things like falling in love, forming great friendships, being cared for when we are sick, or receiving words of deep affection from parents.
Achieving has to do with our accomplishments - winning contests, pursuing career success or realising a difficult goal.
Hallowell points out that our society is increasingly devoted to obessed with, and ensalved by achieving, and increasing bankrupt and impoverished when it comes to connecting.
Achieving is not a bad thing - when it's done in the right way and for the right reasons. But it is no substitute for connecting. In fact, if it is to be done right, it must honour community. The only really signficant achievements are those that enrich the life of community.
So it is ironic that achievement for it's own sake has become a kind of idol in our society. I have never known anyonewho failed at relationships - who was isolated, longely, unconnected, had no deep friendships - yet had a meaningful and joy filled life. Nor a single person who achieved great things but never connected. People who accumulated vast amounts of wealth, fame, orpower but never acquired an open heart. People who had a Rolodex of contacts but not a single friend. Everyone of them died with bitter regrets. Every one.
Conversely, I have never know anyone who succeeded at relationships - who cultivated great friendships, who was devoted to their family, who mastered the art of giving and receiving love - yet had a bad life.
No matter how little money we have, no matter what rung we occupy on anybody's corporate ladder of success, in the end what everybody discovers is that what matters is other people. Human beings who give themselves to relational greatness - who have friends they laugh with, cry with, learning with, fight with, dance with, live with, live and love and grow and die with - these are the human beings who lead magnificent lives.
When they die, not one of them regrets having devoted themselves to people, their friends, their neighbors, their children, their family. Not one.
(Source: The wonder of Oneness from Everybody's normal till you get to know them; John Ortberg)
Self-Care
As I have thought this theme through, I eventually came to a place that had to ask What is my heart saying to me about Self-Care? Beginning to find answers to that intrinsic question meant I needed to look at myself. For me, and perhaps other’s, the capacity and driven willingness to look at and say ”stop”, maybe “no”, “hello” even, or ask “how am I doing” is actually a key in my own self-care journey. Sometimes the way I value myself, doesn’t allow me to see myself well or give myself the time or consideration that I need.
I believe that self-care starts with the self, despite how uncomfortable or unfamiliar that may feel. Therefore, I thought it might help to try and touch on some tangibles of how to begin to be at home with ones-self. One must find one’s own thing (or even a new thing) when it comes to how any of these idea’s might play out. I encourage you to see how you go.
Treat yourself as a much-loved person in your household.
Sit down with yourself and explore the real unity that does exist within you.
Find that place within you that say’s “I like me”.
Be present to yourself. Your presence to others can then take on a deeper quality also.
I have discovered that a secret to successful self-care is that we each can and must allow ourselves to come home, which is to become known. Coming home to my estranged self is indeed not a one-off defining moment, but I suspect, a life-time of learning embraced only by living with the element of risk right there with me.
Human nature is a fusion of both care and carelessness. We all co-exist in a blend of communities. We all carry difficulties (thoughts, concerns and habits for starter’s maybe) that have, at times, the powerful potential to keep us stuck in unresponsiveness numbness. What often keeps me and my community from being all it can be to each other is my own carelessness with the love and struggles of those in my life.
I believe that self-care starts with the self, despite how uncomfortable or unfamiliar that may feel. Therefore, I thought it might help to try and touch on some tangibles of how to begin to be at home with ones-self. One must find one’s own thing (or even a new thing) when it comes to how any of these idea’s might play out. I encourage you to see how you go.
Treat yourself as a much-loved person in your household.
Sit down with yourself and explore the real unity that does exist within you.
Find that place within you that say’s “I like me”.
Be present to yourself. Your presence to others can then take on a deeper quality also.
I have discovered that a secret to successful self-care is that we each can and must allow ourselves to come home, which is to become known. Coming home to my estranged self is indeed not a one-off defining moment, but I suspect, a life-time of learning embraced only by living with the element of risk right there with me.
Human nature is a fusion of both care and carelessness. We all co-exist in a blend of communities. We all carry difficulties (thoughts, concerns and habits for starter’s maybe) that have, at times, the powerful potential to keep us stuck in unresponsiveness numbness. What often keeps me and my community from being all it can be to each other is my own carelessness with the love and struggles of those in my life.
Opening my eyes
Many times, I have wondered what is this that I feel. Many times, desperation welled up within me so powerfully and I didn’t know what to do with it. I knew that I had experienced those feelings before and I knew that there had been times that because of them, I had taken a trip that ended in regret. But there was always the question – what was I looking for? In my looking, I would engineer and foster opportunities that delved into places of significance, looking for parts that could be challenged and changed. I came to learn that my motive was always togetherness.
Finally there came a particular time, when as with some times past in the previous few years, I acknowledged that what I was feeling needed to be identified and sorted out – for if not, it would continue to not only trouble me but literally eat me up from the inside out. So, along with the old familiar feelings churning within me, I needed to make a start and get it out there.
“You are craving something….you know something of what this is… and it is not necessarily a bad thing.” This simple sentence was spoken into my life, so gently and so incredibly softly that I almost missed hearing it in the physical, but inside, my lonely and longing heart heard the words so very loudly. The word craving unlocked something in me that night, and I wept. Over the next few days, things began to take shape, forming somewhere deep within so very profoundly and yet so quickly that it was tempting to think it couldn’t be so. And yet it was… and I knew it to be true. Letting go gives invitation to set my priorities in order and perspective in place.
Is your journey bringing you to a place of letting something go?
Finally there came a particular time, when as with some times past in the previous few years, I acknowledged that what I was feeling needed to be identified and sorted out – for if not, it would continue to not only trouble me but literally eat me up from the inside out. So, along with the old familiar feelings churning within me, I needed to make a start and get it out there.
“You are craving something….you know something of what this is… and it is not necessarily a bad thing.” This simple sentence was spoken into my life, so gently and so incredibly softly that I almost missed hearing it in the physical, but inside, my lonely and longing heart heard the words so very loudly. The word craving unlocked something in me that night, and I wept. Over the next few days, things began to take shape, forming somewhere deep within so very profoundly and yet so quickly that it was tempting to think it couldn’t be so. And yet it was… and I knew it to be true. Letting go gives invitation to set my priorities in order and perspective in place.
Is your journey bringing you to a place of letting something go?
Counselling misconceptions
How about you?
Many of us can perhaps feel nervous, intimidated, overwhelmed or plain scared at the thought of talking to a counsellor. Some of us, have the idea that counselling will fix me. Understood and experienced, most will find, is a journey, not a solution, where along the way you should find a place where you feel heard, validated, challenged and above all safe.
Many of us can perhaps feel nervous, intimidated, overwhelmed or plain scared at the thought of talking to a counsellor. Some of us, have the idea that counselling will fix me. Understood and experienced, most will find, is a journey, not a solution, where along the way you should find a place where you feel heard, validated, challenged and above all safe.
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