How do I know it is time to get professional support?
Thinking about seeking psychological intervention or support can be a scary and daunting experience for some people, especially if you have grown up with the “harden up” attitude.
Attending therapy is a sign of courage not a sign of weakness nor does it mean that you have failed. You should be congratulated that you are willing to face your difficulties and you are open to finding alternative solutions to your current difficulties.
Many people only consider therapy when they are in a panic or crisis, but you don’t have to be at rock bottom to get a lot out of therapy. It may be time to consider therapy if you are starting to feel:
- Unsure of your next move or what to do, or even confused and overwhelmed
- Depressed or anxious with mood and stress concerns
- Unable to cope with relationship issues, family issues, couple’s issues
- You need help to cope with a major life transition
- Isolated and are avoiding people, places, or situations
- Your eating or sleep patterns are disrupted
- Regularly agitated for unexplained reasons
- Variations in mood either a low mood or a hyper mood
- Overwhelmed by trauma.
How to choose the right therapist
Because therapy is a personal relationship it is important that you work with a psychologist you feel comfortable and safe with. You want them to be warm, approachable, encouraging and invested in your success and possess many of the qualities you look for in a friend, coach, or mentor. Additionally check what range of therapies they offer and how that fits with your needs and if they have the right qualifications.
If you are unsure if you want to come for counselling/therapy, please call Bhavna to discuss if she will be the right therapist for you and what you could expect from the therapy consultation.
What can I expect from therapy?
Bhavna offers Clinical Psychology Services and Counselling for adults 18+ for a broad range of mental wellness conditions and finds the most suitable treatment approach based on your reason for seeking therapy, your needs and in accordance with your belief system.
If you decide to engage in therapy, then an initial session is scheduled to develop a therapy plan specific to you. At the first and last session, you will be asked to complete paperwork. Bhavna's goal is to empower you to live life fully.
Retreat FAQ
How do I get funding for a retreat?
If you in therapy/counselling under ACC sensitive claims, please ask your treatment provider to apply for funding for you to attend the retreat. Requesting 32 SCGW sessions.
What does "semi-silent" for the retreat mean?
In the retreats, we ask participants to switch off their phones - for safety it is crucial that you will maintain silence during the retreat - silence starts after dinner on Day 1 and ends at breakfast time on Day 5. Silence means no talking to the other retreat participants. There will be group sharing/discussion sessions, and an opportunity to meet one of the facilitators. The facilitators are available if you need to talk about something outside these scheduled times.
Why are the retreats semi-silent?
Silence in the retreat context helps people to recognise their attachment and how much they use distractions (talking, playing on their phones, etc) to avoid how they feel. It also gives participants the opportunity to listen to their self-talk and notice how it impacts their mind and body states.
Do you have to be Buddhist to attend the retreats?
The practice of mindfulness originated in Buddhist practices. However the practice of mindfulness is not based on any religious perspectives. It is noticing the mind and breath, which is available freely to all humans.
Therapy FAQ
Do you offer telehealth services?
As a rule, we prefer not to offer telehealth. Bhavna will use telehealth for client who she has met face to face, and on a case by case basis.
How long will I need to be in therapy for?
This depends on the individual and the presenting issues. Initially Bhavna sees clients fortnightly rather than weekly. As the symptoms decreases, sessions can be moved to three-weekly or monthly.
How will I know if therapy is working - or how long do I need to wait until I see benefits from going for therapy?
For some people, they need to attend at least two sessions before they feel that they are getting benefits from going for therapy. At Alive! Psychology we endeavor to make the first meeting beneficial to the client. Bhavna's personal view is that if you do not feel you got anything out of the first appointment, then she might not be the right therapist for you.
Assessments FAQ
Do you do ADD/ADHD assessments?
No. You can try Bernita at Now Psychology or Tariro -
Do you do assessments for Courts or Child Protection?
No.
What type of assessments do you offer?
- ACC mental injury assessments - for physical claims and sexual abuse
- Police/ military psychological assessments for recruits.