Let’s talk about what Depression is?
When you hear the term “counselling” – what springs to mind? For a lot of us, the scene is something straight out of a Hollywood movie when the protagonist has gone through some sort of trauma or loss and is lying on a couch talking through the issue with a psychiatrist. Now the subtle difference between psychiatry and counselling is the difference in qualification and also approach. Our counsellors’ approach varies depending on the client because we look at each of our clients in a person centred approach. There is no size fits all when it comes to providing the best quality service to the people we work alongside. Today we’re talking with Kirk Vette. Kirk is one of our senior Face to Face counsellors. In the first instance Kirk says he talks with the client about how they’re feeling and what has been happening in their life recently? Has there been some sort of loss or trauma or another life event that could have impacted their mood. From there together they delve into creating a picture of the person and what’s been going on for them. He asks about sleeping patterns, diet, exercise, what they do for entertainment and fun. These conversational queries allow me to gain and a picture of the client so I can figure out the right approach to support you through the issue that is happening for you. Kirk asks about the other people in the client’s life, and asks questions like “do you have a person or people who you can talk to about how you’re feeling?” In addition to this he may ask what you’re passionate about. How do you choose to express yourself? Are you creative? Or are you more of thinker? All these are pieces of a puzzle that is clearer once they are fitted together. The more you are able to reveal about yourself the clearer and easier it is for the counsellor can see you. Kirk works alongside people and supports them through changes in their lives but also through the day to day activities of life. It’s about someone helping you figure out how to make changes that will help you make your way through the emotional maze you find yourself in. Imagine a counsellor as a guide someone who knows techniques and pathways to get you from the place where you may be feeling stuck, unmotivated, and tired to a place where you can turn it all around and find a better place for you to be in. Sometimes people don’t have a name for how they’re feeling, it may just be a feeling that they are stuck with, a feeling of being stuck or not motivated to do anything. Kirk’s approach depends on the client and how they’re engaged with the way they are feeling. The key is being able to lead them through. If they’re self-aware they may be very open to exploring why they may be feeling low or unmotivated but for some people they may not even be able to pinpoint where it all began, never mind know how to get out of it. We try and see the world through the client’s lens and often we work alongside them to make them see how events and emotions in their lives often lead to their mood. He says most people who come to counselling want to make a change in their life but may need some guidance to help them get there. They want something to be different and it can take quite a bit of talking to get to where they want to be. What to expect when you are referred to counselling? When you call one of our team 09 3767481 we will ask a few confidential questions. Then one of our team will arrange a time and place to meet you for an initial discussion about what your needs are. From there you will be matched with a counsellor within 48 hours. Your counsellor will then contact you to book your first appointment.
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“My heart is racing, My palms are sweaty and my insides feel like a bowl of spaghetti.”
My heart’s thumping so hard I feel like it will come out of my chest, My mouth is dry and my hands are shaking and I’m crying uncontrollably over something that shouldn’t be that big of a deal. These are just some of the signs of anxiety but by no way are they the only symptoms as they can manifest in a variety of different ways in different people and at various times. When you begin to feel as though your anxiety is affecting how you function in your day to day life then it may be time to talk to a counsellor about it. Coralie Curtin is one of our Counsellors; she works with clients who have various forms of anxiety. She has a calm and friendly persona and offers a confidential space where you can talk about what’s going on for you. Coralie helps people navigate through how they're feeling and offers some new coping strategies to help you deal with your anxiety. “We help you to ride the wave of anxiety rather than ignore or push down the feelings of anxiety. The idea is to be able to observe the feelings and let them come and go.” One of the ways which could help is by using techniques such as mindfulness to use each of your senses to bring yourself into the present moment. Coralie says that focusing in on your senses can help you to ground yourself when you begin to feel anxious. What to expect when you are referred to counselling? When you call one of our team 09 3767481 we will ask a few confidential questions. Then one of our team will arrange a time and place to meet you for an initial discussion about what your needs are. From there you will be matched with a counsellor within 48 hours. Your counsellor will then contact you to book your first appointment. |
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Youthline partners to provide the best possible service to the community in order to achieve it's vision of communities which relate to the needs of young people and support them to achieve their potential.
Auckland Counselling and Support Services is supported by the information, personnel and community infrastructure resources of Youthline. |