Services at Yarra Road Psychology
Children, adolescents and adults can face many challenges in their lives. Over the last 20 years I have gained extensive experience helping people deal with the following presenting issues, click on the heading to learn more about the service of interest to you:
Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms of chronic anxiety can be so debilitating, they rob the individual of joy, connection with others, and make daily life difficult. One in four people are estimated to experience anxiety symptoms severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of an Anxiety Disorder at some point in their life. Effective treatment is available.
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It is very important for our survival that we can feel fear in response to danger or perceived threat. When we believe we are in danger, our body experiences some major, temporary changes designed to enhance our ability to either run away or fight for our survival. The difference between fear and anxiety is that the later occurs in the absence of real danger. The person’s body is reacting as if they are in imminent danger, when there may be no threat or at least no threat to the person’s survival. Whilst it is normal to feel under pressure at times and to experience symptoms of stress and anxiety, these feelings typically pass once the stressor is removed or the situation changes.
What defines an anxiety disorder is the persistence and severity of symptoms. Symptoms of chronic anxiety can be to so debilitating they rob the individual of joy, connection with others, and make daily life difficult. Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental health condition in Australia. One in four people are estimated to experience symptoms severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of an Anxiety Disorder at some point in their life.
Anxiety involves physical changes as your body prepares to deal with danger. This may include an increase in your heart rate, changes in your breathing, shaking, trembling, sweating, nausea, decreased digestive activity, and increased muscle tension. These changes alert the mind to look for possible threat and may trigger feelings of dread, unease, worry, obsessive focus, and rumination. Anxiety typically leads to avoidance behaviour and sleep problems.
The anxiety disorders differ from one another in the types of situations or objects that induce fear, anxiety, or avoidance behaviour. Often people experience more than one type of anxiety disorder or move between categories over time. Anxiety disorders differ from developmentally normal fear or anxiety by being excessive or persisting beyond developmentally appropriate periods.
I have extensive experience helping individuals across the age range manage or recover from all types of anxiety disorders. Some anxiety disorders are more persistent than others, but I believe everyone suffering from an anxiety disorder can achieve a reduction in symptoms or their severity, and/or improve their coping and wellbeing.
More information about the specific types of anxiety disorders can be found on the following websites.
Beyond Blue website.
Head to Health – Australian Government Department of Health
Depression and other Mood Disorders
Our mood will be impacted by the challenges we experience in life. However, many people experience sadness and a loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, that occurs seemingly out of context or persists well beyond a stressful period. Depression can be effectively treated, and people can learn to recognise their warning signs and risk factors to reduce the risk of future episodes.
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It is normal to feel sad and unhappy at times. Our mood will be impacted by the challenges we experience in life. Sometimes however, people experience persistent sadness and a loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities. These feelings may have developed following a period of high stress or occur in the context of feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Sometimes these feelings may seem inconsistent with good things happening in your life. Women are at increased risk of depression during pregnancy and in the year following childbirth. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or would describe yourself as feeling, “blah”, “numb”, “disconnected”, “unmotivated”, or are experiencing any other symptoms, it is worth exploring further. Depression can be effectively treated, and people can learn to recognise their warning signs and risk factors to reduce the risk of future episodes. Similarly, people suffering from Bipolar Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly Dysthymia), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or any emotional dysregulation problem can learn effective skills and tools to help them reduce or cope with symptoms, engage in meaningful activities and goals, and live well.
For more information about these disorders, go to Beyond Blue, Head to Health, or the Centre for Clinical Interventions.
Weight Concerns, Eating Disorders and unhealthy eating habits
Concerns about body shape and weight, and self-evaluation/approval based on appearance are common issues within our culture. For some, concerns can become preoccupations and lead to excessive dissatisfaction, anxiety, shame, isolation and low self-esteem. It can also lead to a range of destructive behaviours, and very serious health issues.
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Eating disorders are more common that people realise and are estimated to effect more than 1 million Australians. An eating disorder is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental illness that needs to be treated as soon as possible. People of any shape and size can have an eating disorder. Eating disorders are characterized by an unhealthy preoccupation with eating, exercise and body weight or shape. They involve a persistent disturbance of eating, that results in an altered consumption of food, and significantly impairs physical health or psychological functioning. Collectively, eating disorders have the highest mortality rates among all mental illnesses. Early treatment usually results in better outcomes. Eating disorders are thought to be caused by a complex interaction between psychological risk factors, sociocultural influences and biological and genetic predispositions. Recent research suggest that genetics play a much larger role in the development of eating disorders than was previously thought. Dieting is the single most important trigger for developing an eating disorder.
Research suggests that effective treatment for eating disorders requires person-centred care, an approach that tailor’s treatment to suit the individual’s illness, situation and needs. Family Based Treatment (FBT) appears to be most effective for young people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. This treatment model relies heavily on parent and family involvement in re-feeding their child to achieve weight restoration. Weight restoration is considered a necessary first step, in order to restore the individual’s cognitive capacity to then tackle the psychological aspects associated with this mental illness. Psychological therapy typically aims to target the distorted thoughts and maladaptive behaviours inherent in these conditions. Most individuals presenting with eating disorders also suffer from anxiety and depressive symptoms. I believe it is essential to help the individual understand their nervous system and have tools to be able to calm and work with their body, especially when food and weight triggers such fear. In addition to psychological therapy and interventions, treatment of eating disorders typically requires physical health management (through a GP or paediatrician), and nutritional counselling (through a dietician). If you or your child has been diagnosed with an eating disorder or are displaying disordered eating or warning signs, please feel free to contact me to discuss further. Through a phone conversation we will establish whether I or another service is most appropriate for your needs.
Many of my clients do not meet criteria for an eating disorder, yet struggle with unhealthy eating behaviours or an unhealthy relationship with their body. Food can become a way to soothe or distract from difficult emotions, thoughts or situations. If over relied on, excessive consumption can lead to health concerns and impact on social and physical activity, and be detrimental to self-esteem. It is important to understand what is driving the problematic behaviour in the context of the person’s life. We can then focus on changing habits and addressing the underlying issues. Learning to cope with difficult emotions and developing greater self-compassion and acceptance are often necessary components.
For more detailed information about eating disorders please visit the following websites:
Eating Disorders Victoria. eatingdisorders.org.au (1300 550 236)
Butterfly Foundation. Butterfly.org.au
National Eating Disorders Collaboration. Nedc.com.au
Stress and Burnout
Whilst stress is a normal part of life, chronic or severe stress can be very damaging to our mental and physical health.
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Our body naturally responds to increased demands and threats by “speeding up” (activating our flight/fight/freeze response), but under sustained activation our body can get stuck going too fast and we can feel unable to slow down even when we want too. Common symptoms include: sleep disturbances, muscle tension and headaches, fatigue, irritability, anger, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, decline in work or study performance, relationship conflict, and reduced wellbeing.
If you are struggling with symptoms of stress, counselling can help you learn to calm your nervous system and explore the factors contributing to, or maintaining your heightened state. We can then explore what changes you could make to improve your long-term health and wellbeing.
Parenting Concerns
Parenting is a hard job and most of us feel out of our depth at times. Friends and family can be fabulous supports and provide necessary reassurance or guidance. If this support isn’t available or you have serious concerns about your child’s wellbeing, behaviour, or relationships, then it is worth seeking a second opinion.
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Most parents will worry about their child, or children at times. Some kids experience more challenges or are harder to parent than others, or the family situation may be more complicated or challenging. Many parents have not received great parenting themselves and thus question their parenting ability. Please feel free to contact me if you have concerns about your child or their behaviour, or you believe your parent-child relationship could benefit from some assistance.
Addiction Issues
Addiction can come in many forms and is a complex condition characterized by changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. When someone is addicted to something, they experience a loss or a battle for control; struggling to stop a behaviour that they know is detrimental in some way. It is important to understand the neurobiology of addiction and also the psychological and emotional factors predisposing and maintaining the problem. Recovery and wellness require an individualised and holistic approach.
Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty falling or staying asleep can be a symptoms of another mental health issue or a risk factor for developing another condition. Dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality are common complaints and often impact on someone’s mood and functioning. It is important to try and figure out the cause of the problem and explore strategies to improve the quality and quantity of sleep. Different strategies work for different people.
Grief and Bereavement
Any loss can cause grief (intense sorrow); including a relationship breakdown, the death of a loved one (person or animal), redundancy, loss of health and/or independence, moving home or community, financial loss, and even loss of dreams.
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People experience loss and grief differently and everyone has their own unique set of circumstances. Sometimes grief feels so overwhelming and terrifying that people need support outside of their family. Or perhaps they are afraid their grief will be a burden to those around them. Counselling can help someone feel less alone and provide a safe place to express their pain. A child or adult may also need help to process their loss, cope with their emotions, adjust to the changes, and cultivate a new way of living.
Anger and Emotional regulation difficulties
Whilst anger is a normal protective emotion in response to feeling threatened, some people experience such intense or chronic anger that they struggle to manage their behaviour and can hurt themselves or others through their actions. If the anger is more intense than the situation requires, or if you struggle to manage your behaviour, then help is available.
Trauma and Post-traumatic stress disorder
Exposure to a traumatic event will likely cause feelings of fear, shock, anger and grief as part of our normal response to danger and threat. As the person tries to make sense of the event, they may experience intrusive and distressing memories, thoughts, and feelings. Usually, the intensity will subside with distance (time) and support. Sometimes however, an individual may develop a set of persistent stress responses that interferes with their normal capacity to feel and function. Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after exposure to actual or threatened serious injury, death or sexual violence to oneself or others. PTSD can occur after one traumatic event or after repeated exposure to trauma. It can also occur after repeatedly witnessing or hearing the explicit details of traumatic events, such as exposure by emergency workers.
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People suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder experience intense and disturbing images, thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event, long after it occurred. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel persistent fear, anger or sadness, and they may feel disconnected from their life and those around them. People with PTSD may remain vigilant for further threat, and experience strong negative reactions to ordinary events and sounds. They may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event. If you or a loved one has been through a traumatic event and are having trouble coping, it is important to reach out for help. The initial goal of treatment is usually to help the individual feel safe and stable in the present moment, and be able to remember the trauma without re-living it.
The name complex PTSD is used to describe a condition that can develop in response to prolonged or repeated interpersonal trauma. Childhood abuse or neglect, or domestic violence can cause psychological damage even more severe than that of a single event. It can have lasting impact on the individual’s ability to feel safe, especially in other relationships. Individuals suffering from complex PTSD usually have trouble regulating their emotions and responses. Because they experienced a prolonged period of threat, their nervous system remains vigilant and primed for more danger. They may feel distrustful of others, and react with strong anger or fear. They may also feel worthless, unlovable and experience excessive guilt and shame. Many sufferers of complex PTSD also experience dissociative symptoms, addiction issues, self-harm and suicidal ideation. This form of PTSD is usually more complex, debilitating and thus takes longer to treat.
For further information on complex PTSD
Blue knot foundation: blueknot.org.au
Sane Australia: sane.org
Relationship Problems
Navigating and remaining in relationships is one of the most rewarding, but also challenging aspects of being human. I work with individuals experiencing interpersonal difficulties or relationship breakdown. Please contact me if you are seeking support in this area.
Meet Sammy
A bit more about Sammy
Sammy is a Maltese x Shih Tzu born on the 5th February 2017. The breed is known to be especially affectionate with children, and this is also true of Sammy. Maltese Shih tzu are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed, because they shed very little hair, and their coat is more hair-like than typical dog fur. Sammy loves his walks, but is a particularly slow walker, liking to sniff everything he passes. Karen has sometimes been known to pick him up and carry him when he becomes too fixated on a scent. He loves balls, digging, and chasing birds off his property. His favourite food is roast chicken (on special occasions).
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal assisted therapy means including animals in therapeutic work with people to achieve specific goals or increase positive outcomes. Research has shown that having an animal present can help clients feel safer and more relaxed. This is important when most of my clients are feeling the effects of an over stimulated or dysregulated sympathetic nervous system.
Dogs in particular can be a comforting presence. When we get too stressed, we can’t utilise the thinking part of the brain. It effectively goes off-line. The first goal of counselling/therapy is to help the client feel safe, so that they can utilise their frontal lobe to address the issues they are experiencing, and integrate their experiences. I believe having a dog in the room helps my clients to feel safe and enhances rapport and engagement.
What is the difference between a therapy dog and an assistance dog?
Therapy dogs have undergone training and been assessed as suitable to work with children and adults in a therapeutic setting. The setting may be counselling services, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
They have a different level of training and different function from an assistance dog. Assistance animals are registered to provide a life-saving function to an individual with an illness or disability. For instance, guide dogs assist individuals who are blind, or vision impaired to be able to safely access public spaces. Because of their important role, guide dogs have legal protection to go wherever their human can go. This legal right does not extend to other animals used in Animal Assisted Interventions. Whilst therapy dogs/pets are able to receive training, registration and certification for insurance or legal purposes, they do not perform lifesaving functions, and hence are not allowed public access.
