Life events such as the birth of a child, death of a relative, marriage and separation can cause a decrease in mental health as individuals and families become over-burdened with stress, change and the drain on resources due to these sorts of events. Most individuals recover well without counselling, but sometimes individuals become vulnerable due to excessive change, poor physical health and a sudden decrease in social supports. Read More…
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Anxious thoughts can be helpful at times, they serve as a mechanism to ensure we are careful in our day to day lives. However, anxious thoughts can cause problems if these thoughts become obsessive, intrusive or distressing, especially if only specific rituals or behaviours can calm this anxiety.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is described as the experience of obsessions, taking the form of obtrusive thoughts, that can only be neutralised by compulsive mental or physical behaviours that ease fears regarding certain events. Constant cleaning, counting, checking, ordering or extreme levels of perfectionism are common behaviours of OCD sufferers. OCD is often chronic and debilitating, impacting on work and putting strain on relationships with family and friends. Since OCD is both mental and behavioural, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered the first line treatment as it addresses both the obsessive thoughts and resulting behaviours. Administered in sessions with a psychologist, CBT is proven to reduce the severity of symptoms, general distress, and associated depression whilst increasing general life functioning.
If you suspect that you or someone close to you is struggling with compulsion-related stress, help is available. Vision has numerous psychologists who specialize in CBT treatment for anxiety-related difficulties. Free Emotional Health Checkups are offered at both the Wishart and Loganholme and are a great place to start if you are unsure of who to see.
Anxiety and You
Anxiety is very common and experienced by most people at some stage of their lives. Anxiety is a normal automatic response that is triggered during threatening situations as part of your body’s ‘flight or fight’ response. Symptoms you may have experienced usually fall under three common categories:
- Physical: panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, diet and weight change, heavy and quick breathing, restlessness or feeling tense or edgy;
- Psychological: excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing or obsessive thinking;
- Behavioural: avoidance of situations that produce these symptoms and can impact study, work or social life.
Anxiety becomes a problem when what we do to avoid making ourselves anxious starts to negatively impact our lives. If you feel that anxiety is negatively impacting your life, why not come in for a free Emotional Health Check Up to see how you can put yourself back in control. Get help from a trained psychologist today.
Assistance with Autrism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and lifelong developmental disorder. It is characterised by “marked difficulties in social interactions, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours, and sensory sensitivities” (Autism Spectrum Australia, 2015). Without treatment, people with ASD can suffer from severe impairments of daily functioning and may have a heightened risk of depression and anxiety. Luckily help is available – our clinic has a number of psychologists or counsellors who have specialised experience in dealing with ASD.
Book a free Emotional Health Checkup online or call 3088 5422 now.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is a condition where perceptions of body weight and body shape can undermine a person’s self-evaluation. It is usually characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating a larger than normal sized meal) within a two hour period. These binging episodes are then followed by behaviours designed to compensate for the binge. This can be in the form of:
- Excessive exercise
- Self-induced vomiting
- Fasting
- Misuse of laxatives, diuretics and/or enemas
Bulimia Nervosa can result in tooth decay, bone density loss, heart problems, fatigue, social withdrawal, and in severe cases death.
Getting Help
Bulimia Nervosa is not easy to live with or overcome by yourself. Luckily, professional help is available here. Vision Psychology has a number of experienced psychologists who can help you, or your child, overcome Bulimia Nervosa. Call Vision Psychology now to make an appointment for a Free Emotional Health Check-Up so that we can give you the extra support that you or your child needs.
Counselling for Men
What sort of things are discussed in Counselling for Men?
At Vision Psychology, we have a number of men on our team – experienced and highly qualified psychologists and counsellors.
Common issues which men raise in counselling sessions include:
- work and career
- fathering and other family responsibilities
- midlife
- trauma
- men’s health problems
- depression
- sexual difficulties
It’s not about being sexist. The reality is, that sometimes our clients would prefer to see a therapist of the same gender.
Psychologists providing Counselling for Men at Vision Psychology:
- Paul Carver – Paul is a senior psychologist who knows what it is like to manage and supervise a large staff. He is passionate about Health Psychology – the connection between our mental, emotional and physical health.
- Willem van den Berg – Originally from South Africa, Willem is fluent in English and Afrikaans, and has more than a dozen years of experience in providing psychotherapy to a diverse group of clients with a wide range of life challenges.
- Dr David Wells – David is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in the field of geropsychology – that is, psychology for older adults.
Call 3088 5422 today if you have any questions or to book.