Counselling Topics
Marriage Counselling
Marriage counselling addresses marriage problems as well as other issues experienced by married couples. Often couples feel that marriage separation is the only option when dealing with issues such as adultery or major communication difficulties. Divorce in Australia is at an all time high causing grief amongst many families. It is important to know however that there are options apart from divorce. Before a marriage breakdown becomes inevitable, a private appointment with Antonia at Counsellor's Room, for Marriage Counselling- Brisbane, can be of invaluable assistance in dealing with individual issues, couple and relationship difficulties, as well as family dynamics that have influenced your relationship. If ultimately no solution can be found, she can assist in discussing issues of family law, such as settlement options and custody of children.Click to see more on marriage counselling...
Couples, Relationships & Marriage
Relationships are about the way two people interact and relate to each other. Intimacy, communication, sharing the good, bad and difficult aspects in life are characteristics of a working relationship. Two people choose each other based on attraction, shared interests and other commonalities. However relationships require effort and awareness to continually mature and grow with the time spent in that relationship. more...
Parenting, Teenager & Family
Unfortunately parenting does not come with a manual, nor are our children's behaviours predictable, understandable or consistent. Due to external factors like school, peers, demands, and family difficulties, people behave in different ways. Parents parent differently from individual to individual, therefore conflict is inevitable. more...
Depression Treatment
Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious illness. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. People with depression find it hard to function every day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed. more...
Anxiety Management
Anxiety is the perception of threat where the body reacts physically. Some symptoms may include heart palpitations, sweating, blurred vision and thoughts, butterflies or nausea in stomach, lump in your throat and / or change in breathing. These symptoms are real and often leads to panic attacks. more...
Infertility & IVF
Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that impairs the conception of children. The diagnosis of infertility is usually given to couples that have been attempting to conceive for at least 1 year without success. Conception and pregnancy are complicated processes that depend upon many factors more...
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is an act of violence by a perpetrator on an innocent persons body. It includes sexual harassment, looking, touching and penetration, oral sex, exposure to inappropriate sexual body parts and resources. Sexual abuse also includes the forced stimulation of sexual responses. Sexual violence is a human rights abuse regardless of situation, relationship or age. The responsibility for the offence always lies with the perpetrator and is of no fault of the victim. more...
Antonia's Blog
Values:
Abortion is an issue you may strongly disagree with. However if at a young age you were raped and pregnant, is your value of no abortion still the most helpful value to make decisions by? A confronting yet real example demonstrates that it is ok to redefine our values based on circumstances that confront us in life.
Our values have been taught and formed to guide us to make the best decisions for our lives. Opinions, thoughts, beliefs, preconceived ideas, families, cultural beliefs and other contributing factors assist in creating our set of values. At a certain age it is normal to question our beliefs and examine if they were formed by contaminated pasts or if they still suit our individual beliefs. However if these values create greater pressure in our lives, then these values are limiting, rather than helpful.
It is ok to redefine our values based on circumstances that confront us in life.
Emotions:
Consider putting your mobile aside next time you hear sad news, sit with your emotions, have a good cry, scream or shake. It is important to recognize your feelings without being rescued by another voice at the end of a phone call. An example where this would be helpful would be; My boyfriend just broke up with me for my best friend. Are you sad because you are now single, distressed because he broke up with you, and / or angry that he is now with your best friend? Sorting out which feelings belong to which part of the story seeks clarity that only you can decipher. Technology is helpful and reaching out is resourceful, but there is time for both once you have processed the reality.
Needs:
What do I need and want today? Very valuable question that ensures your needs and wants are met. It is your responsibility to ensure you look after yourself regardless who or what is in your life. Examples could be; I feel like rich filling food, I will choose a restaurant or make dinner to suit my desire! I am feeling emotionally vulnerable today and will ask someone for a hug! I have just woken up and will go to the toilet before making my phone call! I have some ideas on my mind, I will ensure I write them down or will act on them.
Support network:
Identify internal and external resources. Internal resources would be your own strategies that help you get through good and difficult times. Some examples would be; warm shower with a good cry, breathing, reading, taking time for yourself, recognising and acting on your own needs. External resources would be external activities and people you turn to for support. Examples would be exercise, family and friends. This could include professional people like a counselor and / or dietician. It is important to choose healthy coping strategies rather than ones that may eventually cause added problems. Healthy Strategies include: Relaxation Techniques Time out Hobbies Exercise Art / Music Going out Unhealthy Strategies include: Alcohol and / or drug use Self Harm Drinking excess caffeine Smoking Over eating Obsessive Compulsive Behaviours Remember strategies to make life easier need to be helpful rather than detrimental.
