Strategies for Life Improvement

Researchers have been having a chicken-and-egg debate over thoughts, emotions, and behaviour for decades now, with little or no resolution. Some of them claim that it is without a doubt that by modifying our thoughts and behaviour, we alter how we feel; others claim that emotions are definitely more primal, and therefore working with emotions would lead to change in one’s thoughts/behaviour... you get my drift. 

My suggestion is, learn different strategies, so we become skilled at discerning which strategy would work best when you find yourself in a certain situation. In some situations, adjusting how you think about them would bring about a change of attitude and emotions quite instantaneously. However, when you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and need a little “recalibration”, you could take some time out to evaluate and process your emotions in a safe place before you get back into the swing of things. There are still other situations which would best require a transformation of behaviour and forming of new habits, or even a total change of environment or restructure of your life in order for you to get the best out of life. At times, we would need to adjust more than one of those variables, so that we get a more effective and sustainable result. 

The counsellors at Counsel@CrossCulture would be glad to work collaboratively with you in discerning your unique circumstances and taking your preferences into account when brainstorming with you regarding which strategies to employ for your current situation. We make it an effort to work with evidence-based strategies which have been proven to be effective, and are open to regular feedback, so you can get the most of out of your time with us and ensure that the way we are working with you is in accord with your personality, values and preferences. 

Article by Lainey Weiss, General Counsellor

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Now with six General Counsellors on our team, no referral
necessary and cost between $10 - $70 depending on your
employment situation.  There’s no better time to take ACTION toward a better you!

T. 9639 3875; http://appointment.counselcc.net.au.

Photos:  freedigitalimages.net

 

 

Introducing New Volunteer: Angela Utomo

Angela Utomo is another new member of our Counsel@CrossCulture team.  Angela is a volunteer who will pick up some general tasks at the centre like reception work, cleaning and preparing materials for upcoming events.

Angela is originally from Indonesia, the eldest of four siblings and with parents actively involved in Christian ministry.  She has lived in Melbourne for the past four years.  For most of that time she has been a part of CrossCulture Church and serving regularly with Mercy Ministries.  Last year Angela graduated from a Masters of Applied Psychology (Community) at Victoria University and this year is working as a University tutor and Casual Relief Lecturer for Psychology and Social Work students.

In addition to her volunteer work at Counsel@CrossCulture, Angela also volunteers at a Helpline for people who care for loved ones with a mental illness.  Angela is keen to learn about Christian approaches to counselling and psychological interventions which is one of the reasons why she is offering her time to Counsel@CrossCulture.

Angela’s research and work interests include supporting refugees and asylum seekers, young people’s mental health and prevention of sexual violence.  In her spare time she enjoys dark chocolate, fine dining and organising events – a great set of skills for our growing counselling ministry! 

If visiting the Counselling Centre on Wednesdays, you will likely find Angela at the front desk.

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Counsel@CrossCulture is open to everyone,
9.00 am - 1.00 pm weekdays, T. 9639 3875; E. counsel@crossculture.net.au

Appointments may also be made online at: http://appointment.counselcc.net.au

General Counselling: $10—$70 max an hour (sliding scale) — No Referral Required.

 

Introducing New Counsellor: Andrea Blake

Andrea Blake is a qualified counsellor, who is very excited to be joining the Counsel@CrossCulture team.
 
Andrea specialises in counselling and debriefing people who have spent time living overseas in work with Aid agencies, Corporations or Christian Organisations.  Andrea has an understanding of the issues cultural adjustment and re-adjustment can have on adults, teens and children. She loves to journey with people as they process and make sense of ‘reverse culture shock’, trauma, re-adjustment; grief associated with loss of leaving and faith concerns.

Andrea is married, and has three children and enjoys exploring Melbourne and Victoria with her family, discovering good coffee and bike riding. 

She has lived overseas in Europe, North Africa and in the Pacific Islands. Andrea struggled with her own journey of transition back to Australia and sees the importance of receiving support in this time.

Andrea has supported cross-cultural and International Aid workers for several years, both here in Australia and overseas. She runs extensive debriefs and offers ongoing support with counselling throughout the readjustment period.

Andrea has completed a BA in Psychology and Psychophysiology, and post -graduate Studies in Counselling. She is a member of the CCAA (Grad) and is PACFA registered (provisional).

Andrea is happy to work with people of all ages. She has experience counselling in primary and secondary schools. She has worked with adults, children and teens on a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, self esteem and self harm. When working with children, Andrea utilizes play and art therapy techniques.

Andrea is available for appointments for counselling and debriefing. She can be contacted directly on 0412 455 937 or email at andrea@counselcc.net.au or via the
details below.

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Counsel@CrossCulture is open to everyone,
9.00 am - 1.00 pm weekdays, T. 639 3875; E. counsel@crossculture.net.au

Appointments may also be made online at: http://appointment.counselcc.net.au