Looking for a job, change in direction or just want to understand yourself better …?

Consider a PDP Personality Assessment.

Connecting People to Organizational Outcomes
PDP is a statistically-based, predictable and reliable process for identifying, quantifying and managing the linkage between people’s natural behaviours, their individual and team performance, and the resultant organizational outcomes.

A Proven Process
Researched and developed by credentialed professionals, research experts, behavioural scientists, and experienced leaders in business and industry.

Over 20 years of demonstrated results in client organizations across a wide spectrum of industries, cultures and challenges.

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Dr Jim Ridgway, Psychologist
Ph.D., M.A., M.Div, D.D.
T. 9639 3875; 0419 306 634; E. jim@counselcc.net.au

This PDP Integrated Management System is unparalleled in accuracy, practicality, fairness and value. Profiles provided by Dr. Jim Ridgway at a cost of $80 (rebate does not apply).

** Psychological Consultations may be Bulk-Billed.

Having Trouble Sleeping?

Are you one of those people who have trouble sleeping at night? Do you also struggle with daytime sleepiness, and consequently a lack in concentration during the day?

Well, there are various help available. Among them is the sleep hygiene program, which has commonly been proven to be effective in regularising sleep-wake patterns (e.g., de Sousa, Araujo & de Azevedo, 2007), improving sleep quality, and reducing daytime sleepiness.

According to the Sleep Disorders Australia, 2006’s fact sheet, sleep hygiene is a term used to describe good sleep habits, that is things you can do to give yourself the best chance of a good refreshing sleep. Most of these things are common sense but in the hustle and bustle of modern life are often neglected. Here are ten "Dos" and "Don'ts" from the fact sheet to help you get a good night's sleep.

1. Do- Go to bed at the same time each day.
2. Do- Get up from bed at the same time each day.
3. Do- Get regular exercise each day
4. Do- Try to spend some daytime outdoors or in natural light.
5. Do- Make the bedroom as restful as possible.
6. Don't- Exercise just before going to bed.
7. Don't- Engage in stimulating activity just before bed. E.g., playing a competitive game, watching exciting program on television or a movie, or having an important family discussion, which stimulates your mind and thoughts.
8. Don't- Drink caffeine containing drinks in the evening.
9. Don't- Go to bed too hungry or too full
10. Don't- Nap in the evening before you go to bed.

It should be noted that many sleep problems are a result of bad habits built up over a period of time. As such, the problems are not easily fixed overnight. Nonetheless, persevere on with good sleep habits and sleep should improve. Different things work for different people. Find out what works for you and stick to it. If, however, you still experience difficulty sleeping despite practicing good sleep habits, please do not hesitate to see your doctor as there may be something else disturbing your sleep.

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Ping Yin Ngu, Psychologist
BSc (Hons), MPsych (Child Clinical Specialisation), MAPS
T. 9639 3875; 0426 905 010; E. ping@counselcc.net.au

** Psychological Consultations may be Bulk-Billed.

Photo by photostock, freedigitalphotos.net.

What is Somatic Psychotherapy?

As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I place great importance on the whole person – including the psychological, emotional and physical aspects of your experience.

I provide a safe, nurturing and respectful environment in which to gently explore whatever difficulties may be affecting your wellbeing. Together we work to gain a greater awareness and deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships and how to move toward your goals.

Drawing on both counselling and psychotherapy approaches, I offer a service that is tailored to your unique personal needs.

Sessions are available to individuals on a wide range of issues, including:

• Workplace difficulties
• Relationship difficulties
• Separation/divorce
• Grief and loss
• Parenting/step parenting
• Negative feelings/thoughts and negative patterns of behaviours
• Trauma and shame
• Depression, anxiety and anger
• Stress and low self-esteem

To find out how I may be able to support you, call me for an obligation free chat on
0401-902-702 or e-mail tess@counselcc.net.au.

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Tess Tokatlidis, Somatic Psychotherapist
Associate Member of AASP, Dip Somatic Psychotherapy,
Specialist Relationship Therapy R.A., Ass. Dip. Welfare Studies
T. 9639 3875; 0401 902 702; E. tess@counselcc.net.au

Somatic Psychotherapy begins at $50 per hour for full-time students and up to $80 max for those who work full-time.

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

Photo: istockphoto.com. Used with Permission.

New Student Counsellor for Counsel@CrossCulture

Introducing Student Counsellor: Lainey Weiss

This year, Counsel@CrossCulture welcomes to the team, Elaine (Lainey) May Weiss who is in her final year of training as a Counsellor at Tabor College. While she is relatively new to Counselling, Lainey’s professional credentials include: Musician/Music Teacher, Language Tutor, various administration roles and presently Children and Families Pastor (part-time) at her home church of the Indonesian Baptist Congregation in Balwyn. Which makes Lainey a very well-equipped student counsellor.

Lainey is married to Johannes, her husband and soul-mate of three and a half years and has studied at RMIT, Harvest Bible College and Tabor Victoria. Asked whether she had had any formal connection with Cross Culture, Laney responded, “Although I have not had a close connection to CrossCulture, I have visited on several occasions, and during my time at RMIT made the Celebration Bookstore (then located where Counsel@CrossCulture is now) a regular hangout.”

In their spare time, Lainey & Johannes enjoy travelling and have seen most of Australia.

Lainey, has completed the bulk of her training, so she is authorized by Tabor College to both observe Counselling sessions run by other practitioners and to counsel one-on-one. Lainey is passionate about working with university students, migrants, couples, children, and people of a multicultural background. She has an interest in caring for people with emotional and identity problems—this includes grief, anxiety, stress, depression, family and/or relationship difficulties, sexual problems and issues dealing with identity/life transitions. Counselling with Lainey can be conducted in English, German, Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia or Chinese." Appointments with Lainey can be made by contacting her directly on 0423 387 182 or e-mail: lainey@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. 9639 3875; E. counsel@crossculture.net.au

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

New Extended Office Hours at Counsel@CrossCulture:

Introducing Grace Kah Yien Chew

It is our great pleasure to announce that the Counselling Centre will now have extended office hours of 9 am - 1 pm Monday to Friday, while consultations will continue to be by appointment and available outside of these hours as well as evenings and weekends!

This is possible due to the new appointment of Receptionist, Grace Kah Yien Chew. Grace was born in Sarawak, Malaysia and is married to Tony Tang Kee Kiong who, with Grace, is part of the ministry team at the Chinese Church of the Epiphany on Little Bourke Street. Grace and Tony have an eight year-old daughter, Rena.

In July 1998, Grace and Tony both undertook theological study at Singapore Bible College. Following College, Tony began pastoral ministry and Grace took up the role of Secretary to the Dean at Singapore Bible College. Grace has also worked as an Administrative Assistant in a Bank and an Insurance company. So Grace comes to the Counselling Centre with a wealth of experience.

Asked why she has applied for a part-time role in a lower salary bracket, Grace responded, “I prayed for a job that would both be challenging and allow me to drop off and pick up my daughter from school each day.”

As a bit of a treat, Grace enjoys an Italian gelati with her family.

Grace will operate reception four mornings a week and Lainey Weiss will operate Reception on the other day.

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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.