North Western Melbourne PHN Older Minds Program

As a mental health clinician in the NWMPHN I am extremely privileged to meet some of the most interesting people I have ever met who are willing to share their stories of the past. I am having sessions with our seniors who have been through war and the depression, and their parents and grandparents through world wars. There are women who had to fight for the right to work and women who lived a subservient domestic life and are now having a voice for the first time in their lives. I often hear the stories of how a woman first met her husband, even meeting via mail and swapping pictures before meeting.These precious stories will be lost one day so I feel beyond privileged to be able to hear them, validate their emotions along the way and allow them to reminisce through laughter and tears. I am inspired every day by the 95 year old that can touch her toes, the incredible skill of knitting and the strength to go on when vision fails and cognition and mobility deteriorates.

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, Murray PHN and South West Sydney PHN Programs

The benefits of working with APMHA – an organisation who cares!

I joined APMHA almost 5 years ago, during this time I have provided services for three Primary Health Networks – Central and Eastern Sydney, Murray, and South Western Sydney; and the additional short-term programs of the In-reach Services for Older People Impacted by COVID19 program, and the Bondi incident response.   The population needs in each of these geographical areas are very diverse, and as a provider of several programs my work has been very varied and incredibly interesting.

APMHA have provided opportunity to provide services to people who are financially disadvantaged and have troubling symptoms of anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, unresolved grief and trauma which impact on all areas of their lives.  I prefer to provide services through fully funded programs as they are congruent with my personal values that there should be no financial barriers to access of quality health care.

I have been fortunate to have seen incredible recovery journeys of APMHA clients, such as suicidal thoughts change to the desire to live and connection to friends, family and community; cessation of obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviours; connection and ongoing attachment of mothers to their babies; recovery of broken relationships; acceptance of loss; relief when anger dissipates; development of clear communication; and the finding of pleasure and joy in living.

The APMHA Executive foster a supportive work culture and this in turn is demonstrated by all of the APMHA team.  I am immensely grateful for the support, guidance and opportunities for further learning provided as I developed private practice. APMHA staff have made me feel highly valued as a clinician, person, and as one of their team – thank you 😊

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN Psychological Support Service

I have been a provider for clients under this scheme for close to 10years and a  registered psychologist for over 25 years. In addition to a Masters in Counselling Psychology, I have a Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy from Relationships Australia. This informs the treatment of my clients through a systemic lens, thus considering family of origin influences, current issues and contexts.

My approach is eclectic and goal oriented, using Psychodynamic methods, CBT, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy and a strengths based approach. On going Professional Development, currently exploring EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well upskilling in ADHD strategies, continues to broaden my outlook.

With therapy clients are supported through conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Grief Issues, Coercive Control Situations, Perinatal Depression and Suicidal Ideation.

I enjoy working with these PSS clients who often have few resources -especially financial or social, and are very appreciative of the validation and care that they receive through the program.

I am a Wiradjuri Woman and see my counselor at Alaya House in Shepparton. I was referred for counseling after an extremely stressful life event by my GP at Rumbalara Aboriginal Coop. I look forward to seeing my counselor. The entire service – the people are beautiful and welcoming. The first time I came to the service, I was scared that I would be rejected as there was so much going on in my life. Instead I found a beautiful welcoming by my initial counselor and she was lovely and non-judgemental. Straight away I knew that this was where I was supposed to be.

Throughout my life, I have been to so many services, but here at Alaya House, I felt so comfortable and safe enough to share my journey of ups and downs.

Whilst I was sad to see my original counselor leave due to illness, I found my second counselor (who feels like a soul sister), who gives me strength and feels so nice to speak to someone who has the same values and I don’t feel like I am alone.

Mary is a 42 year old mother who was diagnosed with Post Natal Depression. Her partner, who was recently trained in a new career, was unable to secure regular employment. There were no close relatives and few close supports.

Mary’s main struggles related to managing her toddler’s behaviours as well as the strains on the relationship following the birth. Our therapy’s focus worked together on tapping into Mary’s strengths and positive attitude, providing strategies for managing moods, routines, and problem solving issues that arose. Mary received education about developmental milestones, sleep and behavioural management for her little one.

A couple of months after beginning therapy Mary fell pregnant with her second child. Unfortunately, when the Bondi Junction incident occurred, Mary recongised that she self-identified with the young mother who sadly had died during the incident. For some time, Mary refused to leave the house due to fear.

Mary appreciated the therapeutic support, the strategies she learnt for managing anxiety and validation she received. Mary is now confidently looking forward to the birth of her second child.

One of my clients made this for me and gave it to me at the end of their session today.  We had worked on their values of creativity and created SMART goals around their chronic pain (something that they could do – as opposed to the things they can’t do).