Simply choose the counsellor you would like to talk with and select an available time. Pay for the session via our secure payment system. 10 minutes before your appointment, make sure you logged into the Client Software Program (you have already downloaded) using your normal Collective Support login details. This will automatically dial your counsellor and inform them you are waiting and ready for your session. Then, all you need to do is wait for them to accept, and you can start talking Face to Face.

Bunbury website reaches out

A NATION-WIDE website to help people battling depression and other life challenges will be launched from a Bunbury home this month.

Rob Martin and his partner Nichola Hartwell have been working non-stop on their website Collective Support since August last year.

Mr Martin sold his house for the site.

Having battled with depression himself, Mr Martin said there was not an all-encompassing support network for those needing help.

He often found websites would direct users through a maze of other sites and help lines would still leave you feeling alone once you hung up the phone.

“With my background in marketing, I wasn’t happy with the service,” Mr Martin said.

“What was lacking was I didn’t know where to find help.”

Collective Support is designed to help sufferers of depression, cancer, divor-ce, grief, domestic violence, sexual assault and relationship breakdowns to find all the resources needed in one spot.

By logging on and becoming a member, people from Bunbury and across Australia will have access to counsellors via video link, books dealing specifically with their issue and a forum to talk with other members.

Mr Martin has lined up counsellors from around Australia for the network.

“It’s about helping everybody, not just rural but metro as well and it brings a service to the bush not there before,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin said the website aimed to build a sense of community, something lacking in many people’s lives.

The first part of the website, depression, should be up and running by the end of the school holidays.

The other six topics will follow.

On line counselling is covered under the Medibank Private Package Bonus entitlement rebates, through the Collective Support website.

This rebate also covers individual and couples counselling sessions, which are also available on the Collective Support website.

To use a webcam and be able to communicate so affectively one on one with a professional counsellor while in the comfort of your own home saves time and helps erase the stigma sometimes attached to counselling.

Collectivesupport.com.au really  have found the answer to online counselling in Australia.

A discussion or arguement that resolves nothing or doesn't help the relationship in the long term is a waste of time and energy, better to spend that energy on improving your bond with your partner. If when argueing you get personal and vindictive, all you are doing is creating a greater gulf between each other and that requires a lot more work and effort to mend. So what do we do? When an arguement or heated discussion occurs follow these simple rules 1/ If it gets to hot and you feel a lot of anger and resentment take a time out and you can continue the discussion when you feel calmer and more in control 2/ Never use personal attacks on your partner to get your point across this will only get a counter attack and its all downhill from there.3/ If you know that the current arguement won't resolve anything bail out cause your wasting your time and energy 4/If your not prepared to listen forget the arguement all you will end up doing is hurt each other .

Communication takes two people one to speak and one to listen when this doesn't happen your not communicating.

In relationships things said and done in a moment of desperation can have one of two consequences. Firstly, something is said or done that opens a can of worms or past issues and hurts that have not been resolved and the gates of communication open and fruitful discussion takes place ( this is usually what we hope to achieve). Secondly, we do the same as the first but it leads to open confrontation, attack and defense, until the relationship can take no more and it falters( this is usually what happens). Before anyone takes action in a moment of desperation a clear understanding of emotions and feelings needs to be done, this is of course very difficult, but a few deep breaths and a quick look at possible outcomes vs wanted outcomes can soothe the savage beast of desperation and make us think twice. That's it , we need to think twice in a calmer rational manner, sometimes it's best to get yourself away from the moment spend some time with yourself and reflect on the situation at hand. No outbursts, no gunning for your partner , no words or acts that demean the relationship, take stock, think, and most of all calm down and assess all consequences.

NEW COUNSELLING OPTIONS FOR CARERS

In our world of developing modern technology seeking counselling support or mental health support via electronic methods is inevitable and of immense benefit.  One of the greatest advantages that online counselling support offers is that of accessible help anywhere, anytime Australia wide.  Support can now come to you!

Online counselling and support is now an easily accessible alternative to the traditional methods of counselling. Imagine being able to access support without having to leave home. The widespread availability of the internet makes this a reality by allowing online support forums, text based counselling via email and counselling via web cam.

From a carer’s perspective, the opportunity to access support without having to arrange respite care or physically attend the appointment is a convenient option to consider.  You only need a computer and internet connection.

Text based counselling and support group forums are appealing because of their anonymity factor. Clients or members feel comfortable sharing more
in-depth details of their issues, worries, feelings and emotions without fear of judgment by public recognition.  Due to this sense of safety, there is the potential for personal disclosure to be less guarded and greater self honesty is more likely to be explored and discovered.  Therefore, online counselling can be a briefer form of therapeutic intervention as apposed to traditional counselling where it often takes time to build trusting relationships and gain a sense of comfort.

Forums provide the opportunity for longer term interactive support, by connecting like minded members in a supportive community.  An advantage of support forums is that they are accessible 24/7, allowing members to seek support at any time.

Face to face counselling via web cam is another convenient medium through which carers can access support.  Picture yourself sitting at home in your favourite room, in your favourite chair, in your familiar surroundings connecting with a counsellor of your choice at a time that suits you.  It can be argued that the personal touch is lost with this type of interaction as apposed to the traditional face to face counselling session in the professional counsellors rooms.  I argue that in any therapeutic relationship it’s all about the connection the client feels with their counsellor.  Physically metres apart or states apart by video link up really makes no difference if it just doesn’t feel right.

Regardless of the form of online counselling you choose it’s wise to establish if the  counsellors and facilitators are registered members with a peak association governing body, such as the Australian Counselling Association or the Australian Psychological Society.  That way you will know that they genuinely abide by a code of practice and code of ethics that has your best interests at heart.  Furthermore you will know that they have attended ongoing professional development and supervision to remain members of their associations.

Thanks to the generosity of www.collectivesupport.com.au I have opened up a free of charge public carer’s forum.  I’m hopeful the online carer forum, will enable carers to come together with others in a safe setting where they can share their stories, learn from each other, and discover ways of over coming difficulties in their caring role.  Please feel free to visit the carer forum at Collective Support and help bridge the gap and build supportive communities.

By Sandra J Kelly.  Dip.Prof.Couns. Q.M.A.C.A 

If you have been used to using depressionet at depressionet.com.au, then we hope you have a look at the forums at collectivesupport.com.au 

Online counselling ,  online groups support , online forum

I am involved with a new non-profit organisation in Brisbane that has been set up to empower individuals who suffer from depression or low moods to seek assistance through conventional, natural and creative therapies. 

Building Resilience is creating a platform for therapists to come together, in one programme, to share their knowledge and provide a supportive environment to those seeking assistance in dealing with depression. It is advocating a multi disciplinary approach to depression management, addressing traditional, natural and creative therapies.

We are running the first program at the end of July in Brisbane and would like your thoughts on the program. Please check out our website and let us know what you think: http://www.buildingresilience.net.au/

Cheers,

Andrew

Date: 23 June 2010 6pm - 7.30 pm run by Stepfamilies Australia

The seminar provides a useful overview of the issues for stepfamilies in general and also explores the specifics of gay and lesbian headed stepfamilies.

You have to book through Drummond Street Services.