We’re here to help during these challenging times

We are doing what we can to keep our clients safe and support their mental health and wellbeing during this critical period. Our practice is open and continuing to provide psychological treatment either via:

  • Phone sessions, or
  • Live online video sessions (via secure Zoom video conferencing).

Research provides strong support for online therapy for depression, anxiety and stress (and other difficulties too) and our team are set up and ready to deliver effective therapy via Zoom or phone for adults, adolescents and couples.

 

Live Online Video Sessions

We’re providing video sessions through Zoom, a video conferencing program with high security and privacy standards. Zoom is used in health sectors across the world with great reviews as well as in education and business generally.

If you arrange a zoom session with one of our psychologists, you don’t need to download anything. You’ll be emailed a link that you click on when it is time for your appointment, and you’ll go to a ‘waiting room’ until your psychologist is ready to let you in to their virtual office. Understandably some of our face-to-face clients were apprehensive about trying zoom sessions, however their feedback has been really positive.

If you have any concerns or if you’d like to do a test run, please contact us. Our practice manager can set up a quick zoom meeting with you to walk you through using the program, so that it doesn’t impact on your session time with your psychologist.

 

Coronavirus & your mental health

Many are finding that their mental health and wellbeing are being impacted to a greater degree given the coronavirus situation. Our world has changed, and there is a lot of uncertainty about the future.

To protect your mental health:
  • Limit your exposure to coronavirus related news, especially anything that you find triggering of your anxiety.
  • Stay informed by looking at a small number of trusted sources that are not sensationalistic or providing unverified information.
  • Seek out information that on practical solutions on ideas to stay well from a physical and mental health perspective.
  • Decide on a set time each day to look at information updates (e.g. once per day for 15 minutes at 4pm); avoid scheduling this too close to when you’re going to sleep.
  • Ensure you are spending time each day doing things that you enjoy and find enriching.
  • Stay connected with others, especially as self-isolation and social-distancing increases.
  • Agree with friends and family to create ‘coronavirus free’ time together where you commit to talking about other things.
  • If self-isolating, find a balance between establishing a regular routine and also ensuring each day has some variety.
  • Allow yourself time out from coronavirus to avoid feeling burnt out by the situation, especially as it may proceed for weeks or months.
  • Prioritise the basics of good mental health and wellbeing – exercise, healthy eating, and getting good quality sleep.
Free coronavirus mental health & wellbeing resources:

There is a lot of information out there, so we’ve collated some wonderful resources to help you through this difficult time:

  • Our blog post on supporting children during the coronavirus
  • Russ Harris’s eBook on responding effectively to coronavirus using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches, as well as the youtube animation
  • A guide to living with worry and anxiety during global uncertainty
  • Tara Brach’s pandemic care resources, including talks, guided mindfulness meditation and compassion practices
  • Coronavirus tips for people with an eating disorder

 

Ideas to keep you busy while in home quarantine:

 

If you would like some support, our psychologists are ready to provide effective therapy via Zoom video or phone, so get in touch.