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Seeing a psychologist for the first time; is it normal to be nervous?

Seeing a psychologist for the first time; is it normal to be nervous?

If you are considering having your first therapy session, you may be feeling nervous or frightened about the idea of starting. Many people do not know what to expect from therapy and can feel apprehension about what to do or say. It can be incredibly daunting talking about your thoughts and feelings to someone you do not know. Beginning anything new can be a nerve-wracking experience and it is a very normal feeling to have. Below are some discussions of possible anxious thoughts one may have before starting therapy which hopefully eases these feelings and helps you become more comfortable starting your psychological journey.

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It’s been a lot: let’s talk about COVID stress

It’s been a lot: let’s talk about COVID stress

A lot has been written about the impact of Covid-19 on our lives, with health mandates, changes to where and how we can get together and vaccines. Covid has also had an impact on our mental health. At this point, it’s hard to remember what life was like before covid, but we used to have a sense of wellbeing, that the world was a safe place in general. We knew we could make plans for the future with some certainty.

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Work-Life Balance: what is it, why is it important and how do you maintain it?

Work-Life Balance: what is it, why is it important and how do you maintain it?

The phrase “Work-Life Balance” refers to how we achieve harmony with the division of time and attention we spend on either “work” or “life”. In this concept the term “work” can include paid employment, voluntary roles or study and the term “life” refers to time with friends and family, engagement in leisure activities, daily life chores and managing health care.
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Recognising Burnout

Recognising Burnout

Many people can relate to experiencing stress, and the feelings and physical sensations that can come with it.
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Exposing our Inner Critic

Exposing our Inner Critic

It’s likely that every day you hear someone else calling themselves “stupid” or “idiot” when they make a small mistake. Conversely, if they did something well, they might use self-deprecating humour to deny themselves credit or praise. Self criticism to varying degrees has become commonplace in our society and it exists on a spectrum. Typically the content of our own self critical thoughts is cruel and the tone very cold, harsh and attacking.

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Loneliness

Loneliness

Feeling lonely? You are not alone. 1 in 2 Australians are feeling more lonely since COVID-19. Loneliness is the common negative feeling we get when there is a discrepancy between the relationships we would like, and the ones we feel like we have. It is a subjective feeling, it’s not about the number of people we interact with, or the time spent with other people versus the time we spend alone. The quality of our relationships is more important than the quantity.
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How to recognise depression

How to recognise depression

It is normal for people to experience sadness, low mood and reduced energy from time to time, particularly in response to life events, though it can also appear to be out of the blue. For those with Depression (Major Depressive Disorder), these feelings can persist with increased intensity and for longer periods of time, where it may begin to impact other areas of functioning.
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Sleep and Mental Health

Sleep and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health have a unique relationship and often influence each other. Sleep is seen as our chance to allow our brain reset, restore and recover from the processing tasks of daily living. Without good sleep, our brain is not able to function fully. It is known that sleep disturbance can contribute to changes in mood, memory and concentration, learning, and onset or worsening of mental health symptoms.
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What is Anxiety?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a term used to describe intense feelings of worry, fear or threat and can sometimes be difficult to control. Anxiety is a very normal part of human experience and typically occurs in response to a perceived or anticipated danger or threatening situation.
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Finding the right fit: which psychologist should I see?

Finding the right fit: which psychologist should I see?

You’ve made the decision to see a psychologist for some support. But who’s the right therapist for you, and can they help you with what you need?
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