Mental Health

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“It is a spirit of hope. Both individually and collectively we have refused to succumb to the images of despair that so often are associated with mental illness. We are a conspiracy of hope and we are pressing back against the strong tide of oppression which for centuries has been the legacy of those of us who are labeled with mental illness. We are refusing to reduce human beings to illnesses. We recognize that within each one of us there is a person and that, as people, we share a common humanity with those who have been diagnosed with mental illness. We are here to witness that people who have been diagnosed with mental illness are not things, are not objects to be acted upon, are not animals or subhuman life forms. We share in the certainty that people labeled with mental illness are first and above all, human beings. Our lives are precious and are of infinite value.” Patricia Deegan, 1996

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Our Approach:

We believe that mental health can best be understood through the concept of “recovery” and not “illness”. Moxley (1994) writes in her research of Serious Mental Illness and the Concept of Recovery – “recovery is deeply personal, unique process of changing one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills, and/or roles. Recovery is grounded in the direct experience and perspective of the individual, and involves the adoption of new ways of living as well as the personal creation of meaning and purpose in one’s life.

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The recovery process is grounded in the following core beliefs:

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• Provides a holistic view of mental illness that focuses on the person, not just their symptoms

• Believes recovery from severe mental illness is possible

• It is a journey rather than a destination

• Does not necessarily mean getting back to where you were before

• Happens in ‘fits and starts’ and, like life, has many ups and downs

• Calls for optimism and commitment from all concerned

• Is profoundly influenced by people’s expectations and attitudes

• Requires a well organised system of support from family, friends or professionals

• Requires services to embrace new and innovative ways of working

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The recovery model aims to help people with mental health problems to move beyond mere survival and existence, encouraging them to move forward and carry out activities and develop relationships that give their lives meaning.

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Recovery emphasizes that while people may not have full control over their symptoms, they can have full control over their lives. Recovery is not about ‘getting rid’ of problems. It is about seeing people beyond their problems, recognizing and fostering the opportunities that harness their abilities, interests and dreams.

 

Mental illness and social attitudes to mental illness often impose limits on people experiencing ill health. Recovery looks beyond these limits to help people achieve their own goals and aspirations.

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We strongly believe that recovery is a voyage of self-discovery and personal growth. Experiences of mental illness can provide opportunities for change, reflection and discovery of new values, skills and interests.

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We provide counselling, strategies to cope and support for:
 

• Anxiety Disorders

• Panic disorder

• Agoraphobia

• Specific Phobias

• Social Phobias

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Acute Stress Disorder

• General Anxiety Disorder

• Depressive Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder

• Dysthymic Disorder

• Bipolar Disorder

• Impulse-Control Disorders

• Personality Disorders

• Eating Disorders

• Substance Related Disorders

• Learning Disabilities

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Clinical Approaches to Treatment:

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• Biopsychosocial Assessment

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Motivational Interviewing

• Solution Focused Therapy

• Trauma Therapies

• Narrative & talk therapy

• Polyvagal Therapy

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Our agency brings significant experience and clinical therapeutic skills in mental health counselling for those who are experiencing a daily struggling or feeling simply “stuck”. We strive to inspire meaning, hope and purpose for every client that feels like their mental health challenges are managing them, rather then vise versa. This process of personal empowerment supports “personal recovery” itself and leads to improved quality of life, achievement of personal goals, hopes and even dreams. Our services provide counselling for children, adolescents and adults.