My Psychologist

Be the best you can be

Trauma

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I saw the movie Fury which was about 5 American soldiers in a tank who were at war in Germany.   German and American tanks moved through German towns.  The main focus of our attention was the experiences of the four men who spent time in a confined space and observed and participated in the brutality of war.  The movie was very  emotionally confronting. German children were hung by Nazis because they refused to participate in the war. Bodies were trampled by the tanks and limbs were torn off bodies by ammunition. The youngest of the four men and newest recruit was clearly traumatised by the horrors.  I sat in my seat and in turn was clearly affected by the blood splatters and crumpled bodies.  After the movie I discussed my reactions with a trusted person. I knew that I would not be permanently affected by my sensory exposure to the movie.

There are others who will be permanently affected by a traumatic experience.  You may be that person or know that person.  You watch the deterioration before you and you feel the hopelessness and helplessness.  Sleep is hard to attain, anger and irritability exist and there is emotional  distance from others.  The person withdraws from past significant activities and relationships and appears to be a shell of their former self.

Trauma does not result only from a war experience.  People have accidents and people witness hold ups.  Each person’s response is unique.  Two people can witness the same traumatic event and only one shows clinically significant symptoms.

If you or someone you know has been traumatised by something please know that psychological therapy can help.  Call us and let us listen to your story. We would like to help.

WorkCover sucks?

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Being on WorkCover can suck.  You become a claim number and you lose your privacy.  Your claim is still being investigated.  It is only provisionally accepted.  You constantly fear that it will be rejected.  You tell your story over and over again to complete strangers called specialists, experts and investigators.  Reports are written about you and opinions are presented about your injuries and treatment options.   You feel like you are begging for some treatment to help with pain or depression.  Your house is not as tidy, you hardly sleep and you fight with your partner.   In all this you feel like you have no control or real power.Does this sound like you talking?  Whatever you sound like or look like (sleep deprived, sad and aching) I can help.  I make sure that I have a good relationship with your case manager and that they fully understand your injuries and treatment needs.  For those with legal representation, I also work closely with your solicitor.  In my experience, honest and transparent practices and communication mean a smoother WorkCover experience.  Sure there will always be the case manager who acts as if you are asking her to fund your treatment out of her own pay or the GP who is reluctant to write a WorkCover certificate so you have to end up seeing another GP who is another complete stranger.

To survive WorkCover you need to gather a team of practitioners who speak a common language in which there is a sentence “you matter and we will help you have the treatment that you need”  which translated for WorkCover is “reasonable medical treatment”.

My aim is that your pain, depression, poor sleep, motivation, confidence and worry all improve. I cannot wave a magic wand and make it all disappear though.  I can listen, treat using best practice, work collaboratively and above all remind you that you are more than a bunch of numbers followed by / and another bunch of numbers.

Yes you can overcome pain and other symptoms, yes you can return to work with the same employer or another, yes there is life beyond a WorkCover claim.

Speak with me and let me help you in your WorkCover matter.

Fertility (37 is not 0)

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Just about daily we are bombarded by editorials about the waning fertility of women and that it cannot be taken for granted that women can have a baby whenever they decide that they want one.  The fact is that having a baby is not easy for many women and that biological age is a factor that either is an advanatge or a disadvantage.  The magic number seems to be 37.  It is a clear advantage to be below 37 years of age.  Obviously not all women are going to be able to consider a pregnancy by age 37. Thankfully there are more medical options available for women (and men) meaning that if pregnancy is not going to plan (regardless of your age) please be brave and speak with Repromed or similar.  Realising that you have options is empowering and has a positive impact on mental health. Participating in IVF treatment is intrusive and stressful.  Please also consider speaking with a psychologist.  37 is just a number like any other number.  Yes it is important in terms of fertility but again it does not mean zero as in the sentence “I am over 37 and that means 0 children for me”.

In the zone

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How do you know when you are in the zone? How does your body feel? What words are you saying in your head? How do you present to the world? I am in my zone. I am thinking clearly. I am reflecting on my goals and prioritizing the ones that have true meaning for me. Time passes comfortably. There is no need to even check what time it is. My day flows efficiently.

I am truly satisfied with being in the present. I make no unkind demands on myself. I feel relaxed. I am happy. The secret? I have slowed myself physically and mentally by doing something that is different but meaningful to you. I have gone away for the weekend and taken myself out of my usual environment. I have adapted to the unusual and experienced activities and situations that are pleasant. I see myself through the responses of others who do not know me. I have affirmation from others that I am a lovely person. I believe this about me. I allow myself to enjoy the present me who is liked by others. I slow down and enjoy my moment. Why rush? I am where I need to be. Why not start today and be in your zone? Trust me when I say that you won’t want to leave your zone.
Yours, in psychological health

Excess does not mean success

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As you all prepare for Christmas Day you may be feeling pressure from retailers, media and even family and friends to do things BIG on Christmas Day. Please remember that things done to excess does not mean that you have achieved greater success. Quality or quantity? Small and intimate or large and impersonal? Pressured or relaxed? Calm or chaotic? You have the choice to decide how you will enjoy Christmas. I know what I will be choosing.

Business Profile

We provide an individualised, professional and boutique service to support clients to attain the psychological wellbeing that they seek in their lives. We can provide services in Greek. We are a neuro affirming practice and respectful of our clients.

Appointments and Fees

We are a full member of the Australian Psychological Society. Our standard appointment fee is $311 per hour. Medicare and other rebates may apply for certain services. We have short waiting times and flexible appointments.

Connect with us

67 Payneham Road
College Park SA 5069

P: 0427 277 237
E: info@mypsychologist.net.au