Update from Gibsons Counselling – July 10- 2015
I am pleased that
SKYPE counselling has proved more successful than I expected. It is exciting to
know I can keep in touch with clients even if they are out of country but still
need the continuity and support of ongoing sessions.
I am currently
ready for short term respite clients (2 days).
I am only accepting clients that are stable but need support, possibly
counselling and a safe space. This would
allow the regular care giver time off and it might be possible to set up a schedule so both care giver and client benefit from a change in
routine. During my visitor’s stay I can
offer counselling, occupational therapy (art and craft work), hiking, outings
or we could just have quiet time in my view home. The fee schedule will depend
on the needs of the client.
In the autumn I am
planning to offer a seminar on Fibromyalgia, only dealing with the
psychological and emotional affects. I hope to bring together a group of
approximately 7 people who can tell their stories in the privacy of my home. As
a person with Fibromyalgia myself, I can offer many coping skills and genuinely
understand the difficulties associated with this illness. I attended the 30 day Chronic Pain Program at
St. Paul’s Hospital many years ago and it inspired me to create something
similar on the Sunshine Coast.
I feel it is
essential for people with any kind of chronic pain to share their stories and
offer each other support, suggestions, empathy and insight. The atmosphere will
be cozy, private and confidentiality will be essential. The focus will be on
coping strategies and learning from each other. I think we are all teachers and
it is exciting how much we can learn in the most unexpected situations.
If the group wants
to continue I would plan weekly visits where we did nature walks, slow easy
exercise and combine the best of all the techniques I learned at St. Paul’s and
during my life. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and FM 30 years ago and in
between my “down time” I’ve traveled extensively, worked, and attended school
etc.
Depression often
blocks our sense of possibility when faced with a chronic illness. My focus
will be on coping, empowerment, and setting goals.
Keep a watch on
this blog! I will announce the date of this seminar this autumn. The fee is
$35.00 for a 4-hour seminar.
