
Relationships
It is widely known that money is the number one stressor in any relationship. However, money is not the only reason that may cause couples to turn to counselling. From infidelity, to issues that arise from parenting children, to general trust issues, relationships can have their own unique set of stressors. These stressors can affect one’s ability to focus at work, how his or her relationship with friends is carried, and how they behave in the home. While some relationship issues are resolved quickly and in a respectful manner, others are more intertwined with what each individual brings to the relationship and how it affects it.
This is where relationship counselling with SmartLives Psychology in Brisbane Australia can help.
Relationship counselling helps couples reconcile differences and recognize, manage, and identify repeating patterns of stress in a relationship. In relationship counselling, you will explore the issues that are causing concern, take practical steps to resolve the issues, and learn how to be aware of when an issue may arise at home to diffuse it respectfully.
In addition, you can expect to take a look at any past experiences or history in one or both parties’ families that may be affecting the relationship to build trust and proper communication. All of this is done in a safe space where you and your partner can talk openly without fear of retribution or judgement.
To learn more about what to expect from relationship therapy, visit this resource.
Contact Annie Barkl to schedule your initial consultation today!
Stress
Stress is a given facet of the human experience. There are good and bad stressors that affect us all. From a raise at work to working for a tough boss, stress is everywhere. When stress affects us over long periods of time at more intense levels, it can become chronic. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can have the following effects on us.
Common effects of stress on your body
- Headache
- Muscle tension or pain
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Change in sex drive
- Upset stomach
- Sleep problems
Common effects of stress on your mood
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Lack of motivation or focus
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability or anger
- Sadness or depression
Common effects of stress on your behaviour
- Overeating or under-eating
- Angry outbursts
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Tobacco use
- Social withdrawal
- Exercising less often
According to Way Ahead Mental Health Association, numbers released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Australians are more stressed than ever. In addition, the organization stated that when discussing how Australians deal with stress, “86% of us watch TV and movies, closely followed by 81% of us who spend time with our loved ones.
Other coping mechanisms are: Focusing on the positives, listening to music and reading, eating, and adjusting our expectations. However, when it comes to asking for help, over half of us fail to do so. Of those who are willing to ask, just over a quarter will seek help from family members and friends and another 19% will consult a GP, but fewer than 10% are willing to ask a psychologist.”
When dealing with stress, speaking with a psychologist is imperative.
This is one of the most common underlying issues for visits to SmartLives Psychology in Brisbane. We help you identify the cause of your stress, how to manage it, and how to recognize when stress is occurring and what to do about it. Stress knows no gender or racial bias. Thus, we work with people from all walks of life to help them become aware of what is causing stress in their lives.
To learn more about how therapy can help you alleviate and manage stress, visit this resource.
Contact Annie Barkl to schedule your initial consultation today!
Anxiety and Panic
According to MindFrame National Media Initiative, “Approximately 14% of Australians will be affected by an anxiety disorder in any 12-month period.” Additionally, they state that anxiety disorders are the most common in Australia. And in today’s world of technology that allows for an overwhelming access of information, it is normal that anxiety is so prevalent.
Those who have a mental disorder that causes anxiety such as OCD, panic disorders, or PTSD and the general public who are faced with more choices from society feel anxious about their own personal lives.
At Smartlives Psychology, we are well-versed in helping individuals overcome general anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and other disorders that are associated with anxiety. We use both cognitive and behavioural therapy to help find the origin of the anxiety and discuss ways to both manage it and recognize triggers that may cause anxiety.
We also will discuss ways to re frame issues and thoughts caused by anxiety to offer a more helpful perspective and help reduce and manage your stress on a daily basis.
To learn more about how therapy helps with anxiety and panic, visit this resource.
Contact Annie Barkl to schedule your initial consultation today!
Workplace Challenges
Work can carry many challenges. From meeting deadlines to working with demanding bosses and colleagues who we may not get along with, the workplace is a breeding ground for workplace problems that may cause stress, anxiety, frustration, and more. In fact, according to Medibank, “Research suggests that the impact of job stress will depend on an employee’s personality attributes, such as the ability to cope with pressure, as well as job factors and aspects of the work environment.”
With so many factors to consider, dealing with and managing workplace challenges can become complicated, especially because there are so much politics and interpersonal relationships at play. Medibank offers a rich look at the causes of workplace stress, what optimal workplace stress looks like, and the financial cost that comes as a result of a poor workplace with many challenges. You can view this valuable information here.
Working with a psychologist from SmartLives in Brisbane can help you manage and work through problems that occur in the workplace as well as mental issues that result from those problems. We will identify the problem, discuss what role you play in it and how to manage it assertively, and other practical steps that may be needed to work with the problem.
In addition, we will discuss and work through any issues that a workplace problem may be having on your mental and physical well-being. We will do this by re-framing thoughts and using behaviour changes so you can see a noticeable difference in your well-being. Whether you are a seasonal employee, work part time, or are in a full-fledged career, we can help.
To learn more about workplace issues and how therapy can help, visit this resource.
Contact Annie Barkl to schedule your initial consultation today!
Painful Habits
We all have habits that we do on a daily basis. From brushing our teeth to getting dressed for the day, habits are a part of what makes our life move forward. It is only when our habits become painful and self-harming that they can disrupt our daily routines. Habits such as excessive exercising, substance abuse, eating disorders, or grinding your teeth to the point of severe pain due to stress are just some examples of painful habits.
Painful habits are complex because they can have origins that take some digging to get to and cause side effects that need to be worked through. Plus, painful habits can take time and diligence to work through because of the setbacks that naturally come with them. As you can see, painful habits can disrupt one’s ability to function daily and cause mental and physical anguish.
At SmartLives Psychology in Brisbane, we realize the subtle care needed to break painful habits. We use a number of therapeutic approaches to help you onto a path toward change. From cognitive therapy, in which we discuss and re-frame internal thoughts, to behavioural therapy, where we discuss new ways of approaching your painful habits, we work diligently to help you find balance and normalcy in your daily life.
This includes coming up with a plan of action together and executing it. We may also suggest outside programs and support groups as well as other resources that can help you on your way to breaking your painful habit.
To learn more about how therapy can help with painful habits, such as substance abuse, visit this resource.
Contact Annie Barkl to schedule your initial consultation today!