Seeking Counselling in Canberra?

When seeking counselling in Canberra, it is important to seek a reputable practice with a suitably-qualified Psychologist or Counsellor. Paul Dykes Counselling is one such practice and Paul Dykes prides himself on delivering exceptional quality counselling services to each and every client. Despite the stigma attached to seeking counselling in Canberra, it is conducive for many and the stigma is one that is old and redundant. Many people seek counselling today as a means of support for troublesome issues, relationship counselling or marriage counselling in Canberra or for life events. Death is a tragedy that many of us face with loved ones passing away and how we handle that is important. For many, seeking counselling is integral to recovery from losing someone special to them. Other times, it could be a relationship breakdown with a friend or family member, partner or even within the workplace. Bullying and harassment in the workplace are also key reasons people seek counselling from Paul Dykes Counselling.

Mindfulness As A Strategy

Mindfulness is one strategy harnessed by Psychologists to work with their patients. How do we define mindfulness? It is the purposeful act of being present and engaged with what you are doing in the present moment. For some people, it can be sitting still meditating while for others it might be noticing the way one’s feet touches the ground when on a walk. It could be noticing the sounds of the birds and tree leaves whispering in the breeze. Mindfulness is rather focused on the senses of touch, hear, taste, sight and smell. Mindfulness can incorporate these through smelling the flowers and being present with the act of doing so or it can be tasting your favourite flavour like coffee and being present with doing that. It requires training for most of us to engage in mindfulness and be present without judging or buying into thoughts and feelings. It is about letting the thought pass and perhaps visualising leaves on a stream with the thoughts on the leaves drifting by without buying into them. It is also about not letting emotions overcome you, noting them and letting them pass. Mindfulness is particularly helpful when trying to battle with challenging situations and circumstances and difficult feelings and thoughts that can potentially overcome oneself. The act of engaging in meditation is a common form of mindfulness that many organisations and Psychologists embrace. There are plenty of different apps with mindfulness in mind and meditations. Headspace and Beyond Blue are two mental health organisations that offer mindfulness and relaxation exercises. Seeking counselling in Canberra is another way to engage in mindfulness with the aid of a qualified Psychologist or Counsellor. Paul Dykes Counselling offers counselling in Canberra services and engages in mindfulness as well as other psychotherapeutic strategies.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

There are six principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and these form the basis of the therapy which Paul Dykes Counselling practices in counselling in Canberra. The principles are Cognitive defusion, expansion and acceptance, contact and connection, observing self, values clarification and committed action. Cognitive defusion is the opposite of cognitive fusion where one fuses with their thoughts as if real life events are happening. Cognitive desfusion means you are separating yourself and reality from thoughts and feelings as well as urges. The second principle, expansion/acceptance refers to the practice of allowing thoughts and emotions to occur without pushing them away; this is particularly relevant for unpleasant thoughts or feelings. Principle number three is contact and connection with the present moment; this means bringing awareness to the present moment and connecting with it with curiosity and interest as well as openness. It also means not buying into the past or future and thoughts of these. The fourth principle, observing self, is when one becomes aware of their thoughts and feelings and this means they are engaging in the act of thinking and feeling and of observing that they are thinking and feeling. Principle number five, values clarification is about clarifying the meaning of one’s life and what direction you wish to take as well as who you want to be. Finally, principle number six is committed action which means one sets goals and takes action to effectively achieve the goals guided by specific values chosen by the person. For counselling in Canberra, Paul Dykes Counselling offers a fantastic service with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other psychotherapies which are conducive to one’s needs.