Would you like to grow old in good health, both physically and mentally?
Unfortunately this can be difficult to achieve.
Carolien explains:
We live in a society with lots of temptation; sometimes it is just easier to grab some take-away on our way home; and in some instances this could be a cheaper solution as well. We often spend long hours at work or are busy driving the kids to and from school and after-school activities, which leaves very little time to exercise. Of course we all understand the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise, but let’s be real about this; do you follow those guidelines? I know I much rather sit down with a glass of wine to watch my favourite TV show in an attempt to forget about the worries of the day, rather than going for a jog around the block (particularly late at night!) and eat mostly rabbit food to maintain my weight. However, you may be pleased to know that there are alternatives.
Through my work as a registered nurse and Credentialed Diabetes Educator I have worked with many people with a variety of health issues. For the last 15 years of my nursing career I have focussed my attention on helping people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol) and I found that often time the medical system falls over. For example by not taking in consideration certain related factors such as the patient’s social situation, and the importance of stress on physical and emotional wellbeing; by remaining stuck in a dichotomy of thinking, of mind and body as 2 separate entities rather than one body-mind. Most people (possibly including your doctor) don’t understand what it’s like to be ‘you’ and how difficult it is to go for a walk when you are suffering from depression, anxiety of high blood glucose levels. Even though they seem to think they know what is best for you, only you know what you can do or are willing to put in to get there. With the combination of my nursing background and my somatic psychotherapy training I am able to help you break through some of the barriers that you may face along the way.
What can you expect from a session with me?
The first thing we do is sit down and talk about what is going on in your life and what you would like to change. It is also helpful for us to get a bit of background information. From that point, things usually unfold organically and we begin to look at things from the combined perspectives of psychotherapy, counselling and coaching. The combination of these techniques helps people go beyond symptom relief and achieve long-lasting change. The different perspectives are designed to address different levels or stages of the problem.
Psychotherapy primarily addresses your inner world it provides clarity, insight and healing; this exploration of you inner world looks at the origins of the problem and how the problem is affecting you. Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to look at the root or core of the issue. Counselling primarily looks at creating direction. Building on the insight and clarity you have gained, we begin to work on a plan. Together we explore and create ways of putting your insights into action. Coaching is about fulfilling and reaching your goals, and putting your plan into action. Insight alone seldom leads to change; it is important to put those insights into tangible actions. In a supportive and encouraging way, we build on your momentum and motivation and integrate the changes you have made into your life as a whole.
Most importantly, you decide which direction we go in. Psychotherapy is not an advice giving session, although if you would like some suggestions as to how to incorporate lasting change in your life this can certainly be arranged. In making suggestions I think that it is important to keep in mind that nobody is more qualified than you to give advice about your life. Hence suggestions that may be made will only be ideas that you will be able to take away with you and incorporate into your life should you chose to do so.
Some of the issues we can focus on could include: diabetes (click here for more details), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, weight issues, addictions (smoking, alcohol, drugs or other addictions). We can look at ways to avoid “food amnesia” – how you can learn more about what you are eating and drinking, how to Plan, Prepare and Perform.
Getting help is crucial for success!
For example: only 1 in 20 people can quit smoking on their own, but people who seek support increase their chances of quitting for good.
Call Carolien now on 0402 126 212 to make an appointment to find out how she can help you find ways to better health!
Disclaimer: Information provided is only a guide, not medical advice. Please see your doctor or healthcare professional.