In a world filled with notifications, likes, and instant messages, why do so many people feel disconnected?

Recent research is showing a disturbing trend: digital connection does not necessarily equal emotional connection. As a result, loneliness is now considered a public health issue — particularly for young people.

📊 Loneliness by the Numbers

• 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely, according to the Australian Psychological Society.
• 73% of young Australians aged 18–25 report feeling lonely at least occasionally.
• Loneliness increases the risk of early death by 26%, according to a landmark study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science.
• In 2023, the Surgeon General of the United States declared loneliness a public health epidemic, noting it was “as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
  ➡️ Source: U.S. Surgeon General Advisory
• In Australia, the Loneliness and Social Isolation Report by Ending Loneliness Together highlights how social isolation is rising post-COVID.
  ➡️ Source: Ending Loneliness Together

💡 What’s Driving Digital-Age Loneliness?

1. The Illusion of Connection

We’re chatting, liking, and reacting — but not truly connecting. Studies show passive social media use (just scrolling) is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
➡️ Source: VicHealth – Young Australians and Digital Wellbeing

2. Comparing Ourselves Online

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promote idealised lives, which can increase feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
➡️ Source: ReachOut Australia – Social Media and Mental Health

3. Reduced Face-to-Face Time

As digital conversations increase, real-life ones often decrease. Physical presence plays a huge role in emotional connection.

4. Work and Study From Home

Post-pandemic life has normalised remote lifestyles, which can isolate individuals from casual daily social interactions.

🧠 Mental Health Consequences of Loneliness

Chronic loneliness is not just emotional — it’s physiological. It has been linked to:

• Increased anxiety and depression
• Disrupted sleep and poor immune response
• Heart disease and cognitive decline
• Increased risk of suicide, especially in young men

🛠️ Practical Ways to Reconnect (Online & Offline)

✅ Audit Your Social Media Use

Track how certain platforms make you feel. Follow accounts that uplift, and consider unfollowing ones that trigger negative emotions.

✅ Prioritise In-Person Connection

Join a local class, volunteer, or make time for a face-to-face coffee. Building real-world relationships is vital.

✅ Use Tech Mindfully

Not all tech is harmful — use it to foster real conversation, join online support groups, or attend virtual mental health workshops with real connection in mind.

✅ Seek Professional Support

Counselling can help unpack the roots of loneliness and give you tools to build meaningful connections.

🧡 How Vision Counselling Supports Connection

At Vision Counselling, we understand that loneliness affects mental health — and we’re here to help. We provide:

• Individual counselling for anxiety, isolation, and self-esteem
• Online counselling for those who feel more comfortable accessing support from home
• Group programs and community outreach, including the long-running Stirling Support Program, which helps people in Perth build emotional wellbeing and connection

If you’re in WA and seeking a safe space to talk, we’re here.

We love it, we loathe it — and most of us use it daily. From checking notifications over coffee to scrolling before bed, social media has become woven into modern life. But how does it really affect our mental health?

Let’s take a closer look at the good, the bad, and how to keep your relationship with social media healthy.

The Good: Staying Connected

There’s no denying that social media helps us stay connected. Friends and family scattered across the globe are now just a message or post away. Online communities can help reduce isolation and create belonging — from parenting groups and hobby forums to mental health support pages.

When used consciously, these platforms can foster genuine connection, learning, and even comfort during difficult times.

The Not-So-Good: Comparison and Pressure

But here’s the catch. The same apps that connect us can also harm our self-esteem.
Scrolling through curated images of perfect homes, holidays, or relationships can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. It’s the modern version of keeping up with the Joneses — only now, it’s global and 24/7.

The pressure to appear happy, successful, or attractive online can create anxiety and feed perfectionism. For some, this becomes a constant cycle of comparison that undermines confidence and self-worth.

(Learn more about anxiety counselling in Perth.)

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

You’ve probably heard of FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out.
Seeing others attend events, travel, or celebrate achievements can trigger stress, sadness, or envy.

Over time, FOMO can lead to emotional exhaustion and a sense of never measuring up. Studies show that people who spend excessive time on social media may be more prone to loneliness and anxiety【1】.

The Scroll Trap

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re “just checking one more thing.”
‘Doomscrolling’ — endlessly consuming negative or distressing content — can raise cortisol levels and keep your body in a constant state of stress.

This can make it harder to sleep, concentrate, or unwind. If you’ve ever noticed your mood drop after scrolling, your brain is telling you it’s time for a break.

Setting Boundaries and Taking Control

The goal isn’t to quit social media entirely — it’s to use it in ways that support, rather than sabotage, your mental health.

Try these strategies:

• Set time limits for social media use — especially before bed.
• Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel anxious or inadequate.
• Follow positive influences — mental health advocates, creative pages, and authentic voices.
• Turn off push notifications to reduce constant distractions.
• Schedule digital detox days to reconnect with real-life activities and relationships.

(Beyond Blue has great advice on managing technology and mental wellbeing.)

The Role of Counselling

If you’re finding it hard to manage your social media habits or the emotions that come with them, counselling can help.

At Vision Counselling, our team supports individuals across Perth and online to build resilience, reduce anxiety, and develop healthy digital habits. Counsellors provide practical tools for stress management, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.

The Bottom Line

Social media itself isn’t the enemy — it’s how we use it that matters.
Used mindfully, it can connect, educate, and inspire us. But unchecked, it can drain our focus and feed self-doubt.

By setting boundaries, curating your feed, and reaching out for support when needed, you can enjoy the benefits while protecting your peace of mind.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that help is close.
📅 Book an appointment with a Perth counsellor — in person or online.

References

1. Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79–93.
2. Beyond Blue. (2024). Managing technology and wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au
3. Black Dog Institute. (2024). Social media and mental health. Retrieved from https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

If unmanaged, all these conditions can adversely affect clients. As a result, it affects their ability to work or go to school. Thus, the best way of tackling these situations effectively is by gaining experience. It’ll enable you to provide the best solutions for your clients. With that in mind, below are four ways you can gain psychology-related work experience:

Find an Internship Program

An internship is perfect for getting experience in what you studied. It’s sometimes optional with an undergraduate degree; however, interning gives you a firmer grasp of real-world situations, and you wouldn’t want to miss it. You also need it to get licensed to practice, as some boards require. You can get a chance to intern abroad with various renowned organizations, National Health Service (NHS), mental hospitals, social services, or general hospitals. An internship provides you with several advantages. Below is an outline of great incentives for psychology internships:

• You can gain skills: Working with an experienced psychologist lets you know what to do when handling patients. Ideally, to be a psychologist, you need skills like how to be a good listener, speaking to your patients, working with different patients’ personalities, and also be empathetic toward your patients.   
• You can create professional networks: An internship enables you to associate with experienced psychologists who can serve as a great reference on your curriculum vitae. So, during the internship, ensure you’re social with your colleagues.
• You can know what psychology program is good for you: The real-world scenarios like personality or behavior changes can quickly change your opinion on whether or not you’d like to be a mental health psychologist. Thus, with an internship, you can weigh the pros and cons based on your patient interaction and see if it’s the right fit for you.
• It gives you a competitive advantage: If an opportunity for work experience opens up, the hiring team will probably be looking for someone who has interned because they believe they’ve learned the basics of the ins and outs of psychology.

Choose a distinct place to help diversify your experience when looking for an internship. Even if it’s unpaid but in a good organization, don’t forfeit the opportunity; you still gain work experience.

Volunteer in the Community

Numerous people undergo various mental health issues, derailing their lives daily. And the disadvantage is some can’t get help because they can’t afford therapy. In this case, you can volunteer in your community or with organizations to help them. It enables you to show your compassion while gaining work experience. You can work with families, hold group sessions, or work in mental health facilities. Additionally, you can volunteer in the following:

• Schools: You can help in school, especially with students having trouble concentrating or those with underlying mental problems. You could also help kids with special needs and be a mentor to the kids in school.
• Domestic abuse and sexual violence centers: You can help these individuals overcome their trauma because it can be very depressing to them to the extent of being unable to come to terms with the unfortunate incidents.
• Human resource departments: The workplace can be stressful for workers, and it could affect their productivity. Workers can speak to you and explain their problems.
• Charities and family relationship centres

There’s no limit to where you can volunteer; all you have to do is research any openings and ask for the opportunity to work there. You’ll be able to help your community by using alternative mental health techniques that can help them recover.

Assist in Research and Teaching

Another excellent way of gaining first-hand experience is by working with a specific psychologist and assisting them with research and teaching. To begin with, you could do research on mental health statistics, evaluate the data, and then document your findings to know which group needs your services.

Additionally, you can learn various aspects of psychology based on how they teach, especially if you’d like to become a teacher. You’ll also help the professors with grading student exams and be at the office to communicate with students who need help.

Apply for Entry Level Job

You can gain experience by applying for entry-level jobs in healthcare facilities. It may not pay as much as a licensed psychologist receives, but it enables you to gain unmatched experience. You can watch psychologists evaluate their patients and master the dynamics of patient assessment.

Conclusion

A career in psychology requires you to master and gain skills through experience. Basic classroom knowledge is good, but you must work with patients one-on-one, listen to their problems, and suggest better coping skills. So, consider interning, volunteering, assisting, and working entry-level jobs at credible hospitals or organizations to increase your experience.  

Mental health includes one’s social, psychological, and emotional well-being. It affects how you think, act, and feel as you cope with life. Moreover, it helps determine how you relate to others, make choices, and handle stress. That’s why mental health is crucial as you age.

For older adults, it’s even more essential to pay attention to their mental health. It’s because most seniors are at risk for mental health issues. However, it doesn’t mean that such problems are normal when aging.

Older adults may experience particular life changes that may impact their mental health, including losing a loved one and coping with a serious disease. Even if many people would adjust to such life changes, some may suffer from loneliness, grief, and social isolation. Once such feelings persist, these may result in mental illnesses such as depression.

Fortunately, effective treatment options and aged care service providers similar to HenderCare and others are available to help seniors improve their quality of life and manage mental health. Read the guide below to learn more about mental health care for older adults.

Signs Of Mental Health Problems In Older Adults

Recognizing the warning signs is one of the first steps to getting the right treatment.

Some of these may include the following:

• Feeling hopelessness or sadness
• Feeling numb
• Changes in energy level or mood
• Withdrawing from activities
• Disconnecting from other people
• Feeling scared, worried, confused, or upset
• Aggressiveness, anger, or irritability
• Drinking, smoking, or using drugs
• Thinking of harming others or yourself
• Believing things that aren’t true and hearing voices
• Having negative thoughts

If you notice some of these signs, it’s time to seek help from mental health care experts. These professionals can provide counseling for mental health, proper medications, therapies, or other treatments that may help treat mental health issues in older adults. If you’re confused about the options, consult your senior loved one’s primary healthcare provider.

Mental Health Care Tips for Seniors To Consider

There are various ways to care for the mental health of older adults. To stay mentally healthy, here are some of the tips one can consider:

1. Consider A Mental Health Care Plan

A mental health care plan is suitable for individuals with mental health issues who have several healthcare specialists working with them. It explains the support provided by every professional and when treatment must be provided and may include health professions including psychology services. A care plan may also include what to do to avoid relapse or crisis.

Doctors will also use a care plan to help determine what services are ideal for older adults’ needs, decide on suitable treatment options, and set goals. In other cases, doctors may contribute to the care plan that somebody else organized.

Having a mental health care plan is beneficial in many ways. Not only does it help set and achieve goals, but it also provides life-saving details in emergencies. Moreover, a care plan ensures everybody is involved and working on the same goals to provide older adults with the care they need.

2. Eat Well And Get Enough Sleep

Eating well and getting enough sleep are always crucial for one’s mental well-being. Older adults are prone to illnesses, so not eating properly or getting enough sleep may result in mental or physical health problems.

Older adults are encouraged to practice healthy habits and sleep at least seven hours at night. Refined carbohydrates and sugary food are highly discouraged. Instead, seniors should eat whole-grain foods, vegetables, and high-fiber fruits to stay mentally and physically healthy as well as be more energetic.

3. Get Physical

Any form of physical activity and exercise can benefit the body and mind. Staying active may also help seniors age well and have optimal health.

For seniors, strength training and stretching are necessary for them to prevent joint pain as well as bone fractures. Aside from the apparent benefits, exercise may also aid in managing depression, stress, and anxiety in older adults, which could be detrimental to their health. So, regular exercise is vital to have sound mental health.

4. Have A Pet

There are many advantages to taking care of pets. One of these is that it helps adults to be busy and active. Pets also offer companionship and comfort.

The companionship of pets can help older adults feel loved. They also lessen feelings of loneliness or isolation. This is why seniors taking care of pets have better mental health and are less likely to be prone to anxiety and stress.

5. Have A Hobby

Another mental health care tip to consider is trying a new hobby. Retirement allows older adults to pursue their lifelong goals and complete their bucket lists. Hobbies, including shadow boxes, may help boost the brain’s neuroplasticity. When it happens, the nerve cells reconnect or connect, modifying the brain’s function and structure when stimulated by seeing them repetitively.

As the neuronal connections are strengthened, older adults may gain a sense of belongingness and comfort, improving their mental health.

6. Keep An Active Mind

Staying active, particularly during the senior years, has countless positive impacts on one’s mental health. By having a busy mind, most parts of the brain will activate. To maintain this, older adults may enjoy intellectually challenging activities such as answering crossword puzzles, playing chess, reading, or learning a new language. All of these are fun and can boost brain function and activity.

7. Stay Connected

For most older adults, keeping in touch with special people in their lives may help stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness that may result in physical and mental decline. Learning how to connect with old and new friends on social media and mobile devices is one way to stay in touch. Seniors may also keep it simple by setting up regular schedules or writing letters.

Conclusion

Older adults must be wary of their mental health. Without a stable and healthy mind, they’re more vulnerable to some physical conditions and ailments. By implementing the above tips, any older adult can achieve better mental health, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest without any worries. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.

• Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder Explained
• Common Indicators for PDSD
• How Can PDSD Be Treated?
• Does Counseling Help With PDSD?

In today’s day and age, society continues to thrive technologically, economically, and financially, unfortunately, the same cannot be said about our mental health. According to the Global Organization for Stress, almost 75 percent of Americans experience some sort of stress daily. Out of these, some of the most commonly cited sources of stress directly impacting one’s mental well-being include:

• Work and job satisfaction
• Money and family responsibilities
• Personal safety
• Maintaining healthy relationships
• Health problems

Many of us consider stress to be a double-edged sword with some amount of stress acting as a healthy motivator for us to perform well in different facets of life.

Alternatively, being subjected to continued stress forces individuals to enter a stage of resistance thus causing their physiological functioning to work continuously at elevated levels.

Over time, the constant exposure to stress starts impairing one’s nervous system, forcing one to lose the ability to adapt.

When this happens, you end up having a lowered resistance and being susceptible to illnesses like Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder (PDSD).

Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder Explained

Stress that is caused by one sudden traumatic incident, such as being in an accident or witnessing a horrific incident, can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). But when you are in a situation where you experience an ongoing occurrence of negative trauma or stress, you may find yourself exhibiting symptoms of Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder (PDSD).

It is most common in officers working in emergency services or workers subjected to ongoing workplace harassment or bullying.

Unlike Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder, the trauma is cumulative rather than sudden.

Here an individual is not subjected to any life-threatening trauma or serious injury, but the constant exposure to second-hand stress is the main culprit behind it.

Common Indicators for PDSD

Some of the most prevalent indicators of Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder (PDSD) include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Nightmares (where one continuously re-experiences the negative trauma)
• Panic attacks
• Emotional numbing
• Hyper arousal
• Irritability
• Hyper vigilance and not being able to relax
• Flashbacks and unpleasant emotions
• Insomnia and even
• Lack of concentration

How Can PDSD Be Treated?

Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Once diagnosed, an individual needs to seek treatment options as soon as possible. Treatment for PDSD involves making healthy lifestyle changes. This begins with eating a healthy diet and making sure that you get adequate sleep alongside incorporating a daily exercise routine. You should access your doctor and request a referral to a psychologist. A psychologist will help you with treatment for PDSD.

Does Counseling Help With PDSD?

Enrolling in a counseling program is important. Counseling sessions for treating Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder can typically range from a few months to years based on the severity of one’s condition. Due to the sensitive nature of PDSD, it requires a lot of expert attention and consideration to move through the trauma counselling process. However, by identifying the problem and seeking help at the right time one can help get to the root cause of the problem and gain knowledge of the appropriate treatment required. Thus, keeping up with regular counselling along with any medications prescribed by your GP or psychiatrist will play an active role in the road towards recovery.

In Conclusion

Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder stands as one of the most common stress disorders today, affecting men and women alike. However, with a clear understanding of one’s condition followed by proper counseling and medication, PDSD can be treated. So if you or someone you know is facing similar symptoms, it is best to contact your doctor and get a referral for some help with PDSD or book an appointment directly with a psychologist.

Like other helping professions, counselling psychology offers you the opportunity to help people in great need. Of course, with great need comes the potential for long workdays and stress.

But this is the balance one must strike when working in this field – managing the needs of your clients with your needs to decompress.

When considering an occupation, many factors should be considered. Included in that are the pros and cons of becoming a counselling psychologist.

Use the following list of benefits to help you decide if counselling psychology is right for you.

1. You Can Help People Change Their Lives for the Better

As a counselling psychologist, you have the tools and resources to help others drastically improve their lives.

For example, you might work with a client that has anxiety. By processing the root of their anxiety, teaching them relaxation exercises, and exploring self-care techniques, you can assist your client in effectively managing their anxiety.

As another example, you might work with a couple with marital problems. By exploring each person’s feelings, opening up the lines of communication, and aligning expectations, you may help the couple save their marriage.

Helping bring forth positive change in someone else’s life is extremely powerful. Sharing in the happiness, joy, and relief a client experiences when a problem is solved is one of the best parts of this job.

2 .There are Many Job Options

Counselling psychologists work in many settings. You can pursue your own business, work in a psychiatric ward in hospital, or conduct research. Some counselling psychologists work in public schools, universities, and rehabilitation clinics as well.

Each of these locations offers a different working experience. For example, if you have a private practice, you’re more inclined to work with patients of your choice. It’s also more likely that you’ll have a predictable work schedule.

In contrast, working in the psychiatric ward in hospital means your clients will be a much narrower segment of the population. This work can be very exciting, but also very stressful. You might have to work nights, weekends, or holidays, too.

The point is that you can apply your counselling psychology skills in many areas. Once you’ve identified your passion and the population with whom you wish to work, you can tailor your work experience.

3. This is a Challenging Career

Counselling psychologists certainly don’t have it easy. This is a career that will challenge you in ways you never thought possible. That’s a good thing.

As much as your skills and talents as a counsellor will help your clients, the experience of helping others will reveal things about yourself that you never knew. The journey of self-growth and discovery (which begins at university) can lead to a more fulfilling life.

The challenges you’ll face as a counselling psychologist will keep you on your toes, too. No two days in your office will be alike. No two clients will have the same difficulties. It’s a career that allows you to flex your psychological muscles day in and day out.

4. You Can Work With Different Types of People

People from all walks of life encounter difficulties and need help from time to time. As a counselling psychologist, it’s your job to provide assistance no matter the client’s background.

You’ll work with the young and the old, the married and the divorced, the mentally ill and those that are simply having a rough go of life at the moment.

Some of your clients will be easy to work with. Others will pose a challenge. You’ll see some clients for just a few sessions and others for years. This wide variability makes counselling psychology an interesting and vibrant career.

5. Your Skills Will Always Be in Demand

The unfortunate situation is that people will always struggle with mental health. Problems will arise that seem insurmountable. The ability to care for oneself will wane. Detachments from reality will occur.

The benefit for you is that your skills will always be in demand. Not many jobs offer the long-term stability that counselling does. You can study psychology and join the workforce as a counselling psychologist knowing that your skills can be used now and far in the future to assist others in living a better life.

6. The Opportunities to Learn are Endless

In the grand scheme of things, psychology is a relatively new field of study and practice. While we’ve learned much about the human condition, there is still much to be learned.

As a counselling psychologist, you’ll benefit from endless opportunities to gain additional knowledge and skills that make you an even better asset for people in need. You can pursue a formal degree or get a certification. You might attend a conference and learn a new counselling technique. Your colleagues will be excellent resources for your growth as well.

7. You Might Have a Favourable Work Schedule

As noted earlier, some counselling psychologists – like those in private practice – have favourable work schedules. You might find yourself in a situation in which you only work three or four days a week or only in the mornings. You might have nights, weekends, and holidays free to enjoy with friends and family.

Of course, some counselling psychology jobs have better schedules than others. In some instances, you might work a night shift in hospital. If you work in a mental health clinic, you might have to be on call and meet clients at all hours of the night.

By and large, though, counselling psychologists enjoy a reliable schedule that allows them to plan activities with loved ones and take plenty of time off to rest and recharge.

Is Counselling Psychology for You?

If the benefits of this field of work are agreeable, this might be the career for you. It’s important to consider other factors, though, before making a career choice.

You’ll need to consider the educational requirements and whether you can meet them. Think about the salary you might earn, and if it’s enough for the lifestyle you wish to have. Consider the location you’d like to work as a counselling psychologist and the types of clients you prefer to see as well.

By evaluating these and other factors, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about becoming a counselling psychologist.

If you are seeking a counselling psychologist job, you are welcome to check our counselling jobs page to see if we have any positions available. Don’t forget to register your interest and we will contact you about future job opportunities.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies. These strategies can help to change an individual’s behaviour and develop their psychological flexibility.

ACT emphasises accepting outcomes that are beyond an individual’s control and assists the individual to commit to the action that improves and enriches their lives.

ACT aims to help the individual observe that they have a rich, full and meaningful life. This is achieved through:

1. Psychoeducation and Mindfulness. This would be performed to help equip individual’s with skills to help them deal with their painful thoughts and feelings in a more effective manner
2. Learning to prioritise. The therapist will help the individual to look for what is important and meaningful, such as personal values. This knowledge would be used as a guide and motivation to help the individual change their life for the better.

Mindfulness in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness, focus and openness that allows an individual to be engaged in the moment fully.

In the state of mindfulness, disturbing thoughts and difficult feelings would have less impact on an individual.

During ACT sessions, the therapist would be able to help the individual learn mindfulness skills.

ACT teaches Mindfulness skills by:

• Letting go of disturbing thoughts, beliefs, anxieties and memories

• Accepting the painful feelings without a struggle

• Being aware of the present moment with an open attitude

Mindfulness and ACT encourages awareness of emotions, feelings, thoughts and present surroundings and enables an individual to change their behaviour.

This is because, in our everyday life, we are consistently thinking about our physical self and our thinking self (things going on in our mind).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Perth

If you would like to book an appointment for Acceptance and  Commitment Therapy or to speak with a Perth  psychologist about ACT, contact us today.

EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that can be used to treat trauma and other adverse life experiences.

EMDR was initially developed to treat adults with PTSD but now has been further developed to treat trauma and PTSD in children as well.

What is EMDR?

Negative experiences can sometimes remain in our memory and start to dominate our daily lives, resulting  the need of assistances in order to help ourselves move smoothly again.

EMDR is a therapy that helps reprocess the negative memories so that they become more coherent and less disruptive.

EMDR uses an 8 phase approach whereby during the first therapy session, the therapist and the client would identify an unresolved memory.

The therapy involves the client to focus on three different time periods which are the past, present and future.

The client has to focus on their past disturbing event, distressing moment they are currently enduring and learning skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions.

These would be addressed in an 8 phase treatment approach. The treatment phase varies with clients and their situation.

EMDR for Panic Disorder

During the treatment of panic disorder, the therapist would discuss with the client the thoughts that trigger their panic attacks. The therapist would ask the client to bring their attention to those thoughts and keep in mind the physical sensation that would arise during the panic attack.

EMDR works towards breaking any association that one has between the circumstances and symptoms.

EMDR would also help the client to work on their anxiety that is part of the panic attack.

For example, if one gets panic attacks whilst driving, thus the thought of driving brings about anxiety, EMDR would help the person remain calm before driving and feel safe on the roads.

The therapist would assign homework such as practicing relaxation techniques and visualisation.

EMDR for Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD is a result of long term exposure, repeated traumatic events or attachment injuries during childhood.

Most often this trauma is interpersonal, such as an individual who has experienced chronic neglect, abuse or has been exposed to domestic violence.

It’s important to know that chronic trauma can also be related to ongoing unprotected bulling, unsupported disability or unadvocated discrimination.

In all forms of Complex PTSD, the injury had been inflicted repetitively over a long period of time and has been increasing. Often this trauma had been inflicted during childhood or adolescence during a period of development.

EMDR works on the clients development of self, where the therapist would work on the clients emotion and vulnerable sensation in a safe way.

All this would be worked using the 8 phase treatment, whereby the therapist will discuss the clients positive life events and traumatic experiences. Through this process the therapist would work with the client to face the difficult memories without being overwhelmed.

Further information on EMDR can be found at the EMDR Association of Australia.

EMDR Perth

Information on EMDR Perth – EMDR Therapy is available at our Scarborough office with Clinical Psychologist Janette Williams.

If would you like to arrange an appointment for EMDR, contact our Perth office today.

Firstly let’s look at what clinical hypnotherapy actually is.

What is clinical hypnotherapy?

Clinical hypnotherapy is a psychotherapy treatment in combination with hypnosis.

During a hypnotherapy session, the individual taking part in the treatment would be brought into deeper levels of consciousness.

Their heart rate, respiration and blood pressure would decrease.

In this state, the hypnotherapist would be able to help the individual to construct new, healthier thought processes and behaviours to use when mentally encountering depressive events.

Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression

Hypnotherapy for Anxiety

During the treatment for anxiety, the therapist and the individual would identify anxiety provoking situations and breakdown the situation to a specific anxiety provoking stimuli.

During the session, the therapist would tap into the individuals mind to construct thoughts to help the individual to cope when encountering an anxiety provoking situation.

Hypnotherapy has shown to have effectively reversed the fearful situation by fostering the feelings of control.

Hypnotherapy for Depression

Hypnotherapy views depression as an interpersonal disorder, instead of a personal struggle that is influenced by a relationship and its interactions.

It has been used to reduce the symptoms of depression especially symptoms related to hopelessness.

In many articles, it has been revealed that individuals affected by depression and their families have claimed that hypnotherapy has allowed the individual with depression to share their thoughts and emotions at ease.

The ability to be able to express themselves has allowed relationships with family, friends and workplace to improved.

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (Hypno-CBT)

Hypno-CBT is an integration of social, cognitive and behavioural psychology with hypnotism.

Hypno-CBT focuses on an individual to identify their negative thoughts, beliefs and unhelpful behavioural patterns so as to be able to achieve clear goals for their hypnotherapy.

Through Hypno-CBT, an individual would be able to develop a more constructive way of thinking about themselves.

Studies have shown that the comination of Hypno-CBT has been more effective than each approach on its own.

How do I find a hypnotherapist?

There are a number of associations in Australia for hypnotherapists including –

• Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists
• Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy
• Hypnotherapy Council of Australia
• Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association

If you are seeking a psychologist in Perth for hypnotherapy in the treatment of anxiety and depression, you are welcome to contact Vision.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of Dementia, a condition characterised by confusion, memory loss, and disorientation. Although it arises mostly when a person ages, it is not a normal part of aging. It is widely thought to be a genetic condition, although lifestyle factors can influence its onset and severity.

Alzheimer’s Disease causes some of the brain cells to die, particularly those in the part of the brain that controls memory. It is, however, not limited to memory problems as it can also spread to affect intellectual, emotional, and behavioural abilities.

Other memory problems

Seniors may become forgetful, disoriented, or confused because they have developed conditions that imitate Dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is sometimes referred to as “reversible dementia”, and can be caused by a number of factors including:

• Poor diet
• Side effects from prescription drugs
• Drug interactions or overdoses
• Physical or mental problems

The types of dementia can often be reversed, as their causes can be diagnosed, managed and treated. It is important that a health professional take a thorough medical evaluation to assess whether a senior really has dementia, or rather has a condition that mimics dementia.

How can you avoid memory problems?

There is, unfortunately, no quick fix for ensuring freedom from memory problems. To help prevent and decrease the risk of developing memory problems you can:

• Avoid stress
• Eat healthily
• Lead an active lifestyle – such as maintain a regular physical activity routine
• Remain mentally engaged – such as learning something new, practicing crossword puzzles
• Maintain a strong sense of self-efficacy – remember that you are in control of your life and your future (this will also lower stress levels)
• Speak to a counsellor or find a psychologist if you are having difficulties finding someone to help you

Although Alzheimer’s is said to have a strong genetic component, these lifestyle changes may help to delay its onset and help manage symptoms.

If you would like further information from Psychologists Perth or to find a psychologist, contact us today.