Health counselling

When you or a loved one receive a clinical diagnosis it can be overwhelming and take over 'you'. It can be difficult to talk to health professionals about the diagnosis as the health system works at such a fast pace that there is not time to talk about how you feel.

With over 30 years as a Registered Nurse, in Emergency and Critical care, Scott is well versed in how overwhelming this can be. As a counsellor, he also brings with him a good understanding of disease process and progression, navigating the healthcare system, and providing basis for health management plans.

While there are many support networks for different illnesses, very few let you talk about how this illness is impacting upon 'you'. This is where health counselling is of benefit.

Rural counselling

Aimed at the farmers in the area, counselling is available for those who live and work on the land.

Scott has had experience with miking and dairy cows in the South Gippsland area. He has a very good understanding of how lonely and isolating it can be when you are working 24 hours a day, every day of the year, mud, rain, hail or shine (and snow, and there's always that one bloody cow!).

This can impact upon your physical health and mental health and upon your partners and families. It is well documented that rural farmers have high levels of anxiety, depression and thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

If you think you could benefit from talking to someone who has understanding of where you are coming from in a supportive confidential environment, then come and see Scott. He will listen to you and work with you to get you back to a good space. He can also help with identifying further social / rural supports that you could benefit from or referrals.

(Luckily, Scott only has a couple of cows to worry about now.)

General counselling

General counselling looks at the issues that can affect you on a day to day basis leading to you having troubles coping or dealing with life. Whether this be in a personal context, in social settings or work / professional settings, you can talk openly about this with full confidential support in an empathic and non-judgemental environment.

While everyone is different and assessed on an individual basis for the correct therapy to utilise, every counsellor has a preference for the style they prefer to use. Scott likes to focus more on present issues and future directions and prefers to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

Please feel free to call and discuss your needs prior to making an appointment.