Therapy

Life is a continuum of experiences and learning. The transitions through the different phases at times prove to give us testing times. The middle phase being to most commonly refer to but every transition has its unique challenges. Broadly speaking I see in my practice clients struggling or encountering issues around these topics.

In your twenties    

Often a physical leaving of home/family of origin and establishing ourselves in the world on our own steam. Study, work, peers and the formation of our values, identity and material ingredients are in the foreground. The search of identity is strongly focused on others, work and often contrasting against family. Body image, partner/sexuality issues can provide a stimulus to strong growth.

In your thirties     

Often an emotional leaving of home/family of origin. The courage to be different and a stronger focus on identity through work and social groups bring stresses of their own to this age group. A deepening of the identity and search for spiritual meaning bring a dynamic search for many.  Relationship and attachment or commitment issues can strongly feature in this period as well as the surfacing of child abusive or other repressed traumas.

In your forties and fifties  

Often referred to as the dramatic” midlife crisis” The outer established realities are clear by now. The emergence of a radical change can or may occur now   e.g..  Ponytail a Harley Davidson motorbike and or a much young partner. These outer signs are commonly associated with this phase, yet more profoundly it is know as the period of deeper individualisation (empty nest notion) a search for meaning and what is known as existential quandaries such as “Who am I’ Why am I here” Where am I going” come to the fore. The confrontation with our mortality or ill health is frequently the catalyst for growth and not always by choice.

In your sixties and beyond   

Often a spiritual ripening, wisdom and humility come to the fore. Maybe learning to live with limitations and or fragilities of a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual kind. Leaving of the workforce embracing retirement etc. Partnerships might need to be reinvented and sexual dysfunction may occur. Loss and grief issues regarding loss  and or  dilemmas regarding care for elderly family members. And a spiritual awareness of the certainty of death yet the unknown  timing or the kind of journey toward the end.

From these broad strokes and general comments it’s clear that in our whole life we might have times of needing assistance with our life topics.

Then your next questions may be:

• Why would I come and see Janine?
• Which kinds of topics or problems can I work on?
• What happens in the sessions?
• How long does it take?
• Where do I go?
• When is Janine available?

Why would I come and see Janine?

An outcome of therapy is to gain better health understanding and wellbeing through reducing stress, removal of emotional, psychological or spiritual blocks.  Making the unconscious conscious allows us choices. The use of psychotherapy, self-discovery and healing you will restore a deeper awareness of your authentic and wiser self.

Existential issues often surface in the middle phase of people’s lives, especially after some type of crisis questions often arise, such as:

• Who am I?
• What is the purpose of my life?

These same questions can arise for both men and women. I have an optimistic view that a person has the inner ability and wisdom to find the personal answers to most challenges and questions. The lasting positive outcome of personal work is because the insights came from you.

Which kinds of topics or problems can I work on?

A range of issues can come up when basic fears are activated during our life, they can present as a painful episode or a crisis.  We often have to retrace our history and notice our unconscious patterns and issues.  This can be an eye opener perhaps painful but ultimately liberating.  Resulting in more self-acceptance, self confidence peace and self realisations.

Some  general examples of issues that I see in my practice are identity issues, sexuality, stress and fatigue, depression, loss and grief, relationship problems, self-esteem issues, body image, cross-cultural topics, abuse, dependencies, addiction, eating disorders, childhood or other traumas, ill health or chronic pain. 

What happens in the sessions?

Active and empty listening to what a person wants is the starting point of her work, often followed by creative use of music, drawings, visualisation, bodywork and dance, rituals, imagery and other modalities of therapy.  These activities are used in a safe and deliberate manner.

How long do I have to see her?

It depends on the issues but generally after 5 to 10 session’s there is a noticeable change or more stability is achieved.

Where do I go?

Janine has consulting rooms close to the Adelaide Central Business District. At 218 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton SA 5063. Onsite parking. The office offers a private none threatening and welcoming atmosphere. The room is sound proof and all information is treated as confidential.

You may qualify for Medicare assistance in an Enhanced Primary Care package. You need to discuss this with your doctor who can refer to me. 

Online/phone therapy is available.

The benefits of online therapy are:

• No geographical limits and alternative timing -young parents, shift workers, remote living or working, or no transport options
• Increased efficiency. For many, life is already so busy we have full diaries and lives…
• Most of us do not make it a priority to care for ourselves. Life with all its complexities might require a debrief at the time things happen..
• No stigma. Its common for people who could be benefit from therapy to avoid it due to the surrounding stigma or self consciousness regarding their appearance.
• Complete privacy in your own environment.

Of course, as a credentialed mental health practitioner I must adhere to the legal and professional conduct. You may qualify for a referral from your GP to receive Medicare assistance for your sessions.

So if you think that this way of doing therapy can help better with your mental wellness, or the wellness of a loved one or a friend, leave me a message or send me email.How do I book?

You can contact Janine on 0412 800 649 or email janinebarelds@bigpond.com to organise a suitable time for an appointment, flexible timing.