Meet Louise Brunt, who has a particular interest in supporting people with trauma, PTSD, ASD, and much more.
Perhaps you’re dealing with family violence, relationship breakdowns, or simply parenting concerns. Have you been struggling with child development concerns or infant mental health?
Infant Mental Health
Whatever your situation may be, you are not alone.
Distinguished with an academic background in Social Work, Humanities, and Fine Arts, Louise has a unique and holistic approach to therapy. She operates from a Strengths-based and Trauma-Informed framework, incorporating Attachment and Values-based theories into her practice. The result? A tailored therapeutic experience that respects and values individual differences.
Family-Related Support Geelong
Whether you are looking for support as an individual or need assistance with family-related issues, Louise’s inclusive approach welcomes up to two people at a time. She values and models empathy, security, and stability, accepting limitations, differences, and challenges with open arms. Her calm and mindful demeanour will empower, encourage choice and change, and instil hope and grounding.
Create Balance Psychotherapy & Counselling in Geelong
Louise is also readily available for Social Work supervision for professionals seeking Supervision. You can trust in her expertise and compassionate guidance.
To start your healing journey with Louise, call (03) 5222 1553 to book an appointment. Confidentiality is a guarantee. If you need further discussion on how the therapists at Create Balance Psychotherapy & Counselling in Geelong can assist you, please reach out at (03) 5222 1553.
With Louise Brunt, elevate your mental health and discover the transformational power of empathy and strength-based healing. Because here, your story matters. Your healing matters.
Are you or your child struggling with their emotions and social life? Look no further. Dr Claire Manton can provide a supportive, nurturing environment to tackle these challenges. Dr Claire Manton works at Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling in Geelong.
Kids Mental Health
Specialising in children’s and young adult’s mental health, Claire works with individuals aged 25 and under, helping them navigate life’s trials with resilience and positivity. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, academic stress or having difficulty adjusting to major life transitions, Claire can offer a helping hand.
Adolescent Mental Health Geelong
Beyond the average counsellor, Dr Claire Manton creates a genuine bond with her clients, ensuring trust and mutual respect. Her focus on fostering authentic relationships is critical to her therapeutic philosophy, enabling her clients to express their feelings openly and guiding them towards healing and self-discovery.
Real-world Experience
With her unique blend of psychoanalytic, attachment, somatic, cognitive, and existential theories, Claire tailors each session to the individual needs of her clients. Her experience as an educator makes her particularly attuned to the issues that school-aged children and young adults grapple with, helping them combat academic stress and improve their peer relationships.
Dr Claire Manton’s prowess doesn’t stop at counselling. With an illustrious career in education, she is also a respected teacher and has contributed to groundbreaking research at Monash University.
Get Your Teen Help Today
Taking that first step towards addressing mental health issues can be daunting. But with Dr Claire Manton, you and your child can find the strength to overcome those challenges head-on. To book an appointment, call 0434 415 575 for a confidential discussion about how she can support you during this time.
Invest in your or your child’s future emotional well-being today by reaching out to Dr. Claire Manton – a therapist who truly cares about making a positive difference in your life.
Are you struggling with mental health challenges and living in Geelong? Maybe you’re not sure where to turn for help. The good news is that you are not alone, and many options are available for support. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues, reaching out for help is essential to regaining your well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the various options for support and types of therapy to help you figure out which one is right for you. We will also introduce you to Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling, a trusted clinic in Geelong specialising in helping individuals overcome mental health challenges.
Options for Support:
There Are Many Options For Mental Health Support In Geelong, Some Of Which Include:
GPs and Family Doctors: Your family doctor can provide confidential mental health support and referrals to other professionals if needed.
Public Mental Health Services: Some eligible people can get mental health support from a public mental health service provider such as Barwon Health.
Private Mental Health Services: Private practitioners such as Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling offer mental health services such as counselling and therapy to those not eligible for public funding. Rebates are available for clients with a valid mental health treatment plan.
Types of Therapy
There are several types of therapy that you can choose from. Here are some of the most common types:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that helps you change how you think and behave when dealing with mental health challenges.
Psychoanalytic Therapy: This therapy focuses on exploring your unconscious mind and emotions to gain insight into the root causes of your mental health issues.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This type of therapy involves being present in the moment, developing awareness of your thoughts and feelings, and learning to manage them.
Humanistic Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on enhancing your self-awareness and exploring your potential to live a fulfilling life.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): This type of therapy enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences.
What’s Right for Me?
Choosing suitable mental health support and therapy can be challenging. However, there are a few things that you can consider to make an informed decision:
Understand your mental health concerns and symptoms.
Do research on the different types of therapy and support available.
Consider therapists’ qualifications and their experiences in treating your mental health concerns.
Look at the cost of private vs. public services.
Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling
If you’re looking for a reputable clinic in Geelong that specialises in helping people overcome mental health challenges, Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling is an excellent choice. The clinic offers a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment to work on your mental health concerns. The team is by Shannon Bowman, a qualified and experienced mental health practitioner who has helped many individuals overcome various mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Conclusion
Taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health. There are numerous options for mental health support in Geelong, so you’re not alone. Remember to take some time to research and consider your options and choose support and therapy that works best for you. Remember, Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling is here to provide guidance and support in the next step to feel better.
Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, is a critical aspect of our overall well-being. In recent years, the significance of emotional intelligence has gained substantial recognition in fields such as psychology, education, and even the workplace. Its impact on mental well-being cannot be understated; individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence tend to experience better mental health outcomes. This article explores the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence for enhancing mental well-being and offers practical strategies to develop this vital skillset.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions as well as those of others. It encompasses a range of skills such as empathy, self-regulation, motivation, social awareness, and effective communication.
Emotional intelligence involves being aware of one’s own emotions and using that awareness to navigate through various situations effectively. This includes recognising how our emotions impact our thoughts and behaviours. Additionally, emotional intelligence enables individuals to empathise with others by understanding their perspectives and feelings. This skill allows for better communication and builds stronger connections with those around us.
Having a high level of emotional intelligence can bring numerous benefits in various aspects of life.
The Link Between Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Mental Well-Being
The link between emotional intelligence and mental well-being has garnered significant attention in recent years. EQ is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions and those of others effectively. Mental well-being refers to a state of emotional and psychological health where an individual can cope with everyday stressors and have a positive outlook on life.
Research has consistently shown that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence tend to experience better mental well-being. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence reported lower levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. This suggests that being able to understand one’s own emotions and effectively regulate them can contribute significantly to overall mental health.
Strategies for Nurturing Emotional Intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is a critical skill that plays a pivotal role in personal and professional success. As individuals navigate through complex social interactions and dynamic work environments, the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others, becomes paramount. To enhance emotional intelligence, several strategies can be employed.
Firstly, fostering self-awareness is essential. This involves recognising one’s own emotions and understanding how they influence thoughts and behavior. Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or journaling can help individuals develop this awareness by encouraging reflection on their inner experiences.
Secondly, developing empathy is crucial to strengthening emotional intelligence. Empathy allows individuals to understand and share the feelings of others, enabling more effective communication and building stronger relationships.
The Benefits of Developing Emotional Intelligence
The benefits of developing emotional intelligence are far-reaching and can greatly impact both personal and professional success. A key benefit of developing emotional intelligence is improved relationships. People who are emotionally intelligent have a better understanding of others’ perspectives and can communicate more effectively, leading to stronger connections in both personal and professional settings.
Another significant advantage of emotional intelligence is enhanced leadership abilities. Emotional intelligent leaders excel at motivating others by understanding their needs, providing support, and inspiring them towards a common goal. They have the ability to navigate through challenging situations with grace, defusing conflicts before they escalate. Additionally, individuals with developed emotional intelligence tend to be more adaptable and resilient when facing obstacles or setbacks in their careers or personal lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nurturing emotional intelligence is crucial for improving mental well-being. By developing self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication skills, individuals can better understand and manage their emotions, as well as build healthier relationships. This not only leads to a more positive outlook on life but also helps in dealing with stress and adversity more effectively. As we navigate through the challenges of modern life, it is essential to prioritize emotional intelligence and make it a part of our education systems, workplaces, and personal lives. Let us commit to cultivating emotional intelligence within ourselves and our communities for a mentally healthier future.
In today’s fast-paced business world, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. The overall wellbeing of employees is critical to the success of any organisation. However, with increasing job demands and stress levels, it can be challenging for individuals to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This is where mental health professionals come in; they offer valuable support and resources to help employees manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing.
Businesses prioritising their employees’ mental health see positive outcomes such as increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and improved employee morale. Mental health professionals bring expertise in stress management, resilience building, and coping skills that can energise your workforce.
The Benefits:
Improve Employee Well-Being
Employee well-being is an integral aspect of any successful business. In recent years, mental health professionals have become increasingly recognised for improving employee well-being in the workplace. Mental health professionals such as therapists, counsellors, and psychologists are trained to help individuals cope with stressors and overcome mental health challenges.
One of the benefits of utilising mental health professionals in your business is that they can help employees manage their stress levels. Stressful work environments can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. Professionals can provide coping strategies that enable employees to manage their workload effectively while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Mental health professionals can also provide support for employees who may be struggling with anxiety or depression. These conditions can significantly impact an employee’s quality of life and overall performance at work.
Reducing Stress And Burnout
Stress and burnout are two of the most common issues affecting employees in the modern workplace. The constant pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and navigate interpersonal relationships can quickly take a toll on one’s mental health.
Numerous companies provide their employees with wellness initiatives and resources, but frequently fail to deliver specialized assistance for individuals grappling with stress and burnout. This is where mental health experts can offer their expertise.
Mental health professionals bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table when it comes to addressing workplace stress and burnout. They can work with both individual employees and teams to identify sources of stress, develop coping strategies, and create sustainable solutions that improve overall well-being. By taking a proactive approach to mental health, businesses can reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and foster a positive company culture that attracts top talent.
Increase Productivity
Mental health professionals play a significant role in today’s business world. Companies that want to achieve growth and increase productivity understand the importance of investing in the wellbeing of their employees.
Businesses that utilise mental health professionals can expect to see an increase in productivity. When employees are healthy mentally, they perform better at work, have more energy, and are more focused on their tasks. Studies have shown that employees who receive support from mental health professionals miss fewer days from work due to illness or stress-related reasons than those who don’t receive any assistance.
Better Mental Health Leads to Better Work
By utilising mental health professionals in your workplace, you can help ensure that your employees are receiving the care they need to perform at their best. Mental health professionals can provide personalised support to each individual employee. Each person has unique needs when it comes to managing their mental health, and a professional can help identify those needs and create a plan tailored specifically for them. This not only helps improve individual employee performance but also promotes a positive team dynamic as everyone feels supported and valued.
It will send a clear message to employees that their well-being matters.
Create A Positive Workplace Culture
Mental health professionals can play a vital role in creating a positive workplace culture that values the wellbeing of its employees. They can help create an inclusive and supportive work environment. By providing counselling sessions to employees, these professionals can address any issues related to stress, anxiety or depression. This not only helps the individual employee but also has a positive impact on team dynamics and overall morale within the organisation.
Another advantage of working with mental health professionals is that they can help managers recognize early signs of distress among employees. They provide support to individuals before problems escalate into larger ones, which could lead to absenteeism or decreased productivity.
Stigma Reduction And Inclusivity
Mental health professionals can play a crucial role in reducing stigma and promoting inclusivity in your business. Stigma surrounding mental health issues is still pervasive, but by working with mental health professionals, businesses can break down these barriers.
Mental health professionals bring their expertise to the table and help create a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help. By doing so, they reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. In addition to that, they also educate employees about different types of mental illnesses, symptoms, causes and how they could be managed effectively to ensure productivity at work.
Moreover, employing mental healthcare professionals is an excellent way for companies to show their commitment towards diversity and inclusivity.
Address Workplace Conflicts
Workplace conflicts are a common occurrence in any business, but they can have serious consequences if not handled properly. These conflicts can lead to decreased productivity, low employee morale and even lawsuits. That’s why it is essential for businesses to address workplace conflicts as soon as possible, and one of the best ways to do this is by using mental health professionals.
Mental health professionals are trained to deal with various workplace issues such as stress management, conflict resolution, and communication skills. They provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of workplace conflicts and help resolve them before they escalate further. Mental health professionals also bring an impartial perspective to the table, which can be beneficial when dealing with sensitive or complex situations.
Moreover, mental health professionals help create a culture of openness where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of retaliation or judgment.
Support Employees Through Transitions
Mental health professionals have the ability to support employees through transitions. Whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or a relocation, transitions can be challenging for employees both personally and professionally. Mental health professionals are well-equipped to help employees navigate these changes, providing valuable support during what can be a difficult time.
When an employee experiences a transition, they may face uncertainty, stress and anxiety. This can impact their performance at work and lead to decreased productivity. By working with mental health professionals, businesses can provide their employees with the tools they need to manage these challenges effectively. This might include counselling sessions or workshops that focus on building resilience and coping skills. Ultimately, this kind of support helps to create a more positive workplace culture that values employee wellbeing as well as business success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating mental health professionals into your business can bring a multitude of benefits. They can help to create a more positive and productive work environment, reduce absenteeism and improve employee morale. Offering support through counselling, coaching and other interventions can also help to prevent burnout and turnover. By prioritising the mental well-being of your employees, you are not only investing in their health but also in the success of your business. So take action now and consider reaching out to mental health professionals to see how they can help your organisation thrive.
In the consumer mental health space, we are seeing a shift in the way clients are treated. Gone are the days where it’s solely pharmacology or talking therapy.
The use of biofeedback, neurofeedback, photobiomodulation and virtual reality is growing because of the clinically measurable results and improvements in treatment benefits and outcomes where these technologies are used.
How technological breakthroughs are changing the future of mental health treatment.
This blog post will discuss some of these new treatments and how they can help you improve your mental wellbeing.
What can I expect from neurofeedback treatment?
Neurofeedback (NFB) and biofeedback (BFB) are two modern techniques for non-invasively influencing human physiological activity in combination with practical cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions.
The first appointment of neurofeedback
The first neurofeedback therapytreatment (also known as mapping) takes 20 weeks. Every session is conducted using a computer EEG machine placed on the scalp. The EEG machine analyses the brain signal for information on a variety of wave spectrums. This software provides feedback to your brain and nervous systems via a video game.
Improve mental health with technology.
These programs show your brain activity, which aids in regulating the brainwave frequencies and helps to improve your symptoms. Brain frequencies influence states of arousal. If someone has a lot of 8-11 Hz (alpha waves) in the right hemisphere, they are most likely to feel calm. They are more likely to feel alert if they generate 15-18 Hz (beta) amplitudes in the left hemisphere.
Brain-focused treatment that sets us apart
Neurofeedback is being used in a wide range of settings and may treat various conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Clinical applications for neurofeedback are effective treatments for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, headaches/migraines, insomnia, stress, and tinnitus. Neurofeedback has proven to be an effective treatment for pain management.
How does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?
Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that determines whether neurophysiological processes may help us live better lives. This approach has been accomplished using computer-based learning sessions that teach our central nervous systems to avoid neurodegeneration, which is the process of aging.
Neurofeedback assesses how well you manage your brain in order to enhance physical and psychological health. Neurofeedback provides the immediate client information on their brain’s electrical activity from various sites in the brain.
After receiving this data, the mind is forced to modify the brain waves it generates. The client is quick to improve the brain waves.
These modifications result in an improved brain wave condition. Following this shift in brain waves, there was a behavioural change and enhanced emotional self-control.
Tech Therapy for Psychological Health Issues
Anxiety is generally associated with racing thoughts, feeling “on edge,” and sleep disturbances.
This may be caused by an overabundance of fast-moving beta waves coupled with a deficit of alpha waves, typically associated with calm and concentration. Neurofeedback can aid in producing more beneficial brain wave activity and the reduction of fast-moving beta waves.
Neurofeedback may help with many issues because it corrects abnormalities in brainwave activity and returns it to optimal functioning.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback aims to teach people how to detect physical indications and symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or hot skin, using visual or auditory feedback.
People who learn how to use biofeedback to manage both the physical and psychological effects of their condition may be able to relax their minds and bodies, as well as better cope with their symptoms.
The objective of biofeedback is to create subtle changes in the body that produce the desired result. by reducing:
Blood flow
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Muscle tension
Pain perception
Biofeedback is a process that allows the patients to reduce their level of stress and change how they feel. It provides information about the body’s functions and can improve health or performance.
This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.
These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time.
Every psychological treatment is based on the idea that mental illness is caused by something in the brain.
EEG biofeedback
This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.
These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time. For example, EEG biofeedback has been shown to decrease symptoms in patients with PTSD or OCD who are not responsive to medication or talk therapy alone.
The benefits of this treatment are measurable and long-lasting – it’s a scientifically proven way to treat mental illness.
Photobiomodulation for Mental Wellbeing
Photobiomodulation uses light to change mental states. It effectively treats conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
How photobiomodulation works is still being studied, but it is thought that light stimulates cells in the brain and enhances cellular function. This therapy will be discussed along with some of its therapeutic uses for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Photobiomodulation and Laser Therapy for Mental Disorders
The photobiomodulation laser therapy technique works by directing infrared and near-infrared light at targeted regions of the body, which then stimulates, protects, repairs, and energises the body on a cellular level.
Systemic Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy
A wrist laser is used in a systemic laser therapy treatment. The near-infrared light passes through your skin and targets circulation. It’s a delicate process since all you have to do is sit back and relax for a few moments. Many individuals report feeling lighter and happier following a systemically administered treatment.
Transcranial Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy
A transcranial laser therapy session is similar to a scalp massage, except that the laser is applied gently to your head. The infrared and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and skull of the head, targeting specific regions of brain tissue. After only 1-2 treatments, many individuals report an improvement in their psychological health.
Auricular Acupuncture Laser Therapy
Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that focuses on the ear’s acupuncture points. These spots are said to be linked to various body and brain sections as well as specific psychological conditions associated with trauma. The infrared and near-infrared lights enable the healing process for the impacted issues when targeted with a laser. Many individuals notice an improvement in their symptoms after 3-4 sessions.
Virtual reality (VR) mental health treatment
Virtual reality is a mental health treatment that uses immersive, computer-generated simulations to produce the desired psychological state. This treatment is often used to treat anxiety, addiction and PTSD.
Virtual reality therapy can be done in groups or individually, depending on the therapist’s preference and the patient’s needs. The use of virtual reality treatment is still being studied, and it has yet to be approved by the FDA as a mental health therapy.
However, many therapists currently use it with good results. Virtual reality therapy, and its therapeutic uses for mental health issues such as anxiety, addiction and PTSD, will be discussed further.
Virtual Reality Treatment for Anxiety and PTSD
Virtual reality treatments allow the patient to interact safely while facing their fears or addictions (i.e., smoking cessation). VR treatment can help reprocess traumatic memories, practice new behaviours and skills in a safe environment, and manage emotions.
Virtual reality is showing great results in helping war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists around the world are starting to see the benefits of including VR in the changing landscape of mental health treatment.
Virtual reality treatment is an innovative way to provide care for those experiencing psychological problems. VR treatments are being used more and more with good results.
The benefits of VR for PTSD treatment:
A patient can face their mental health issues in a safe place.
Intervention trains patients to recognise and cope with emotions they might otherwise avoid.
Treatment is personalised to the patient. No two people will receive the same treatment.
Virtual reality treatments offer an added and innovative way of providing mental health care.
Innovation will be the leader in the mental health crisis
These innovative treatment technologies are being used to address mental health issues more holistically. Using these treatment technologies in conjunction with one another allows for mental disorders to be addressed at a deeper level and for people to recover from mental disorders much quicker.
Neurofeedback is a relatively new and innovative way to provide mental health care. It’s been used in the treatment of patients suffering from DHD, TBI, depression and anxiety and many other mental health issues. If you’re looking for an effective alternative therapy that can help with your condition or if you know someone who may benefit from neurofeedback, then this blog post should be helpful. Subscribe to our blog to learn more about photobiomodulation treatments as well as virtual reality applications for mental health care.
Author
Shannon Bowman is the Director of SJB Clinical Consulting Pty Ltd and Create Balance Psychotherapy & Counselling VIEW HERE.
Create Balance Laser Therapy VIEW HERE
Create Balance Courses VIEW HERE
Shannon has a clinical interest in treating trauma, PTSD and ADHD. He is accredited as a Mental Health Social Worker AMHSW, psychotherapist and registered EMDR practitioner.