Our Therapy

ABOUT GROUP COUNSELLING

 6-week group counselling program (with 2 individual sessions at intake and at the end of the program) targeting different audiences Each weekly session covers various issues connected to disability. All sessions will be 1 hour duration

GROUP SIZE 

Each group will have a maximum of 6. For groups for parents, I encourage both parent’s attendance at each session (there is no additional charge for 2 parents), as there will be plenty of topics that can be further explored together after the session has finished. I welcome one parent attending as well – whatever works for your situation.

NDIS Funding

You may be eligible for NDIS to fund your participation in this program. To access counselling services under the NDIS, you must have the item 'Improved Daily Living' in your self-managed or plan managed plan. This group counselling program supports family’s needs that are a direct result of a child's developmental delay or disability, and that help families and sustainably maintains their caring role.

Session Format

I will be introducing each topic and impart my knowledge around these topic areas. I will be encouraging group sharing and discussion of your own personal experiences, as this is where connection and shared learning occurs, however, I am also mindful that this can be quite difficult for some, so there will be no pressure to contribute. My aim is to create a safe and trusting space for all

    1.

Intake session: An   individual session where I will go through an intake form with you, discuss   your goals, outcomes and what you are wanting in the group. I will also   discuss the NDIS service agreement with you at this time if you will be using   NDIS funding.

2.

Week 1: Where it   all began – pregnancy and birth: In   Week 1, we find out a bit about each other and what we are wanting from this   6-week program (I will have already discussed this with each individual   parent at intake). We will spend this session exploring the beginning journey   into the world of disability – the gamut of feelings attached to bringing your   beautiful baby into the world

3.

Week 2: Your child   has a disability – exploring the flood of feelings that follow: In   week 2, a space is created to explore the myriad of feelings that come when   starting out on this journey – joy, elation, stress, anger, jealousy, guilt,   fierce protection, frantic, unprepared – and many more. A mish mash of   feelings that can all be felt in the same week, day, hour or even minute

4.

Week   3: My dreams/hopes and aspirations for my child – shifting my perception: In week 3, we look at the dreams we may have   held for our baby during pregnancy (or even before conception). We will explore these dreams, how they are   the same or different and what it might mean to alter our futuristic hopes   for our child. 

5.

Week 4: Nurturing the parental relationship: In week 4, we explore the impacts a child   with a disability can have on the parental relationship. While parents   navigate themselves through this myriad of feelings, they also must keep   doing life, which may entail parenting their other children, attending to   outside work commitments, coping with family and friend’s reactions to their   child’s diagnosis and tending to their own partnership. And if they have no   partner, doing all the above on their own! We discuss ways to support each   other or ourselves.

6.

Week 5: Siblings, grandparents, friends, and   the broader community – It takes a village to raise a child: In week 5 we explore all the other influences that impact us and our   new baby. Sibling feelings – and how to emotionally assist them, seeking out   genuine unconditional support from family, friends and services whilst   dealing with well-meaning but clumsy, awkward or hurtful reactions from the   community.

7.

Week 6: Juggling family’s needs: Week 6 is our last session together as a   group. We use this session to explore the concept of placing our own oxygen   mark on before we tend to those around us. It's such a rollercoaster time,   and a time when parents are newly introduced to a brand-new world – the   National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), therapies, therapists,   resources, equipment, new terminologies, and early intervention – and   somewhere in all that – we need to look after ourselves – to alleviate our own   and children’s stress. We discuss strategies to achieve this. 

8,

Individual follow up session:

A time to discuss your own experience   of the group and what outcomes and awareness you have achieved. This is a   time to reflect on ‘where to from here – and what do I need to stay   emotionally well and available to my family.

Cost: $624.00 *Pricing is in line with NDIS price guidelines and subject to change.

Intake   session/service agreement

$156.00

6 1-hour   sessions @ $26 per session

$156.00

1 hour   report of counselling outcomes

$156.00

1 hour   individual follow up with parents

$156.00

$624.00

Please note that if a NDIS report is required this will incur an additional cost of $312.00 (2 hours)

PROGRAMS WILL RUN ON DEMAND

To register your interest in this counselling program, please email me at theakeanecounselling@gmail.com and I will send you a registration form. Or simply contact me on 02 5602 5115 and I can answer any questions you may have 

1.

Intake session: An   individual session where I will go through an intake form with you, discuss   your goals, outcomes and what you are wanting in the group. I will also   discuss the NDIS service agreement with you at this time if you will be using   NDIS funding.

2.

Week 1 – Stepping out into the world –   pre-school: In week 1, we find out a bit   about each other and what we are wanting from this 6-week program (I will   have already discussed this with each individual parent at intake). We will   spend this session exploring what it is like to ‘let go of the reigns’ and   support our child as they learn to grow and learn with others. This is a time   for a child to try new things, fail and try again. We discuss how we can   nurture our children through the frustrations of ‘just not getting it’ and   how to grow personal autonomy.

3.

Week 2 – Sharing your   child’s world with others – the pro’s and cons of letting go (a bit): In week 2, we explore the different   relationships and experiences your child is getting from school. We discuss   ways that we can encourage our children to stretch themselves, seek and grow   friendships and build trust and rapport with the helping adults in their   life. We explore what it means for us as parents, to let go a bit during this   time.

4.

Week 3 – I don’t do   what they do – how to assist when our child compares themselves to   others: As children journey through their primary schooling, they   are also observing others and their accomplishments. It is around seven to   twelve years, that children begin to compare themselves against their peers.   A strong sense of self will really assist a child throughout this time.    In Week 3 we discuss how to assist children to focus on personal   achievements and goals, rather than looking out, look within. We discuss how   to have meaningful discussions around diversity and uniqueness. And, to   understand that no matter how much you remind your child of their greatness,   it can be hard not to fall into the trap of comparison. We talk about sitting with, and allowing our child to express ‘uncomfortable’   feelings 

5.

Week 4 – Failure is   good – it leads to personal autonomy: When children try something, and fail, and try again,   children are learning the concept of personal empowerment. In week 4, we   discuss the topic of encouragement and praise as our child learns new skills   and accomplishments. And we touch on ‘over-praising’ and how this can have a   detrimental impact on healthy growth and development. We explore what it’s   like to hold back whilst your child learns new feats, and explore what is the   right ‘dose of praise’. 

6.

Week 5 – How to realistically   promote a ‘can-do’ attitude: In Week 5, we   continue our exploration around praise and support. Children (and adults) respond well to praise. We feel   acknowledged. We feel that someone is noticing us and what we are doing.   Children are being seen by the adults in their lives and that is a great   motivator to keep trying to be the best they can be. We also discuss the   potential pitfalls that may occur when we are encouraging our children. And   that through our words, our child begins to form their identity.

7.

Week 6 – What does   true inclusion mean?: In week 6 we ponder   on what inclusion means for our child. We live in a culture that embraces   diversity and inclusion, however every day we see ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality   play out somewhere. What then, does it mean for a child to feel truly   included, part of a group or tribe. And does it mean different things to   different people?

8,

Individual follow up session:

A time to discuss your own experience   of the group and what outcomes and awareness you have achieved. This is a   time to reflect on ‘where to from here – and what do I need to stay   emotionally well and available to my family.

Cost: $624.00 *Pricing is in line with NDIS price guidelines and subject to change.

Intake   session/service agreement

$156.00

6 1-hour   sessions @ $26 per session

$156.00

1 hour   report of counselling outcomes

$156.00

1 hour   individual follow up with parents

$156.00

$624.00

Please note that if a NDIS report is required this will incur an additional cost of $312.00 (2 hours)

PROGRAMS WILL RUN ON DEMAND

To register your interest in this counselling program, please email me at theakeanecounselling@gmail.com and I will send you a registration form. Or simply contact me on 02 5602 5115 and I can answer any questions you may have 

1.

Intake session –An individual session where I will go through an intake   form with you, discuss your goals, outcomes and what you are wanting in the   group. I will also discuss the NDIS service agreement with you at this time   if you will be using NDIS funding.

2.

Week 1: Friends influence trumps   parent’s influence – facing a hard fact! : In week 1, we find out a bit about each   other and what we are wanting from this 6-week program (I will have already   discussed this with each individual parent at intake). In this session, we   discuss peer influences – and how to assist your teen to ‘hold onto themselves’   and create healthy boundaries as they navigate relationships

3.

Week 2: Let’s talk about sex – and   puberty – and healthy boundaries:

In week 2, we delve into the explosive   time of puberty. We discuss what our teen needs during this time. We also   discuss attraction, and being attractive, and creating healthy boundaries   around touching and being touched

4.

Week 3: When your teen is bullied: It can be so hard for a parent to hear   their child’s pain when your teen tells you that someone was mean to them,   said cruel comments or wouldn’t let them join their friendship group or game.   We discuss the feelings that emerge for us as parents when this happens and   ways to allow and encourage your child to process their hurt feelings.

5.

Week 4: Depression, anxiety, and   self-hatred – why can’t I be just the same as everyone else? In week 4, we explore depression, anxiety, and self-hatred.   As hard as we try as parents to support and nurture our teens, many children,   teens, and adults with disabilities will experience these feelings,   statistically more so than people without disabilities. In this session, we   discuss communication and support strategies to assist teens experiencing   mental health issues.

6.

Week 5: To praise or not to praise? –   that is the question: When   children are younger, they thrive on praise. A teen developmentally is starting to ‘pull away’ from   their safe family nest and will be exploring their own identity. It is quite   typical that praise from parents may be rejected. In this session, we discuss   what teen rejection feels like, and how we can keep being our teen’s cheer   leader without humiliating them!

7.

Week 6: Being the lighthouse: In our last session together, we will   be discussing the various ways that we can continue being the beacon of light   and safety for our teens as they begin to explore their identity and where   they fit into the world

8,

Individual follow up session:

A time to discuss your own experience   of the group and what outcomes and awareness you have achieved. This is a   time to reflect on ‘where to from here – and what do I need to stay   emotionally well and available to my family

Cost: $624.00 *Pricing is in line with NDIS price guidelines and subject to change.

Intake   session/service agreement

$156.00

6 1-hour   sessions @ $26 per session

$156.00

1 hour   report of counselling outcomes

$156.00

1 hour   individual follow up with parents

$156.00

$624.00

Please note that if a NDIS report is required this will incur an additional cost of $312.00 (2 hours)

PROGRAMS WILL RUN ON DEMAND

To register your interest in this counselling program, please email me at theakeanecounselling@gmail.com and I will send you a registration form. Or simply contact me on 02 5602 5115 and I can answer any questions you may have 

1.

Intake session –An individual session where I will go through an intake   form with you, discuss your goals, outcomes and what you are wanting in the   group. I will also discuss the NDIS service agreement with you at this time   if you will be using NDIS funding.

2.

Week 1: Why do we all try to be the   same – when we’re different:

In week 2, we try to make sense of   wanting to just be the same as everyone else and facing the truth that we are   all different. 

3.

Week 2: What to do when I’m hurting: We all try to avoid feelings that hurt   us, but unfortunately no one is immune. There are some days that you really   wonder how you will get through – and may think that you are the only one   feeling this way. We explore hurt and pain – and how we all have bad days -   and what we can do to just get through it.

4.

Week 3: Depression, anxiety, and   self-hatred – it’s just got to be talked about:  In week 4, we explore mental health issues, that often come   about when we don’t know what to do with our hurt feelings (see last week),   so we give ourselves a hard time and dig a deep hole for ourselves. We   discuss ways to pull ourselves out when we start to go under.

5.

Week 4: Dating and attraction: In week 1, we find out a bit about each other and what we are wanting from this 6-week   program (I will have already discussed this with everyone at intake). In this   session, we explore the excitement and embarrassment of being attracted to   others. We discuss communication strategies that will help us build   relationships, and things best avoided!

6.

Week 5: Making sense of who I am: This is a big concept to tackle in an   hour, but in this session, we start to explore how we see ourselves, and who   we want to be – without thinking of how others want us to be

7.

Week 6: Being different is ok – what   this really means: Everyone is unique   and everyone has different strengths and abilities – all these phrases are   great to say – but how do I really believe it? We start that discussion in   this last session together

8,

Individual follow up session:

A time to discuss your own experience   of the group and what outcomes and awareness you have achieved. This is a   time to reflect on ‘where to from here – and what do I need to stay ok being   me

Cost: $624.00 *Pricing is in line with NDIS price guidelines and subject to change.

Intake   session/service agreement

$156.00

6 1-hour   sessions @ $26 per session

$156.00

1 hour   report of counselling outcomes

$156.00

1 hour   individual follow up with parents

$156.00

$624.00

Please note that if a NDIS report is required this will incur an additional cost of $312.00 (2 hours)

PROGRAMS WILL RUN ON DEMAND

1stMarch 2023 @ 4 – 5pm

To register your interest in this counselling program, please email me at theakeanecounselling@gmail.com and I will send you a registration form. Or simply contact me on 02 5602 5115 and I can answer any questions you may have 

1.

Intake session –An individual session where I will go through an intake   form with you, discuss your goals, outcomes and what you are wanting in the   group. I will also discuss the NDIS service agreement with you at this time   if you will be using NDIS funding.

2.

Week 1: Relationships: In week 1, we find out a bit about each other and what we are wanting from this 6-week   program (I will have already discussed this with everyone individually at   intake). In this session, we discuss relationships – friendships, partners –   what is working and what’s not when it comes to connecting with others.

3.

Week 2: My life path – is it working   for me: In week 2, we discuss   our current direction in life. We explore what is showing us that we are on   track, and what we might need to do if we are off the path altogether. We   discuss the things that really light our fire!

4.

Week 3: Where do I fit? This is a question many people ask   themselves, let alone people with disabilities who are living in a culture   that has an able-bodied mindset. In this hour, we start to look at the   openings and the barriers to fitting in, and whether not fitting in has its   benefits

5.

Week 4: Depression, anxiety, and   self-hatred: In week 4, we   explore depression, anxiety, and self-hatred. Many people with disabilities   will battle with mental health issues. Many reasons why – feeling on the   outside, being in pain, being different, feeling limited in choices in life,   not having anyone who really gets it. In this session, we explore mental health   and what we need when we are in emotional pain. 

6.

Week 5: What’s helpful – and what’s not:   In this session we   get to share all the things that well meaning people say or do that might be   helpful or can make us feel humiliated and ashamed. Some actions by others,   however well meaning, is just plain patronising. We explore ways that we can   build ourselves up when we are faced with ignorance.

7.

Week 6: Where’s my tribe: In our last session together, we will   be discussing how to grow or strengthen a connection with the people you want   in your life – your tribe.

8,

Individual follow up session: A time to discuss your own experience   of the group and what outcomes and awareness you have achieved. This is a   time to reflect on ‘where to from here – and what do I need to stay connected   to myself and others.

Cost: $624.00 *Pricing is in line with NDIS price guidelines and subject to change.

Intake   session/service agreement

$156.00

6 1-hour   sessions @ $26 per session

$156.00

1 hour   report of counselling outcomes

$156.00

1 hour   individual follow up with parents

$156.00

$624.00

Please note that if a NDIS report is required this will incur an additional cost of $312.00 (2 hours)

PROGRAMS WILL RUN ON DEMAND

To register your interest in this counselling program, please email me at theakeanecounselling@gmail.com and I will send you a registration form. Or simply contact me on 02 5602 5115 and I can answer any questions you may have