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Altru Health

How Somatic Therapy Can Improve Your Mental Wellbeing

Somatic therapy is becoming more widely acknowledged as an effective means of promoting mental health and emotional recovery. Through addressing the relationship between the mind and body, Somatic Therapy facilitates the processing of unresolved trauma, lowers stress levels, and increases self-awareness. You can now receive this therapy from the comfort of your home thanks to our telehealth services. Let’s investigate the potential benefits of somatic therapy for your mental wellness.

Somatic therapy: What is it?

A holistic strategy that links emotional experiences with physical sensations is called somatic therapy. It functions by helping you to become attuned to your body’s innate reactions to stress, trauma, and emotional stimuli. This enables you to relieve tension and promote deeper healing. In contrast to conventional talk therapies, Somatic Therapy promotes mental and emotional wellbeing by combining physical movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness exercises.

How Somatic Therapy Can Improve Your Wellbeing

Stress Relief

Stress reduction is one of the main advantages of somatic therapy. You can relieve stress and increase your level of relaxation by concentrating on the body’s reactions and sensations. This can lessen anxiety and help make day-to-day difficulties seem more doable.

Healing Emotional Trauma

Somatic therapy is very beneficial for those who have suffered trauma. This therapy helps you release emotional anguish that has been held in your body, resulting in long-lasting healing and improved mental health. It does this by addressing the body’s physical reactions to trauma.

Improved Self-Awareness

You are encouraged to become more aware of your body’s cues and responses through somatic therapy. You may better manage stress, identify your emotional triggers, and create healthy coping strategies with this enhanced knowledge.

Somatic therapy may be a good option for you if you want to lower stress, heal emotional scars, or strengthen the bond between your body and mind.

Book your telehealth session today and start your journey toward improved mental wellbeing!

Maximise Your Mental Wellbeing: The Impact of Telehealth on Mental Health

Life can get pretty hectic, and finding time for mental health care might feel like just another thing on your to-do list. That’s where telehealth comes in! It’s like having a mental health expert right at your fingertips, making it super easy to take care of yourself without having to leave the house.

Easy Psychological Assessments

Understanding your mental health starts with a thorough assessment, and telehealth makes it simpler than ever. Instead of having to schedule and attend multiple in-person appointments, you can now complete psychological assessments from the comfort of your home. These assessments help uncover underlying issues, provide clarity on your mental state, and guide the development of a tailored treatment plan. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, accessing these assessments online ensures you get the insights you need without disrupting your daily routine.

Support When You Need It Most

Life can be unpredictable, and there are times when you might need immediate support. Telehealth provides a convenient way to get help exactly when you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or facing a mental health crisis, telehealth allows you to connect with a mental health professional quickly and discreetly. This means you can receive guidance and support without the stress of arranging transport or fitting a session into a packed schedule. Having access to mental health professionals from your own home means you can address issues promptly and effectively, ensuring you’re never alone in tough times.

The Value of Professional Help

While friends and family offer invaluable support, professional help brings a different level of expertise. Trained mental health professionals can provide evidence-based strategies and therapeutic techniques tailored to your specific needs. They’re equipped to handle a wide range of issues, from everyday stress to complex psychological conditions. Telehealth makes it easy to access this level of support without geographical constraints or the need for extensive travel. By connecting with a professional through telehealth, you gain access to high-quality care that can significantly enhance your mental wellbeing and provide you with practical tools to manage and improve your mental health.

Ready to Give Telehealth a Try?

Telehealth is here to make mental health care simple and accessible. Whether you need a quick check-in or a deep dive into your mental wellbeing, it’s an easy and effective way to get the support you need.

Kelly Lee

About me

I am a dedicated counsellor based in Australia with a rich multicultural background, having grown up in Malaysia. I am fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay, which allows me to connect with a diverse range of clients in their preferred language.

My passion for helping others is deeply rooted in my belief in the power of understanding and empathy. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Recognising that each person’s cultural context plays a significant role in shaping their experiences, I take a culturally sensitive approach to counselling.

I strive to build strong, positive therapeutic relationships with my clients, offering genuine care and guidance to help them navigate life’s challenges. I believe in fostering a space where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and working towards personal growth within their unique cultural perspectives.

When I’m not counselling, I enjoy immersing myself in music, getting lost in a good book, or taking a swim to unwind.

Area of Experience

I bring a diverse range of expertise to my counselling practice, working with individuals, couples, and families to help them navigate their unique journeys. My experience spans across various therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor my methods to best support each client’s needs.

Specialisations:

  • Couples Counselling: Helping couples build stronger, healthier relationships through effective communication and emotional connection.
  • Art Therapy: Utilising creative expression to explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and foster healing.
  • Working with Teens: Supporting adolescents through the challenges of growth, identity, and emotional development.
  • Working with Adults: Addressing a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to personal development and life transitions.

Therapeutic Approaches:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Art Therapy
  • Coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural Counselling
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Positive Psychology
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Whether you are looking for support in navigating relationship challenges, personal struggles, or simply seeking a more fulfilling and balanced life, I am here to guide you with empathy and expertise.

Qualifications

Master of Counselling (Monash University, Melbourne), Bachelor’s degree of Behavioral studies major in Psychology (Swinburne University of Technology at Melbourne, Australia) and ACA member.

Be Well, Be You: Embracing Holistic Wellness with Altru Health

A balanced and meaningful existence can seem difficult to achieve in our fast-paced society. However, we at Altru Health think that holistic wellness is powerful and that it’s critical to take care of every element of your health. We provide a number of individualised treatments as part of our “Be Well, Be You” approach to help you achieve mental, emotional, and physical balance. Let’s discuss how you might be assisted in being your best self by using our all-inclusive wellness services.

Be Balanced

Guided Meditation and Breathwork

Including guided meditation and breathwork in your daily practice can help you feel more at ease, have more mental clarity, and experience less stress. Our facilitated sessions are designed to assist you in developing awareness and relaxation, which will promote a focused and peaceful mind.

Yoga and Somatic Therapy

Two effective techniques that support both mental and physical health are somatic therapy and yoga. These techniques facilitate the mind-body connection, tension release, and increased flexibility. Altru Health provides sessions that are appropriate for all skill levels, assisting you in maintaining equilibrium and realism.

Be Centred

Counselling and Family Therapy

A balanced life is fundamentally based on mental and emotional well-being. You can explore your thoughts and feelings in a secure and encouraging setting with our counseling services. Our family therapy sessions also concentrate on enhancing connections and communication within the family, creating a peaceful and encouraging home atmosphere.

Perinatal Social Work and Parental Coaching

For expecting and new parents, our perinatal social work services offer crucial support during this transformative period. We also provide parental coaching to help you navigate the challenges of parenthood with confidence, ensuring both you and your child thrive.

Life Coaching

Our life coaching services are designed to give you the tools you need to reach your career and personal objectives. We assist you in discovering your strengths, defining meaningful objectives, and formulating practical plans to reach them through individualised coaching sessions, ensuring that you live a happy and meaningful life.

Be Inspired

Education Modules and Blogs

Continuous learning and self-improvement are vital for personal growth. Our education modules and informative blogs provide valuable insights and knowledge on various topics related to mental health, wellness, and self-development. These resources are designed to inspire and motivate you to keep striving for better.

Self-Development and Professional Supervision

We offer self-development programs that focus on enhancing your skills and competencies. Additionally, our professional supervision services provide guidance and support for mental health professionals, ensuring they can deliver the best care to their clients while also taking care of their own well-being.

Professional Coaching

Our professional coaching services are tailored to help you advance in your career. We offer support in areas such as leadership development, communication skills, and work-life balance, helping you to achieve your career goals while maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

Be Unique

Subscription Services

We at Altru Health recognise that each person’s path to wellness is distinct. 24/7 access to a variety of wellness resources, including premium content and service discounts, is provided by our membership services. This guarantees that you will always have resources and help available to you, customised to meet your individual needs.

Taking care of every element of your health is a requirement of adopting holistic wellness. Our “Be Well, Be You” philosophy at Altru Health is intended to accompany you on your path to physical, mental, and emotional equilibrium. You may become a more inspired, focused, and balanced version of yourself by implementing our all-inclusive services into your daily life.

Patricia McMinn (MHSW)

About me

I have been a Social Worker since 1996 and I am currently living on Boyne Island in Central Queensland.  I have 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, with one on the way.  I have two beautiful pets, a rescue Border Collie named Sally and a tabby cat named Tigger. I am passionate about health and fitness and the link to healthy aging.  My hobbies include keeping physically and mentally fit both inside and outside the gym, mindfulness meditation, reading mainly non-fiction and tending my indoor plants.

Area of Experience

Individual Counselling; Supervision; Working with women who have experienced domestic violence and/or sexual assault, working with pregnant woman and/or woman who have experienced birth trauma, working with adults who have suffered medical trauma, working with adults who have suffered complex/developmental trauma, working with adults who have suffered grief and loss, veteran’s counselling.

Qualifications

I am a qualified Social Worker with a Post Graduate Certificate in Rural and Remote Health Care and a Post Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma.  Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment

I am a certified EMDR Therapist and a member of the EMDR Association of Australia.

Veronica Bradley (MHSW)

About me

I’m from Perth Western Australia, when I’m not at work I enjoy going for walks along the coast, reading and trying to keep my houseplants alive!

Area of Experience

Veronica takes an integrative and relational approach to therapy. Veronica offers brief and longer-term therapy to adults, couples and families. Medicare Rebates are available for sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan.

Veronica is particularly experienced in working with complex trauma (cPTSD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, adjustment to significant life events and grief/loss.

Veronica specialises in working with individuals couples/families where one or more members have experienced trauma.

Qualifications

Veronica is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (Medicare Provider Number 1611451B) and has training and experience with several evidence-based therapies including, but not limited to:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy),
  • DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy),
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
  • Trauma Informed Psychotherapy, and
  • Schema Therapy.

In addition Veronica has completed a 2 year Post Graduate Diploma in Systemic Family Therapy.

Understanding the Benefits of Psychological Assessments 

Understanding your mental health is a critical first step towards total well-being. In this journey, psychological exams are an invaluable tool that offer thorough insights into a variety of mental health-related topics. This is why they are important:

1. Accurate Diagnosis: Psychological assessments help in accurately diagnosing mental health conditions. By identifying specific issues, therapists can develop targeted treatment plans that address your unique needs.

2. Personalised Treatment Plans: With a thorough understanding of your psychological profile, mental health professionals can tailor treatment plans to suit your individual circumstances. This personalised approach enhances the effectiveness of therapy and other interventions.

3. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Assessments highlight both strengths and areas needing improvement. Understanding these aspects can empower you to leverage your strengths and work on areas that require attention.

4. Monitoring Progress: Regular psychological assessments allow for tracking progress over time. By comparing results, therapists can adjust treatment strategies to ensure continued improvement and address any emerging issues.

5. Enhancing Self-Awareness: Psychological assessments provide valuable insights into your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. This increased self-awareness can lead to better self-management and improved mental health outcomes.

Take advantage of Altru Health’s psychological assessment and start down the path to mental well-being. These essential services are easily accessible from the comfort of your home with our telehealth sessions.

Sarah Grove

About me

Originally from regional Victoria, I moved to Queensland over 15years ago. I started my career as a youth worker before going on to complete vocational and university studies. I have a genuine interest in listening to peoples stories and firmly believe we all have something to teach each other. I have also been a vocational and workplace trainer and assessor which has enabled me to deliver accredited and non-accredited training to individuals, groups and other organisations.
I enjoy travelling and exploring new cultures, heading back to Victoria to see my family and friends and just spending time with my husband and our 2 fur babies Romeo and Zeus.

Area of Experience

  • Extensive experience within the family services and intervention space
  • Supporting clients with addiction and complex mental health
  • Trained facilitator of Circle of Security, Triple P, 1,2,3 Magic and Bringing Up Great Kids.
  • Skilled foster and kinship assessor
  • Parental capacity assessments
  • Parental education and coaching.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Social Welfare
  • Master’s of Social Work (registered)
  • Currently completing a Master’s of Forensic Mental Health
  • ASIST brief suicide intervention facilitator

Boosting Workplace Wellness: Strategies for Employee Health and Fitness

Prioritising employee wellness is not only a trend, but a need in the hectic workplace of today. Promoting a culture of health and fitness in the workplace has become crucial as businesses realise more and more the direct link between worker well-being and output. Let’s look at some practical methods for improving worker health and fitness at work.

  • Promote Physical Activity:

Promoting consistent physical activity among staff members is essential for enhancing their general health and fitness. Think of starting programs like on-site exercise courses, fitness challenges, or walking groups during the lunch hour. Offering staff access to fitness centres or paying for gym memberships is another way to encourage them to keep active.

  • Emphasize Mental Health Support:

In the workplace, mental wellness is just as vital as physical fitness. Establish a welcoming workplace where staff members may talk about mental health concerns without worrying about being stigmatised. To help employees’ mental health, provide them with tools like mindfulness meditation classes, stress management training, and private counselling services.

  • Implement Health Education Programs:

Employees can be empowered to make positive changes in their everyday routines by receiving education about healthy lifestyle choices. Organise talks or seminars on subjects including stress management, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and ergonomic work procedures. Providing staff with instructional tools and resources might help to further instill healthy behaviours.

  • Foster a Culture of Work-Life Balance:

Promote flexible work arrangements, such telecommuting or flexible scheduling, to support work-life balance. Encourage staff members to take frequent breaks during the workday and to make the most of their vacation time in order to rest and recover. Clearly defining the boundaries between one’s personal and professional lives can reduce burnout and enhance wellbeing in general.

  • Lead by Example:

Setting a good example for others is crucial for managers and leaders who want to emphasise fitness and health. Make health a part of your everyday routine and let everyone in the company know how important it is for employees to be well. Urge managers to assist team members in reaching their fitness and health objectives.

By putting these tactics into practice, companies may foster a work environment where employees’ fitness and well-being are valued, which will make workers happier, healthier, and more productive. Let’s work together to create a workplace where staff members can succeed on the professional and personal levels.

Recall that spending money on staff wellness benefits businesses as much as people. Increased productivity, improved morale among employees, and less absenteeism are all results of a healthier workforce. In today’s competitive world, organisations can position themselves for long-term success by placing a high priority on the health and fitness of their employees. 

Ready to boost workplace wellness and transform your organisation? 

Let’s work together to make your team’s workspace more joyful and healthful! Check out our Employee Wellness Program.

How to Effectively Manage Stress

Stress has become an essential part of life for many people in today’s fast-paced society. While there are instances when stress is advantageous, prolonged stress can negatively impact one’s mental and general well-being. We’ll examine the intricacies of stress, its effects on mental health, and practical coping mechanisms in this blog.

What is Stress?

The body’s natural reaction to a perceived threat or challenge is stress. Stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline are released as a result, preparing the body to either fight or run away from the perceived threat. Although this reaction is essential for surviving in dangerous circumstances, chronic stress can be harmful to one’s physical and emotional well-being.

 

The Impact of Stress on Mental Health

Prolonged stress can have a detrimental effect on mental health, causing symptoms including anxiety, depression, impatience, and trouble focusing. It can also raise the chance of acquiring new mental health issues and aggravate pre-existing ones. To effectively manage stress and promote general well-being, one must comprehend the connection between stress and mental health.

Effective Stress Management Strategies

Fortunately, there are various strategies that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives to manage stress effectively:

  1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Deep breathing exercises and other mindfulness techniques, which encourage relaxation and present-moment awareness, can help lower stress levels. These techniques are simple to include into regular activities and have been demonstrated to improve mental wellness.

 

  1. Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity is a great method to lower stress and enhance general wellbeing. Regular exercise encourages relaxation and releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers. Picking an activity you enjoy doing, whether it’s a yoga class, brisk walk, or gym workout, might help reduce stress.

 

  1. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Stress management techniques include eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and abstaining from excessive alcohol and caffeine. Setting aside time for self-care and adopting a healthy lifestyle can promote general mental health and stress tolerance.

 

  1. Seeking Professional Help: Sometimes, getting help from a professional is necessary to manage stress. Convenient and easily available telehealth meetings with licenced mental health providers provide a means to treat issues associated to stress. A qualified therapist can offer coping mechanisms, encouragement, and direction specific to each person’s requirements.

 

Although stress is an unavoidable aspect of life, it doesn’t have to control how we feel. People can take charge of their stress levels and advance general mental wellbeing by being aware of the negative effects that stress has on mental health and by putting good stress management techniques into practice. Recall that asking for help is a show of strength and that you may find resources to support you in overcoming obstacles in life. If you’re having trouble controlling your stress, you might want to schedule a telemedicine appointment to discuss effective stress management techniques and mental health promotion.

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