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Altru Health

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.

10 Simple Ways to Embrace Mindfulness in Your Daily Life

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Finding moments of peace and clarity can seem like a far-off fantasy in the fast-paced world of today. On the other hand, adding mindfulness to your regular activities can have a big impact on your general wellbeing. It has been demonstrated that practicing mindfulness, which is being totally present and involved in the moment, lowers stress and increases happiness.

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 simple yet powerful ways to integrate mindfulness into your daily life, along with the added support of Telehealth counseling from Altru Health to complement your journey to mental wellness.

1. Start Your Day with Intention:

Every morning, take a moment to practice mindfulness and make a plan for the day. Breathe deeply a few times, centre yourself, and concentrate on your goals and desired experiences for the day.

2. Practice Mindful Breathing:

Take little pauses during the day to concentrate on your breathing. Shut your eyes and inhale deeply multiple times, observing how the air feels entering and exiting your body. This easy exercise can help you de-stress and find mental peace.

3. Eat Mindfully:

Spend time enjoying each bite of your food rather than hurrying through it. Take note of your food’s flavour, texture, and scent. Eating with awareness can improve your satisfaction of meals and encourage better eating practices.

4. Take Mindful Walks:

Whether you’re walking in nature or navigating the city streets, turn your walk into a mindful practice. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations around you as you move. Walking mindfully can help clear your mind and boost your mood.

5. Practice Gratitude:

This could be as easy as saying thanks for loved ones’ support or savouring a stunning sunset. You can change your attention from what is missing in your life to what is abundant by adopting a grateful mindset.

6. Limit Screen Time:

In the current digital era, it’s simple to become addicted to continuous scrolling and incessant notifications. Establish limits on how much time you spend on screens and schedule regular breaks to unplug and refuel. Make the most of your time by doing things that will benefit your health and mind.

7. Connect with Nature:

One of the most effective ways to practice mindfulness and come back to the present moment is to spend time in nature. Spend some time appreciating the beauty of the natural environment, whether you’re sitting in a park or climbing in the mountains.

8. Engage in Mindful Activities:

Look for things to do that make you happy and help you to completely focus on the here and now. This might be anything from doing yoga or music lessons to painting and gardening. Mindful exercises have been shown to lower stress and raise emotions of satisfaction.

9. Practice Self-Compassion:

Treat yourself with kindness, particularly when things are difficult. Show yourself the same compassion and consideration that you would extend to a friend in a comparable circumstance. Developing self-compassion can make it easier for you to deal with challenging emotions.

10. End Your Day with Reflection:

Spend some time thinking back on your day before going to bed. Recognise your successes, difficulties, and opportunities for improvement as well as any happy or thankful moments. As you get ready for sleep, this thought exercise might help you develop a sense of closure and calm.

It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming to incorporate mindfulness into your daily practice. You can improve your general well-being, lessen stress, and develop better awareness by putting these easy activities into practice. And remember, Altru Health’s telehealth counselling is always here to offer extra help and direction on your path to mental wellbeing. Make an appointment for a Telehealth session right now to start down the path to a happier, healthier life.

Understanding and Managing Teen Social Pressures

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Teenage life may be a lot like going on a rollercoaster, don’t you think? From fitting in with peers to dealing with school stress, we’ve got your back. In this blog, we’ll dive into the common social pressures you face and give you some practical tips to handle them like a pro. Plus, we’ll show you how Telehealth counselling can be your secret weapon in facing these challenges head-on.

Understanding Social Pressures

Let’s address the unspoken yet important topic of social pressures. You know those times when, despite your better judgement, you feel compelled to follow everyone else’s lead? For you, that’s peer pressure. Not to mention the pressure to pass every test and appear a specific way. We realise it’s a lot.

Tips for Coping and How Telehealth Sessions Can Help

  • Assertiveness Techniques: Have you ever felt pressured to go along with something you’re not comfortable with? It’s tough, we know. This is where assertiveness methods, or tools that give you the confidence to stand up for yourself and set limits in any circumstance, can be helpful during telehealth sessions. These strategies will assist you in navigating challenging situations with poise and confidence, whether it’s refusing to give in to peer pressure or maintaining your ground during a heated argument.
  • Stress Management Skills: School, extracurriculars, social life – it’s a lot to juggle, right? 

Telehealth sessions can support you with useful techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and time management to help you stay composed and carry on when the pressure starts to build. You’ll be more prepared to deal with whatever challenges life presents if you have these abilities under your belt.

  • Building a Supportive Network: Friends and family are like your personal cheerleaders – they’ve got your back no matter what. However, creating a network of support isn’t always simple, particularly when you’re juggling other difficulties and societal expectations. Telehealth sessions can assist you in developing relationships that uplift you and give you the support you require to flourish in this situation. Because you’ll be unstoppable when you surround yourself with supportive and positive people.
  • Seeking Professional Help: Sometimes, talking to someone who’s been there, done that can make all the difference. Telehealth counselling can help with that. It’s similar to having a reliable confidante in your pocket who you can call on for advice and assistance at any time. You don’t even need to leave your room to address your worries, overcome obstacles, and create coping mechanisms when you use telehealth counselling. It’s private, convenient, and entirely customised to meet your needs. Why then wait? Take action now to start along the path to a better, happier version of yourself.

Consider telehealth counselling as your on-the-go personal support system. You can speak with a counsellor who understands your situation and can provide practical answers to support your success with just a single click. It’s similar to having superpowers for mental well-being!

Although social pressures can seem overwhelming at times, you can manage anything that comes your way if you have the necessary resources and support. Never forget that you are not alone on this path. Make an appointment for a Telehealth session with Altru Health to take charge of your mental health. It’s time to demonstrate to the world your true magnificence.

Exploring Different Therapy Styles- Finding What Works for You

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Therapists use a variety of therapy approaches based on the needs of each patient to address this variation. Let’s explore the various strategies and their advantages to guide you on your journey to wellbeing.

Crucial Therapeutic Methods:

Psychoanalysis in Treatment:

  • Focuses on revealing suppressed feelings and ideas, frequently linking them to events from early life.
  • Gaining awareness of unconscious tendencies and settling long-standing disputes are two advantages.

Psychodynamic Counselling:

  • Comparable to psychoanalysis, but focusing on current problems impacted by prior experiences and lasting less time.
  • Aids in comprehending unconscious processes and how they affect relationships and behaviour in the present.

Behavioural Medicine:

  • Focuses on teaching new behaviours using methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapies and exposure therapy.
  • Useful for treating particular problems like anxiety, phobias, and addictive behaviours.

Cognitive Rehab:

  • Focuses on unhealthy thought habits and beliefs and attempts to replace them with more beneficial ones.
  • Beneficial in the treatment of illnesses like PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.

Humanistic Counselling:

  • Revolves around realising one’s potential, growing personally, and self-discovery.
  • Promotes self-awareness, acceptance, and genuineness, cultivating a more profound comprehension of oneself.

Integrative Medicine:

  • Combines components of several therapy philosophies to produce a customised treatment programme.
  • Allows for flexibility and customisation to meet the needs and preferences of each individual.

Somatic Therapy: Examining the Mind-Body Link

Somatic treatment acknowledges the vital role the body plays in mental health, whereas traditional therapy focuses mostly on the mind. Somatic therapy examines the mind-body relationship between trauma and physical symptoms, which frequently accompany traumatic experiences.

Somatic therapy: What is it?

The focus of somatic therapy is on the body’s function in trauma processing and recovery.

Holistic healing is facilitated by the integration of mind and body through the promotion of safety and an increase in body awareness.

Integrates methods such as movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to ease emotional discharge and release of pent-up stress.

Using Telehealth to Provide Convenient Mental Health

It might be difficult to get mental health care when life is busy. But telehealth counselling provides a solution that fits your hectic schedules. Because virtual sessions are convenient, people can prioritise mental health without interfering with their daily activities.

With the goal of enabling readers to accept telehealth and investigate therapy choices, this informative site seeks to promote mental wellness. Make an appointment for a Telehealth session with Altru Health right now to start along the path to holistic wellness. The route to well-being begins here. 

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