Counselling for Depression and Anxiety
“Is it possible to heal anxiety or depression?”
“Why does life feel so hard and empty”,
“Why do I feel the way I do?”
Anxiety and depression counselling can play a crucial role in supporting individuals dealing with these mental health conditions. Mental Health Support counselling provides a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, helping them understand the underlying causes of their anxiety and depression.
About Anxiety and Depression counselling and how the service can support
Here are some key points on how mental health support counselling services can support individuals suffering from anxiety and depression:
Understanding and Coping: Counselling for depression and anxiety helps individuals comprehend the root causes of their anxiety and depression. Toni works with clients to develop coping strategies to manage symptoms effectively.
Emotional Support: Counsellors such as Toni offer emotional support and a non-judgmental environment where individuals can express their feelings without fear of stigma or criticism.
Skill Building: Through counselling for depression and anxiety, individuals learn valuable skills such as stress management, relaxation techniques, and healthy communication to improve their mental well-being.​
Behavioural Changes: Counselling focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and behaviours and replacing them with positive ones, promoting healthier ways of thinking and acting.
Personal Growth: Mental health support counselling encourages personal growth and self-awareness, empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives and relationships.
Treatment Options: Toni may recommend a combination of therapy and daily life changes or refer individuals to other health professionals for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Preventive Strategies: Counselling can help individuals recognise early warning signs of anxiety and depression, enabling them to take proactive steps to prevent relapse.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety and depression, reaching out to Toni for mental health support counselling services can be a significant step toward recovery. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to provide the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenging mental health conditions.
How to book
Toni Steenson offers mental health support counselling services tailored for all ages in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, including areas like Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Ballina, Evans Head, Alstonville, Wollongbar, and Lismore. Sessions are specifically designed for people experiencing depression and anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Additionally, Toni provides online mental health counselling for individuals who are not local to the region, ensuring accessibility to support regardless of location.
To get a sense of whether counselling is for you, you can call Toni to receive a complimentary 15-minute consult. If Toni can’t answer the phone, be sure to leave a message so she can call you back.
Phone 0466 629 424
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Or contact Toni via email and she will organise a time to call you.
What is the process?
The process of mental health support counselling involves a trained professional, such as a counsellor or therapist, helping a client identify and address their mental health challenges.
The process typically includes an initial assessment, developing a treatment plan, and weekly or biweekly counselling sessions where the client and Toni work together to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Different types of counselling, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and existential therapy, can be used based on the client's needs.
Mental health counselling aims to reduce symptoms, improve mental health outcomes, develop coping skills, and enhance the quality of life for individuals seeking support. Finding a mental health counsellor involves referrals, online searches, or contacting mental health professional organisations. The first counselling session usually involves discussing concerns, history, and goals. Being open, honest, and committed to the process is key to getting the most out of mental health counselling.
What to expect in a counselling session
In a mental health counselling session, you can expect a safe and confidential space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a trained professional. Toni will listen attentively, provide support, and help you explore and understand your emotions and behaviours. Toni will ask questions to better understand your situation, offer insights and perspectives, and guide you in developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
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During the session, you may work on addressing specific issues, setting goals for treatment, and tracking your progress over time. Toni may introduce various therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness practices, or relaxation techniques. Expect to receive empathy, validation, and non-judgmental support from Toni as you navigate your mental health journey.
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Overall, the goal of a mental health counselling session is to promote self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal growth. To make the most of your counselling experience, it is essential to approach the session with an open mind, honesty, and a willingness to engage in the therapeutic process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to heal anxiety and depression with counselling?
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Counselling can be an effective tool in helping individuals manage and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. While counselling alone may not completely "heal" these mental health conditions, it can significantly improve symptoms, enhance coping strategies, and foster a sense of empowerment and resilience.
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Through counselling, individuals can explore the root causes of their anxiety and depression, challenge negative thought patterns, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and develop skills to regulate emotions and manage stress. Counselling sessions provide a supportive environment where individuals can express their feelings, gain insights into their condition, and work towards making positive changes in their lives.
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It is important to note that the effectiveness of counselling in treating anxiety and depression can vary from person to person. Some individuals may benefit greatly from counselling and experience significant improvements in their mental health, while others may require a combination of counselling, medication, and other interventions.
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Seeking help from a counsellor or therapist is a proactive step towards addressing anxiety and depression. While counselling may not offer a "cure," it can play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to seek counselling?
You do not necessarily need a mental health diagnosis to seek counselling. Counselling is a beneficial resource for individuals who are experiencing challenges in their lives, whether they have a specific mental health diagnosis or not. Counsellors and therapists work with a wide range of concerns, including stress, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, self-esteem, and more.
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Counselling can provide support, guidance, and a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and well-being. You can seek counselling to address emotional distress, improve communication skills, enhance self-awareness, or navigate difficult life transitions.
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While a mental health diagnosis is not required to receive counselling, having a diagnosis can help Toni tailor their approach to your specific needs and provide targeted interventions. However, many individuals benefit from the counselling process without a formal diagnosis, as the focus is on understanding and addressing the individual's unique experiences and challenges.
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Ultimately, seeking counselling is a proactive step towards improving your mental health and overall well-being, regardless of whether you have a formal diagnosis. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties or seeking support, reaching out to a counsellor can be a valuable resource to help you navigate your concerns and work towards positive changes in your life.
Do you do mental health counselling online?
Yes, we offer online mental health counselling services to provide convenient and accessible support to individuals in need.
Online counseling offers flexibility for clients who may have busy schedules, mobility limitations or prefer the convenience of virtual sessions. Toni is equipped to deliver high-quality care and personalised support through online platforms, ensuring that clients receive the same level of professionalism and confidentiality as in-person counselling.
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Whether you prefer traditional in-person sessions or the convenience of online counselling, Toni is committed to meeting your mental health needs and providing effective therapy to support your well-being. Our goal is to make mental health support easily accessible and tailored to your preferences and comfort level.
How long will I need mental health support counselling?
The duration of mental health support counselling can vary depending on the individual's needs, goals, and progress throughout the counselling process. Some individuals may benefit from short-term counselling to address specific concerns or cope with a temporary crisis, while others may require longer-term or ongoing support to work through deep-seated issues or complex mental health conditions.
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The length of time you may need mental health support counselling is influenced by factors such as the severity of your symptoms, the complexity of your challenges, your level of commitment and engagement in the counselling process, and the effectiveness of the therapeutic interventions being used.
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Ultimately, the goal of mental health support counselling is to help you build coping skills, develop insights, make positive changes, and improve your overall well-being. Whether you engage in short-term or long-term counselling, the duration of your counselling journey is personalised to support your mental health needs and empower you to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
What is the frequency of mental health support counselling sessions
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The frequency of mental health support counselling sessions can vary based on the individual's needs, preferences, and treatment plan established in collaboration with Toni. Common frequencies for counselling sessions include:
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Weekly sessions: Weekly counselling sessions are a common frequency for individuals seeking consistent support and guidance. Weekly sessions provide a regular opportunity to address concerns, track progress, and work on therapeutic goals.
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Biweekly sessions: Biweekly (every two weeks) counselling sessions may be suitable for individuals who require ongoing support but do not need weekly sessions. Biweekly sessions allow for continued progress while offering more flexibility in scheduling.
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Monthly sessions: Monthly counselling sessions may be appropriate for individuals who have made significant progress in counselling and require maintenance or check-in sessions to monitor their mental health and well-being.
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The frequency of counselling sessions can be adjusted based on your progress, changing needs, and availability. It is essential to discuss the frequency of sessions with Toni to determine the most suitable schedule for your mental health support and treatment. Open communication with your counsellor can help ensure that the frequency of sessions aligns with your goals and promotes positive outcomes in your counselling journey.
How to book
To get a sense of whether counselling is for you, you can call Toni Steenson to receive a complimentary 15-minute consult. If Toni can’t answer the phone, be sure to leave a message so she can call you back.
Phone 0466 629 424
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Or contact Toni via email and she will organise a time to call you.