As a carer you often have a lot going on in your life. There are appointments to make and then remember, medications to be given, the physical strain of providing care and sometimes there can be a financial burden as well. All this with little time to rest and recharge your batteries.
Caring can be tiring, overwhelming, isolating & stressful and at some point you may need to ask for some help.
Counselling helps you to find ways to manage what seems challenging and helps to find ways to cope with stress.
So what is counselling?
Counselling allows carers to tell their story and voice their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Counselling is a conversation between yourself and a trained counsellor to help you resolve specific problems. After a brief introduction and getting to know you period, you and your counsellor will discuss the issues you may need help with. Your counsellor will encourage you to set some goals and together you will work to find the best way forward.
Counselling aims to help you gain insight to your thought processes and behaviours and give you tools and resources to resolve problems on your own.
Everything you discuss is private and confidential. The only exception is if something threatens your wellbeing or the wellbeing of others. Your counsellor will discuss this duty of care with you at your first session.
The Carer Gateway can provide up to six counselling sessions to carers and can be accessed either in-person or via phone.
For more information please visit: https://counselling.carergateway.gov.au/s/
To talk to a counsellor, contact the Carer Gateway Counselling Service on 1800 422 737 8am to 6pm weekdays. For 24 hour support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
