What is counselling?
A safe space where you can feel seen and heard
​
Counselling is a confidential process designed to help you achieve a greater understanding of yourself and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies. It involves a relationship between you and a trained therapist who has the desire and willingness to help you accomplish your individual goals.
​
Counselling is an alternative to seeing a Psychologist. Psychologist's work with a medical model focus to therapy; assessing, diagnosing and treating. Counsellors adopt a more person-centred approach, working with their clients to help them understand themselves, their concerns and emotional experiences. Counsellors and Psychologists are often trained in similar therapeutic modalities. Counsellors do not diagnose mental illness or prescribe medication but are trained to recognise mental health conditions and can provide ongoing support where a diagnosis has been given.
Counselling involves sharing sensitive, personal, and private information that may at times be distressing, or increase feelings of anxiety and confusion. You won’t be alone; at all times you will be met with empathy and support to navigate this journey.
​
All interactions with Arena Counselling, including scheduling of or attendance at appointments, content of your sessions, progress in counselling, and your records are confidential in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
What is Internal Family Systems?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence based therapeutic approach that is based on the premise that there is an undamaged, resourceful ‘Self’ that is the very essence of each person. Accessing and working with the ‘Self’ is a safe, effective way to hold space and compassionately witness other parts of the mind.
The IFS approach guides you through your own inner system. As you are able to meet yourself with honest, clear seeing, your inner-system feels lighter, less crowded, and with more possibility in life. As your inner-system begins to release long-held burdens, there is a feeling of inner clarity, spaciousness, and alignment with your true ‘Self’.