Brooke Cefai Wellbeing in South Melbourne, Victoria | Mental health service

Brooke Cefai Wellbeing

Locality: South Melbourne, Victoria

Phone: +61 413 315 077

Address: 153 Cecil Street 3205 South Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.brookecefai.com

Likes: 155

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• Medical and health
• Mental health service
• Health & wellness website
• Counsellor

23.01.2022 A well written article on the power of self regulation! This is a big part of what occurs in therapy (often without explicitly stating this is what we are doing). Learning to regulate self and being able to tolerate difficult feelings and emotions is a vital skill. https://www.goodtherapy.org//why-self-regulation-is-most-i

22.01.2022 Well worth the read... https://humanparts.medium.com/the-danger-in-fake-positivity

22.01.2022 TRAUMA Today Im reflecting deeply on the complexities of trauma - a big topic Of particular interest is our physiological response to trauma and how traumatic memory is often an experience that is lodged in the body, not just in the mind. A significant factor overlooked in years gone by but thankfully one that is now widely acknowledged and highly researched ... For those keen to learn more Bessel Van der Kolk @bessel_van in the body keeps the score describes (in laypersons terms) the intricacies of trauma & how trauma can shape every aspect of our psychology & physiology The book is written with compassion & honesty as Bessel reflects on many of his own clinical experiences & draws from years of research Trigger Warning: The book is suitable for multiple audiences however some elements may be confronting and potentially triggering. Please be gentle with yourself and come back to the book at a later date when you feel more robust and able to tolerate the content if this is your experience A quote from the book Traumatised people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves. (p.97) : Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness #psychotherapy #melbourne #bodyandmind #southmelbourne #melbournepsychotherapy #body #traumarecovery #healing #counselling #traumainformed #listeningtomybody #holistic #torquay #counsellinggeelong #geelong #physiology #selflove #emotionalhealth #emotionalsupport

21.01.2022 A great article, asking some great questions!! https://mobile.abc.net.au//jess-hill-domestic-vi/11188842

20.01.2022 Anxiety Bites @brookecefai Did you know anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia According to Beyond Blue one in four people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life. In a 12-month period, over two million Australians experience anxiety!!! ... It is normal to experience anxiety from time to time. When these feelings dont go away, occur for no particular reason or make it hard to function it may be a good sign its time to seek support ~ This info sheet serves to provide you with some helpful tips & strategies but should not substitute medical advice ~ Please please chat with your GP (most are offering Telehealth services during COVID) or reach out to a support line, numbers attached If you have been considering therapy please reach out via DM or by heading to my website

20.01.2022 https://www.kqed.org//nine-ways-to-ensure-your-mindfulness

19.01.2022 To my wonderful community As a psychotherapist I am privileged to spend my days listening to the stories, narratives and life experiences of many in our community, over the years I have learnt to empathetically walk along side clients while concurrently experience their narrative and its emotion at a professional distance. Suddenly with the onset of COVID-19 I find my own self in each clients story and it has taken me a few days to figure out how I currently feel anxio...us, overwhelmed and vulnerable. I listen to my clients existential angst, their anxieties about how their world is drastically changing, their genuine fear of getting sick, being unable to feed children or look after elderly family members, fears for the economy, for their businesses, for their livelihood, for their mental health. With self-isolation or directives to work from home, we have found ourselves with significant time to reflect, time to look at areas of our lives we have perhaps kept at a distance. In these silent moments we are suddenly confronted with our own mortality, ambiguity, the unknown. Here in Melbourne, the reality of our situation is slowly sinking in. Sporting events cancelled, concerts called off, supermarket shelves rapidly emptying and mass hysteria. The unreality, the uncertainty of the time frame, all so very hard to absorb said a colleague The virus feels omnipotent at the moment circling the globe in a very real and frightening way. No one knows what to believe and there is genuine fear. I want to remind everyone (including myself) you are not alone in this. A colleague by the name of Susan Warshaw recently wrote on a therapists forum I am a part of: Physical distancing makes such sense, as opposed to social distancing. The thoughts of kindness towards others and social connection through interpersonal relatedness and responsibility towards others are critical at this time Susans words reminded me of the importance of maintaining social connection, even at a physical distance. In fact it is vital more so than ever!! Like my colleague I am replacing the term social distancing with physical distancing to help reduce this sense of isolation were all beginning to fear and feel. Our sense of feeling out of control can be challenged by continuing to maintain connections in creative ways, to utilise networks and call on friends through social media and to recognise we have a responsibility not just to ourselves but to others in our local and wider community, to show compassion, remain calm and be kind. So I am here to reach out and ask how you are all managing during such ambiguous times. I offer my assistance to anyone who needs a listening ear, comforting word, or just a silly laugh and smile on the other end of the phone/device! Be well everyone xx Brooke

18.01.2022 What is Self-Talk? (a long read but a good one) Self-talk is something you do naturally throughout your waking hours. People are becoming more aware that positive self-talk is a powerful tool for increasing your self-confidence and curbing negative emotions. People who can master positive self-talk are thought to be more confident, motivated, and productive....Continue reading

17.01.2022 A good read for anyone interested in or experiencing depression https://www.thecut.com//antidepressants-and-the-chemical-i

17.01.2022 People often ask me why we work with the unconscious & the past in therapy, when the problems are pretty obviously in the here & now Great question!! When we talk about the unconscious we refer to that aspect of self that remains hidden... The unconscious is commonly compared to an iceberg; we see the tip clearly above water (conscious) but below the surface lurks something greater (the unconscious) that holds emotions, thoughts, memories, experiences, urges and desires It is often these unconscious thoughts & feelings that makes us unhappy & drives or perpetuates many of our behaviours and self-defeating emotional and cognitive patterns So before we attempt to change these thoughts, feelings or behaviours we need to understand and bring awareness to whats driving them, why they are there and how they have developed It sounds very simplistic in writing but isnt always so easy in practice, in fact it can be terribly confusing and confronting and I guess this is one of the main reasons people come to therapy, so as not to have to navigate this alone Please reach out if youve been considering therapy or need further support xxB : Iamfy

17.01.2022 The last few months have been considerably challenging for many in our community, and I appreciate your patience as sessions were paused over the previous six weeks I have decided to recommence face-to-face psychotherapy sessions in - South Melbourne on Thursdays from 14th May 2020. ... - Torquay will reopen on Fridays from 22nd May 2020 Rest assured social distancing and increased hygiene practices will remain a priority in the clinic. For clients who would prefer to continue online therapy, these services will remain If you come down with cold or flu symptoms and have an in-clinic appointment booked I ask that we reschedule this for a later date. I am happy to offer a flexible cancellation policy for such symptoms Please reach out via email [email protected] if you would like to recommence sessions If you are considering starting therapy I continue to offer complimentary 15 min telephone introduction session, these can be booked via my website For those financially affected by the pandemic I am happy to discuss discounted or flexible payment options with you ~ Brooke Cefai ~ - unknown artist

16.01.2022 I really love this piece on co-regulation by @Atira Tan read below The power of co-regulation Many of us know what self-regulation is: ... * The ability to track, or assess your internal state. * To recognise your triggers and notice when youre feeling overwhelmed. * To know what you need to return your functional range to respond to a situation. However, most people dont know that self-regulation is learnt from co-regulation. As infants, when we have healthy attachment interactions with attuned, consistently available and nurturing caregivers, it lays the foundation for the optimal development of self-regulation. Over time, co-regulation allows us to learn how to effectively auto-regulate. When we havent received adequate co-regulation in infancy, it thwarts our ability to self-regulate. The wonderful thing is that we can learn how to self-regulate by finding a safe person that can help us co-regulate. This may include some touch on the back of the heart, some holding at the shoulders, or a cuddle which feels comforting and safe. So if youre noticing that someone elses presence is comforting, take the time to notice their presence, whether its through their touch, eye contact, tone of voice or kind eyes. Take time to enjoy what feels good in your body, and the presence of another. Jai Vasicek

15.01.2022 In light of what is occurring with COVID-19 in Australia I recognise the necessity to continue providing psychotherapy & counselling services to the community as we navigate such extraordinary & unfamiliar times Your health and safety & that of our elderly or immune compromised community remains my priority and as a result I made the decision last week to transition new & existing clients into remote sessions for the short term, where attendance occurs outside of my clinic ro...oms, via Zoom video conferencing or the telephone. Decisions about whether or not and where to meet with clients requires careful reasoning and informed precautions and I am conscious that attending sessions via an online platform may be unfamiliar and take some adjustment I too feel this adjustment & already miss the comfortability & tangability of being with you in person. Remaining flexible and using resources available to us in these moments seems appropriate If youve been considering psychotherapy and are located outside of Melbourne perhaps these options might now be more suited to you As has always been the case I continue to offer 15 min introduction calls for those that would like to discuss their needs in more detail. Please reach out via the links above We are all in this together. Be well xx

14.01.2022 Yes our brains are attempting to process this current pandemic experience through our dream state. In my dreams its coming out in all sorts of symbols, odd messages and sometimes distressing images. Ive also dreamt alot about people who have passed away that Ive not thought of for many years! Read on ... https://www.latimes.com//20/coronavirus-quarantine-dreams

12.01.2022 If your Interested in learning more about crystals in an intimate and experiential setting join myself & Victoria Fox MISS FOX Melbourne - Day Spa, Salon & Clinic next week xB https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-introduction-to-crystals

11.01.2022 This might be new to some but we frequently don't *choose* our behaviours rather we simply *act* them out Reflexive responses are common, we are human, we act without thinking right better still we are not taught or encouraged to look at many of the unconscious processes that drive us and our behaviours Finding the *space* between the *stimulus* and the *response* is the key ... Often we fail to realise space between the two actually exists!! I call it middle space, it's not tangible but it is intrinsic & is often a light bulb moment when you experience it Finding middle space is often achieved by *sitting with* ourselves; in discomfort, annoyance, grief, excitement (ie therapy lol) long enough to interrupt the reflexive response, another little beauty we are seldom taught. Sounds great in theory but it can be difficult to practice given stimulus carries with it powerful emotion(s) that propel us to act; yet it's something we can all develop with patience The reward; the power to *choose* how we wish to respond, how the argument, decision or behaviour is going to unfold This is true freedom & growth #therapy #psychotherapy #change #behaviour #melbournepsychotherapy #support #wellness

11.01.2022 Asking the proper question is the central action of transformation - in fairy tales, in analysis, and in individuation. The key question causes germination of consciousness. The properly shaped question always emanates from an essential curiosity about what stands behind. Questions are the keys that cause the secret doors of the psyche to swing open. Clarissa Pinkola Ests, Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype . #psychotherapy #relationalpsychotherapy #psychotherapymelbourne #therapy #melbournetherapy #counselling #wellbeing #brookecefai #holistichealth #spirtual #curiosity #southmelbourne

10.01.2022 New practice location near the beach Youll find me @ South Melbourne: Tues, Wed & Thur Torquay: Friday

10.01.2022 As a resident of both Torquay & the inner city of Melbourne Im often reminded how lucky the inner city is to have access to a number of progressive and innovative mental health services, practitioners & therapists I hear alot about the dearth of counselling therapists in the Torquay/Surfcoast vicinity and how hard it is for those that do practice here who are full or have extensive wait lists and have to turn clients away As a result Ive decided to extend practice days t...o include Fridays in Torquay Appointments are currently available in approx two weeks! Please PM or email if you wish to know more #torquay #geelong #psychotherapy #counselling

09.01.2022 This is a well-written article that Ive thought long and hard about lately and struggled to find the words to express my own concerns... Thankfully Laura has so eloquently said it for me Having been in this industry for over twenty something years now Ive seen lots of spiritual teachings/practices & healers/witches/self-proclaimed gurus come & go, but this one is an issue and I think it important we shine a light a little closer on it xx B https://lauramatsue.com//the-new-deception-the-sexy-spiri/

08.01.2022 Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see, it is just a tiny spark that whispers ever so softly: you got this, keep going Reminder: Small sparks, small steps, small beginnings

08.01.2022 Message from the Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers "As you move through these changing times... be easy on yourself and be easy on one another. You are at the beginning of something new. You are learning a new way of being. You will find that you are working less in the yang modes that you are used to. You will stop working so hard at getting from point A to point B the way you have in the past, but instead, will spend more time experiencing yourself in the whole, and yo...ur place in it. Instead of traveling to a goal out there, you will voyage deeper into yourself. Your mothers grandmother knew how to do this. Your ancestors from long ago knew how to do this. They knew the power of the feminine principle... and because you carry their DNA in your body, this wisdom and this way of being is within you. Call on it. Call it up. Invite your ancestors in. As the yang based habits and the decaying institutions on our planet begin to crumble, look up. A breeze is stirring. Feel the sun on your wings." @grandmotherswisdom rag & bone http://www.grandmotherscouncil.org

05.01.2022 A great article about many womens often unspoken experience of holding both joy and sorrow on Mothers Day Grotti Lotti Art http://gretchenschmelzer.com//helping-women-hold-both-joy-

05.01.2022 Vulnerability can be a prickly subject.... I find myself reflecting on a quote I heard some time ago by Brene Brown The difficult thing is that vulnerability is the first thing I look for in you and the last thing Im willing to show you. In you, its courage and daring. In me, its weakness.... Shame has a huge role to play in why we dont bring vulnerability closer or acknowledge it in ourselves. Vulnerability is not knowing victory or defeat, its understanding the necessity of both; its engaging. Its being all in. I think the first thing we have to do is figure out whats keeping us out of the arena. Whats the fear? Where and why do we want to be braver? Then we have to figure out how were currently protecting ourselves from vulnerability. What is our armor This work is a process, theres nothing linear about it! We take four steps into vulnerability one day and five steps out of it the next, it can be shitty, confronting and there will be times we avoid it completely, but the shifts do occur as we engage curiosity & remain open to what might reveal itself. Please reach out if you feel therapy is something you need or have ever considered @brookecefai #psychotherapy #southmelbourne #counselling #therapy #melbournepsychotherapy #talking

03.01.2022 This article sums up the sentiment here in Melbs at present!! Be well everyone https://www.theguardian.com//im-all-for-the-melbourne-lock

02.01.2022 Managing Stress During COVID-19

02.01.2022 Kindness is said to be an inherent human quality, i.e its something we are born with VS something we learn. Yet, in times of increased stress (like a world wide pandemic) the embodiment of kindness can be so much harder to adopt! *images of people having punch-ups over toilet paper are coming to mind * My kindness mantra serves two purposes: It reminds me of the importance for self-compassion, a vital physiological, emotional and mental state that enables acts of kindnes...s! To be gentle & kind with myself firstly & accept the bad mood, frustration and multitude of other feelings I might be experiencing. It also allows me a moment to reflect rather than react. Usually by this point the moment has passed and the annoyance has dissipated AND That kindness is not only inherent but a choice that I actively need to make! When people or situations are driving me bonkers the mantra kicks me back into line & reminds me that I have the power to respond in kind rather than in anger or spite. The pay off.... a greater strength and comfort often comes from taking this stance Whats your mantra?

02.01.2022 This might be new to some but we frequently dont *choose* our behaviours rather we simply *act* them out Reflexive responses are common, we are human, we act without thinking right better still we are not taught or encouraged to look at many of the unconscious processes that drive us and our behaviours Finding the *space* between the *stimulus* and the *response* is the key ... Often we fail to realise space between the two actually exists!! I call it middle space, its not tangible but it is intrinsic & is often a light bulb moment when you experience it Finding middle space is often achieved by *sitting with* ourselves; in discomfort, annoyance, grief, excitement (ie therapy lol) long enough to interrupt the reflexive response, another little beauty we are seldom taught. Sounds great in theory but it can be difficult to practice given stimulus carries with it powerful emotion(s) that propel us to act; yet its something we can all develop with patience The reward; the power to *choose* how we wish to respond, how the argument, decision or behaviour is going to unfold This is true freedom & growth #therapy #psychotherapy #change #behaviour #melbournepsychotherapy #support #wellness

01.01.2022 NEW CLINIC LOCATION . From Thursday December 3 I will be practicing in South Melbourne from a new clinic The Ethos Centre . The Ethos Centre is located a short distance from South Melbourne Markets in a beautifully renovated terrace house at 153 Cecil Street South Melbourne... . Session bookings remain the same & can be made directly through my website www.brookecefai.com/bookings or by contacting me via email . I’m beyond excited to be working alongside a wonderful team of Psychologists & Allied Health professionals . @theethoscentre @ethospsychology . . #psychotherapy #newclinic #psychotherapymelbourne #counselling #therapy #alliedhealth #southmelbourne See more