Focus Counselling Services | Company
Focus Counselling Services
Phone: +61 3 9088 3385
Reviews
to load big map
25.01.2022 Psst! Guess what? We've just made it easier for you to book in to see us with our new online booking system: just click the 'Book Now' button on our Facebook page. But don't forget, you can also call us on 03 9088 3385 for a quick chat to see if our service is right for you or your kids. We look forward to hearing from you! Josette and Verity @ Focus.
25.01.2022 How are you? This is a closed question, try these alternatives to open up the conversation next time you ask your partner, children or loved ones how they are.
24.01.2022 Who loves a good podcast? We do! This one had me thinking about the role of childhood trauma in addiction. Dr Gabor Mate raises some really interesting points, although some can be quite controversial. We'd love to know what you think. And let us know what your favourite podcast is!
23.01.2022 While there's a heatwave on the other side of the globe, here in Melbourne we're suffering through a typical Melbourne winter. The days are short, the sun is hiding, and sometimes we just want to hide away under the doona until Spring appears. For some people, the feelings of sadness and emptiness can feel more intense than your typical "winter blues". If this is you, you're not alone. It's a thing- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and help is available.
21.01.2022 How often does our past impact on our present? More than we think!
21.01.2022 Tackling issues in our children can be difficult and can sometimes even escalate a problem. This is a great read for parents who would like to learn about child brain development and behaviour. I have recommended this book to many of my clients. Click here to read a review of The Whole Brain Child. http://www.childhoodtrauma.org.au//the-whole-brained-child
21.01.2022 For anyone working with teens, or living with them!
21.01.2022 "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." We love this quote so much we wrote a blog post about it.
20.01.2022 Is it normal to not feel any emotion at all? When we think of depression, it's easy to mistakenly associate it with profound sadnessbut if you've ever been depressed, you'll know all too well the sense of emotional numbness that comes with this mental state.
20.01.2022 We don't think these are embarrassing questions at all, in fact they are all great questions, with excellent answers!
19.01.2022 The next time you're faced with debilitating self doubt, read this letter. Wise words!
18.01.2022 Never stop learning- we love adding new skills to our practice! In the past couple of months, we've both had the privilege of participating in some wonderful training. We attended a fascinating workshop at Deakin Uni about adult attachment styles. We also both completed our Certificates in Supervision over a 3 day intensive workshop. And finally, I have recently completed training in the controversially-named "No Bullsh!t Therapy" through The Bouverie Centre! This honesty-bas...ed approach to counselling really made sense to me. Whether it be a workshop or a good book, we love to learn new things! Verity @ Focus
16.01.2022 Feeling a bit out of your depth? Starting to rely on unhelpful habits to get by? Talking to a counsellor can help turn things around. Call us on 9088 3385 for a chat to see if we can assist.
16.01.2022 We are thrilled to announce that we are now registered to provide therapeutic supports within the NDIS to people affected by a disability and their carers.
15.01.2022 Happy Mothers Day! Today can be a joyous occasion for many but it can also be incredibly painful for others. If you are in the latter group- we see you and we acknowledge you. Be kind to yourself today
15.01.2022 This is an excellent example of the bottom up approach we advocate when working with children affected by trauma.
15.01.2022 Our first blog post for 2018! Josette talks us through "flipping our lids" and how we can help our kids understand the way different parts of their brains work together to help them manage big feelings.
14.01.2022 If you've visited us in our counselling space, you may have noticed a little "shrine" dedicated to the wonderful Irvin D. Yalom. To say we are fans of his work would be an understatement! His writings about the death anxiety that we all face become even more resonant now that he faces the prospect of his own death.
13.01.2022 A fun reimagining of the Window of Tolerance. Come meet Panda as he learns to navigate the River of Life!
13.01.2022 A very interesting read about self care through a trauma-informed practice lens.
13.01.2022 And suddenly it's nearly March! Where does the time go? If you're anything like us, you're already caught up in all the stress and chaos of day-to-day life. Don't forget that self-care is essential to weather a busy existence. ... Think of it as you would an oxygen mask on a plane. If you don't attend to your needs first then you won't be very efficient in attending to your children /business/ partner/ family/ relationships/ work. What self-care strategies work for you?
12.01.2022 The Science of Emotions. This is a fantastic read for parents. An easy to understand article about the architecture of a childs brain and how to promote emotional intelligence.
11.01.2022 We're all so busy in these times of 24/7 connectivity. Why do we feel guilty when we simply stop and do nothing?
09.01.2022 Can't make it to our room in the Inner West? No problem! We also see clients remotely via Zoom, a safer alternative to Skype, for online counselling sessions.
08.01.2022 Happy New Year from Focus Counselling Services! We are back and reinvigorated after a short break. We are looking forward to a year of new opportunities, challenges and growth. We'd love you to be part of it! If you, or anyone in your life, is ready to CHANGE, GROW and THRIVE, give us a call on 9088 3385.
08.01.2022 This is an excellent example of the ‘bottom up’ approach we advocate when working with children affected by trauma.
07.01.2022 Gambling addiction has far-reaching consequences for the individual, their loved ones and the broader community. Taking the first step to get help is a big, brave move.
06.01.2022 This is a wonderful article that challenges many of the excuses people use to avoid seeking professional help for their mental health.
05.01.2022 We love this! "The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."
04.01.2022 RESOURCES FOR PARENTS: Excellent visual to support kids in understanding how their brain works and what happens when they have 'big feelings'.
04.01.2022 This month we're focusing on self care. This one is for our fellow 'helpers'.
04.01.2022 What an interesting concept! A novel alternative to traditional mediation.
03.01.2022 Sometimes even counsellors don't feel like going to counselling!
03.01.2022 What's this doing here? Any guesses as to what Focus Counselling Services is up to now?
02.01.2022 We're live! Episode 4 of the wonderful Inside Social Work Podcast is available now. Hosted by the very talented Marie Vakakis, this podcast is a must-listen for students or new grads in the social work field. Here, Josette and I discuss how we work with children and parents when the family unit breaks down.
02.01.2022 Many people I meet with who are participating in mediation for the first time are incredibly nervous. I've written an article to help take the mystery and anxiety out of the unknown. Please share if you feel it might be helpful to others!
01.01.2022 The world may be slowly shutting down, but we are still here at Focus. We have now transitioned to providing appointments via Zoom. These are unprecedented, uncertain times, so if your mental health needs a boost, get in touch. Take care of yourselves, and each other. Warmly, Josette and Verity
01.01.2022 If you're wondering where to find us, check out this fantastic quick clip of our home, Kindred Studios. We love this vibrant space and our peaceful room nestled within it!
