Karen Barrett | Doctor

Karen Barrett

Phone: +61 413 653 409

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25.01.2022 There are lots of posts out there at the moment giving us tips and strategies for getting through this crazy, difficult and scary time but this would have to be the best one I have read. Its practical and comprehensive - I definitely recommend taking the time to read through it. In the spirit of #keepingitreal and sharing, my current go to survival tips include:... - drinking lots of tea and eating lots of chocolate - reading a great book (currently The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel - its amazing how distracting the world of Henry viii is at a time like this! - listening to my girl and joining in her imaginative games - listening to piano music on Spotify - looking at hilarious memes on Twitter - watching Friends over and over - Ive rediscovered the magic that is season 5 - getting outside at least once a day - getting up early before everyone else in the house to have some time to myself - making lists, lots of lists! - anxiety cleaning - the house has never looked so good! How about you?? What is helping you get through the days at the moment??? https://www.facebook.com/1399781237/posts/10222143619445032/?d=n

25.01.2022 B O U N D A R I E S I know, I know - I go on about this topic a lot! But thats because it is SO important.... Setting boundaries can be challenging, confronting and uncomfortable - but so can not setting them... Which would you prefer?? I do a lot of work with my clients (and myself!) around setting boundaries that can protect energy, emotions, values, self-worth and sense of self. It often feels really uncomfortable to start setting boundaries that put ourselves and our needs first but if we dont do it for ourselves there isnt anyone else who will

25.01.2022 No one says it better than Lisa...

25.01.2022 B A C K T O W O R K Its back to the office for me today. In the midst of our country burning and our supposed leader failing to meet the mark in every possible way I am actually looking forward to seeing my clients and feeling helpful and purposeful. Image credit: @paxandhart

24.01.2022 This quote has been playing through my mind a bit over the past week. Ive been doing quite a few supervision appointments lately (which I love, love, love doing!) and I have been talking a lot about strategies, models of practice, theories etc... All hugely important things in all social work/counselling work. But none of these higher level things mean a hell of a lot unless you are able to build a connection and a rapport with the person sitting opposite you. Always start with that connection - if you dont get that right it really doesnt matter what else you know or what else you are doing

24.01.2022 The Unknown Is anyone else struggling with not knowing what the hell is coming next at the moment??? I sure am! I am definitely a planner, scheduler, organizer type of person - I like to have a plan to follow, I love a good list and I REALLY struggle with the unknown. So, I am really having to implement ALL of my keep calm and carry on strategies right now. Things like:... - getting outside to breathe fresh air and see the sky - drinking cups of tea S L O W L Y - dropping my shoulders and taking 5 deep, slow breaths at regular intervals - practicing moments of mindfulness ( believe me - I completely suck at this but Im trying!) such as listing 5 things I can see, hear, smell and touch - painting, colouring and drawing with my girl - telling myself that I am safe and secure right here and now - telling myself I can only do what I can do - I am NOT super woman (and nor would I want to be) - talking with my super supportive and patient partner about how I am feeling - and being REALLY honest! - cuddles with my girl How about you? What strategies are you using to get through this time of unknown and find some peace?? Art work credit: Morgan Harper Nichols

24.01.2022 Some helpful tips for your Monday from @thebraincoach I dont know about you but this time of year rolls around and I start to feel a little panicky - so much to do and it feels like the time to do it in is running out fast! Take the time to breathe, eat, run, swim, walk, read, listen, watch - whatever it is for you that helps you stay in the here and now

21.01.2022 Hello! Here is my Monday reminder - just breathe! Take each moment as it comes and try not to get ahead of yourself. ... Ill be following my own advice today!

20.01.2022 Anxiety is a completely normal feeling and response to what we are going through as individuals, families and communities right now. If you are feeling anxious you are having a very normal response to an extremely abnormal situation. Be kind to yourself xx... Image credit Journey to Wellness #anxiety #covid19 #mentalhealth #selfcare

19.01.2022 R U OK DAY I am sharing some amazing art work by a young person passionate about mental health and mental health promotion in advance of R U OK Day tomorrow. Please feel free to share the poster with others and email the address below to let the young person know what you think about their incredible work :) #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #ruokday2020... ..................................................................................................................................... A young person who has a passion for helping people has hand made these amazing R U OK Day posters and shared them with EIA Newcastle. If any willing participants could take photos of the posters or send in any comments and feedback to the below email, we would appreciate it. We hope to show this young person how far her message has gone and how she has helped raise awareness of mental health. Email: [email protected]

18.01.2022 NEW GRAD SUPERVISION OFFER I still remember that time (quite a while ago now...) when my uni studies were coming to an end and I was getting ready to launch myself into the social work field as a newly minted professional - it was exciting but also pretty bloody scary! Thats why I have put together a supervision package for new grad (in the last 2 years) social workers to help support and guide them through the process of going from student to professional.... The package consists of 3 x 1 hour sessions and will cover areas such as resume development, job applications, interview preparation, career planning, professional identity and self-care strategies The sessions can be held face-to-face in my office in Kotara or over Skype/Zoom. Total cost for the package is $240 ($80 per session). If you are about to graduate as a social worker please dont hesitate to get in touch and ask me more about how I can help you as you enter the social work world - I would love to hear from you!

18.01.2022 #workingfromhome #keepingitreal What you cant see behind me is a spare bed covered in books, magazines, cardboard boxes, a netball, cushions, toys and a video game steering wheel attachment! Hopefully moving back to my beautiful office space very soon ... #mentalhealth#socialworker #counselling

18.01.2022 Awkward, Brave & Kind... I dont know about you but I am trying to be kind and I guess I am also trying to be brave in my own way - but I know I am DEFINITELY feeling awkward! I am not normally an anxious person but this health, economic and social crisis has really pushed me in the last few days.... I am definitely feeling anxious (Im a mental health professional so I have self diagnosed ). Im alert to changes in our community, I am feeling uncertain about how I am going to keep providing a supportive and therapeutic service to all of my wonderful clients while I am stuck behind a computer screen. I am worried for some of my most vulnerable clients who will now be forced to stay and "shelter" in situations of abuse and violence. I am worried about my gorgeous, funny little girl being distanced from her amazing teacher and school community and her friends who she is deeply connected with. I am worried for my parents and other family members whose health could be significantly at risk as this virus moves through our community. I am worried about my friends and colleagues working on the front lines of our health service and I am angry that our powers that be and the systems that we rely on are not doing more to protect them. I am worried for friends trying to save their businesses and jobs in a time of maximum uncertainty. SO MUCH WORRY!! I dont share all of these worries to "bring you down with me" but rather, to show you that we really all are in this together. I consider myself a strong, capable woman - but Im human too! It really is ok to feel as though the walls are caving in at the moment. I really dont know what is at the end of all this - I dont think anyone truly does - but while we are all going through it I promise to try and be brave and kind - to, and for others as well as myself and I will DEFINITELY promise to be awkward!! #mentalhealth #selfcare #covid19 #healthprofessional #counselling #socialwork

17.01.2022 As Nicole states - mental health support is available for all people needing it through a Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP. Nicole and I currently providing all our services online or via phone

16.01.2022 Hooray for Fri-yay!! I’m not sure about you but I really have the sense that I am just scraping by at the moment - things feel really hard, tough, draining, monotonous - in short, not much fun! Wherever we are we are feeling the impact of a pandemic that just won’t quit, and looks like being around for a lot longer yet. Coping and survival strategies that might have worked well for us in the past just aren’t cutting it at the moment. We’re in uncharted territory.... I hate uncharted territory! I love control, routine, structure and predictability - things that COVID likes to stick its middle finger up to! So in response to that all I can really do is take things one day - even one moment - at a time. It sounds simple but I understand just how hard it can be - to live each day not necessarily having a plan for the next one. I am finding myself saying to my clients be kind to yourself quite a lot lately - don’t push if you don’t have to, be gentle, just breathe, laugh whenever and wherever you can... Simple things to take back some of our control. One step at a time.

15.01.2022 TRAUMA INFORMED CARE New clients and referrers will often ask me How do you work with people? or What angle do you come from? As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker my angle is being person centered and I always work from a trauma informed perspective - or to put it another way, I always see, listen and respond to the individual in front of me, taking into account their needs, experiences and goals. I take time to build a working relationship with each client.... Being trauma informed means always listening to how past experiences have led to a client sitting in front of me and respecting those experiences when it comes to my work with that person. Being trauma informed means being non-judgemental, empathic and respecting that the client is always the expert - not me.

15.01.2022 This is true for counsellors and therapists as well as friends and family. Sometimes we just need someone to sit with us, be with us and acknowledge that what we are going through or experiencing is shit. ... We dont always need a fixer.

13.01.2022 And its Monday - again!! Mondays are my long day at work - I start at 9.30 and finish at 5.30. Its my long day in that its the only day I offer appointments past 1.30pm and my girl goes to OOSH after school. I could easily fill afternoon appointments every day of the the week - and last year I was pretty much doing that - but it was not sustainable for me, or my family. I was burnt out, my daughter was missing out on time with a present, happy mum, my partner copped ...a lot of my frustrations and my clients were not getting the best of me. One of the reasons I wanted to start my own practice was so that I could be flexible with my time - I wanted to work the hours I wanted to work so that I was the best clinician for my clients and I had time and space to be the mum I wanted to be. So last year when I felt that balance tipping I knew I had to do something about it. Enter 2020 and a very different mindset and work schedule! I now have a virtual practice manager on board organizing my diary and admin (best decision EVER!), I have cut back to one long day a week and I make sure I schedule time every month for me time - something that I always encourage my clients to do but wasnt actually doing for myself . Im hoping its a win/win situation for everyone! #mentalhealth #selfcare #counselling #socialworker #keepingitreal #parenting #balance

12.01.2022 Yay for Friday! As I listen to beautiful rain softly falling Im thinking of other things that can help me ease into the weekend on a positive note. I hope that the weekend includes some caring for yourself - however that may look!

12.01.2022 Thank god for air conditioning!!! Its hot outside but lovely and cool in my office where Im about to start my day seeing some of my wonderful, hard working, resilient clients Did you know that I work with children, young people and adults? When clients come into my office for the first time they are often surprised by the the amount of space I have as well as my collection of art supplies, games, puzzles and resources that I use with my younger clients (and my young at he...art ). Coming up soon - a tour of my office and the fun things I use in my therapy work... #staytuned #counselling #mentalhealth #socialwork

12.01.2022 Sometimes its the little things... I dont know how your Monday morning went but mine could have been a little easier. A 7 year old who was not happy about having to go back to school (hey - I completely understood - holidays are awesome!!) meant things were a little chaotic and I had no choice but to slow down and try to work things through when my inner self was screaming you are going to be late!!!! Thank god for supportive grandparents who are going to do school pi...ck up to ease the transition back to reality. But then, a moment of sunshine - a late client cancellation meant a quick trip to the shops for a coffee could be arranged and look what I found - MY FAVORITE CHOCOLATE!!!! Ever since I left my government position I have missed those charity chocolate drives SO much because they seem to be the only time I can find my precious strawberry freddos! Needless to say I stocked up... So I guess my message is - sometimes its the little things that can help us through the tough days. Will chocolate freddos fix major issues? Probably not - but they sure did put a smile on my face today! #socialworker #privatepractice #mentalhealth #selfcare #thelittlethings

11.01.2022 POST FOR CURRENT CLIENTS To my Valued Clients, These are definitely some strange times we find ourselves in at the moment. I know that all of you are trying to work out your new normal at the moment and I am right beside you trying to work it all out myself!... I want to do my very best to continue to provide all of you with the most supportive, therapeutic and helpful service while at the same time taking steps to keep everyone healthy and safe. This is why I have made the decision to move all of my counselling and supervision sessions to either online or phone services from today, and for the foreseeable future. I completely understand that this may feel uncomfortable for many of you. I will do my best to support all of you in these new processes and I am available to answer any questions and respond to any concerns you may have. I would much prefer to see you all face-to-face in my office but I feel that this is the safest and most sensible decision for all of us at this time. So, moving forward you will now have three choices when it comes to your session: 1. Video/online session with Zoom If you would like your appointment to be a video session please respond with video to your appointment reminder text. If you choose this option you will receive a link via text or email for your session time that you will need to click on at the time of your appointment. You will be able to use your computer or you can also use your phone by downloading the free Zoom app from your app store. We will be able to have our session over video chat. The session will NOT be recorded. Zoom is completely free to use. You can read more information about getting started with Zoom here: https://support.zoom.us//categor/200101697-Getting-Started 2. Phone session If you would like your session to be over the phone please just respond to your appointment reminder text with phone and I will call you on your preferred number at the time of our appointment. 3. Reschedule If you would like to reschedule your appointment please just respond reschedule to your appointment reminder text and my Practice Manager, Sally, will be in touch with you to make another appointment as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact Sally or myself on 0476 756 562 or email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about your appointments. We are here to help you through this really difficult time. Best wishes, Karen

11.01.2022 A really interesting article for those of us who are used to being productive, focused and ‘in control’ but who are struggling in the midst of ‘unprecedented’ times... https://elemental.medium.com/your-surge-capacity-is-deplete

11.01.2022 For those of us with kids who have been on school holidays since 1992!! My daughter is back to school tomorrow and I have to admit - I CANNOT WAIT!! I think she is slightly less excited than me... I have loved being able to spend some quality time with her over these holidays, and I am so grateful that being a business owner means I have some flexibility about when I work, but Im ready for some sort of routine and structure to our days and weeks again now. Maybe check i...n with me in a couple of weeks and see if Im still thinking the same way! Who else is ready for school holidays to end?? #backtoschool #holidays #routine

11.01.2022 G R O U N D I N G Today I have been putting together some resources for clients around grounding techniques - things that can help us stay in the present moment when memories, emotions or thoughts are trying to take us to uncomfortable, unsafe or overwhelming places. Grounding and staying in the moment takes lots of practice (for some of us it takes more practice than for others ) but it is important to find grounding strategies that work for us - and that can work for us in... different places and situations. Let me know if you would like me to share more of the grounding strategies I use - not only with my clients (children, young people and adults) but also for myself

10.01.2022 Dont be Scared, be Prepared To my valued clients, In the wake of community concerns around the Covid-19 virus I want you to know that I am following Department of Health guidelines around hygiene and encourage you to do the same: ... * Cough into your elbow * Throw away soiled tissues * Wash hands for a minimum 20 seconds regularly, or use hand sanitiser often * Stay home if you are unwell I encourage you to please reschedule your appointment with me at the first sign of feeling unwell. Some clients may be eligible for phone/video sessions so please ask if you would like to take up this option. Meanwhile, please stay as healthy as you can and dont neglect your mental health. Best wishes Karen #mentalhealth #covid19 #beprepared #wellbeing

09.01.2022 I dont know about you but sometimes I need to be reminded that there are actually quite a few things in my life that I do have control over... Photo credit: @blessthemessy

09.01.2022 F U L L Y B O O K E D I just want to let all of my lovely followers know that I am currently fully booked and not able to take on any more counselling clients at this time. This will be a decision that I will review in December. Closing my books has been a hard decision for me to take - I always want to be available to those who need my services - but at the same time I need to preserve my energy for the wonderful clients I have to ensure that they are getting the best poss...ible service from me at all times. Any clients I have had contact with in the past are always welcome to get in touch at any time. I still have some spaces available for supervision clients so if you are a social worker, health and welfare professional or other allied health worker in need of supportive, empowering supervision please get in touch :)

07.01.2022 We really can - we may not want to, and it might be really bloody hard and painful - but we can.

07.01.2022 Can anyone else relate to this one?? Sometimes we are aware that we are stuck in this cycle but we might not be completely sure why - why does this pattern keep repeating no matter what we try and do to stop it?? Reflecting on your feelings and thoughts relating to boundary setting and the messages you have been given about what boundary setting means about you as a person can be the first step in putting a kink in the cycle.... Helping people reflect on boundary setting is one of the favourite parts of my job - I love helping my clients work through this process. Please call 0413 653 409 or email [email protected] if you would like to make an appointment to discuss this, or any other issue that might be impacting on your mental health right now

06.01.2022 MOVING BACK TO ONLINE It has been a tough decision to make but I have decided to move all of my counselling and supervision appointments back to online for the time being . I know many of my clients find it difficult to connect with me as well over the phone and the online space - and believe me, I completely and totally understand the struggles. I would much prefer to be seeing everyone in my lovely office space - but for now I think this is the safest way forward for all ...of us. As always I will be doing my best to make you all feel as comfortable as possible as we take it one day at time and see what the next few days and weeks bring. Please dont hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions. I will be contacting each of my clients personally over the next few days to go over options for your upcoming appointments. #mentalhealth #counselling #socialwork #clinicalsupervision

05.01.2022 #workingfromhome #keepingitreal What you can’t see behind me is a spare bed covered in books, magazines, cardboard boxes, a netball, cushions, toys and a video game steering wheel attachment! Hopefully moving back to my beautiful office space very soon ... #mentalhealth#socialworker #counselling

05.01.2022 Some important, supportive and practical tips from Sarah as we face another horrific fire season...

05.01.2022 Keeping it real for a Monday! I love a good inspirational quote as much as the next counsellor but I have to admit I sometimes get really sick and tired of some of the bullshit they can stir up. Yes, it is important to try and cultivate a positive mindset and attitude in our lives.... Yes, it is important to be grateful for the good people, opportunities and experiences in our lives. Yes, it is very important to have encouraging words and thoughts to help us through difficult times and situations. BUT (you knew there was going to be a but... ) The reality is that NOBODY is happy and positive all the time - and neither should they be. Some experiences are painful and traumatic and do not have silver linings. Some days are tough and exhausting and are an effort to get through. Sometimes we feel blah for no understandable reason - and thats ok! If those days keep coming thick and fast and you feel there is no relief then yes, it might indicate there is something deeper and more serious going on and it is time to seek help and support. But, dont be afraid of the days that dont feel magical and inspiring - they are valuable and important days. Do what you need to get through and try sitting with feelings that are less than motivational - its ok to feel this way

04.01.2022 Hi There! Its been a while since Ive shown my face in this space so thought I would pop in to see how everyone is going as we steamroll our way to the end of the year? I was saying to my colleague Nicole the other day that it really feels like we should be at the end of November as opposed to the start - the level of tiredness is real and I can feel myself crawling towards a nonexistent finish line... Does anyone else feel this way?? #keepingitreal... Having said that though - I do love this time of year - celebrations, reflection, summer.... I will be taking a bit of a break over Xmas and New Year - finishing up on the 19th Dec and being back in the office on the 6th January 2020. I still have some appointments for both counselling and supervision for this year so please get in touch if you would like to book in before we get to the end of 2019

04.01.2022 C O R O N A A N X I E T Y For many of my clients who are already surviving with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues the current situation going on around us can add to symptoms and can create further fear, stress and uncertainty. Focusing on small things that we can control on these times is a good way to help reduce feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and powerlessness. Stay in touch with people who love and ground you. Limit news and social media use if you are f...inding it overly distressing and confusing. Keep enjoying the little things in your life that provide comfort - a cup of tea, chocolate, lighthearted TV shows, cuddles with pets, being in the garden, reading a great book, listening to music etc... Look after yourselves and each other #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #selfcare #covid19

04.01.2022 A really interesting article for those of us who are used to being productive, focused and in control but who are struggling in the midst of unprecedented times... https://elemental.medium.com/your-surge-capacity-is-deplete

03.01.2022 Thank you so much to the wonderful Katey from Blooms By Katey for the gorgeous flower wreath to add to my office space

02.01.2022 Hooray for Fri-yay!! Im not sure about you but I really have the sense that I am just scraping by at the moment - things feel really hard, tough, draining, monotonous - in short, not much fun! Wherever we are we are feeling the impact of a pandemic that just wont quit, and looks like being around for a lot longer yet. Coping and survival strategies that might have worked well for us in the past just arent cutting it at the moment. Were in uncharted territory.... I hate uncharted territory! I love control, routine, structure and predictability - things that COVID likes to stick its middle finger up to! So in response to that all I can really do is take things one day - even one moment - at a time. It sounds simple but I understand just how hard it can be - to live each day not necessarily having a plan for the next one. I am finding myself saying to my clients be kind to yourself quite a lot lately - dont push if you dont have to, be gentle, just breathe, laugh whenever and wherever you can... Simple things to take back some of our control. One step at a time.

02.01.2022 THE SILLY SEASON We are well and truly in it arent we??!!! Today is my last day at work for two weeks and I am mindful (no pun intended ) of just how crazy and stressful this time of year can be for so many of us - and also how lonely, traumatic and triggering it can be for others.... I have so much to be grateful for this year and I am looking forward to having some time off with my family and friends to relax and enjoy some much needed down time. But.... And theres always a but! I am also aware of just how quickly this time of year can spin out of control and make us feel rushed, stressed, inadequate and helpless. Its times like these when we need to take a deep breath - or maybe more than one! Remember to stop and stand still whenever you need to