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Newsletter #5

Welcome to this week’s Newsletter!

Blog: A Guide To Dissociation

DomesticViolenceSupportGroup

 

Dissociation is a mental process that causes a lack of connection between a person’s thoughts, memory and self-identity. It is sometimes the way the mind deals with trauma or stress and it can be thought of as literally feeling disconnected from yourself or the world around you.
Dissociation is often rooted in grief or trauma and it is very important to spend time dealing with these experiences if this is the case. Dealing with the events of the past while connecting with the present can reduce dissociation. Creating a safe environment, regaining control and using mindfulness techniques can also be highly helpful. Counselling or psychotherapy will help with treatment, both of the dissociation and any underlying psychological causes.

17th Deafblind International Conference Australia 2019

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My friend and college Dr Yee and I will be participating in the Deafblind International Conference activities which will be held at the Gold Cost. Dr Yee has Usher’s Syndrome (a form of Deafblindness) and has had a successful carer as a GP. She is now completing her PhD which focuses on improving the conditions of Deafblind people in hospital care settings. I will be supporting Dr Yee in October to contact interviews with Deafblind people in Melbourne.

If you are Deafblind and would like to be part of our research please email me on alana@thesignsoflife.com.au

 

Mental Health Youth Conference

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On October 14th I will be part of Mental Health Youth Conference panel. I will also be part of a “go to team” of crisis counsellors on the day who can provide support to any youth who need assistance. 

For more, please go to: https://mhfa.org.au/CMS/youth-mental-wellbeing-conference

 

I provide Acceptance and Commitment therapy. Have you ever heard of ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pronounced ‘act’) is a therapy aimed at dislodging the psychological suffering experienced as a result of human language. Language, whether it be talking, gesturing, imagining, or thinking, can lead us to criticizes or condemn ourselves or others; it can further lead us to judge, lie, manipulate, jump to the future, or relive unpleasant experiences from the past. ACT uses multiple techniques to support clients to live a life worth living (values), in the present moment (mindfulness).

Here are some helpful resources:

The Happiness Trap Online Program: www.TheHappinessTrap.com 
Free resources: www.actmindfully.com.au/free_resources
Live workshops: www.actmindfully.com.au
Online training:  www.ImLearningACT.com
Workplace health: www.psyflex.com.au 

 

Our emotions, the weather and life in general can be chaotic and unpredictable. If you ever feel that you cannot weather the storm please reach out to a friend, partner or myself. We are all in this together. 

I am currently in Bali and have experienced several earthquakes since arriving. My thoughts are with those impacted by the Lombok earthquakes. 

Take care of yourself.

Alana Roy