Psychology services
Psychology, by its original meaning is the study of the soul, a term coined in ancient Greek times – “psuke” meaning soul or breath and “logos” of course meaning logic or reason. This sense of psychology being related to and considering of our deeper inner nature provides the foundation for great insights into our thoughts, behaviours and emotions.
Psychological well-being encompasses all aspects of life including, work, relationships, health, physical movement, nutrition, community and a connection with our deeper inner nature, the soul. These factors of our well-being are considered important aspects of psychological assessment and intervention offered by this service, which takes a holistic perspective on life, otherwise referred to as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach. Psychological well-being is founded on the principles of self-care and self responsibility. Counselling (talk therapy) in all its forms, provides the potential for healing of psychological distress.
Marianna provides focused psychological strategies within the context of a humanistic, Rogerian approach or a person centred approach. This approach was developed in the 1960's by people such as Carl Rogers and Albert Ellis. According to Rogers, each person has within them the inherent ability to know and understand themselves and to grow and develop. Providing an accepting, non-judgemental, genuine and supportive environment within the therapeutic relationship is said to facilitate this growth.
Marianna provides focused psychological strategies within the context of a humanistic, Rogerian approach or a person centred approach. This approach was developed in the 1960's by people such as Carl Rogers and Albert Ellis. According to Rogers, each person has within them the inherent ability to know and understand themselves and to grow and develop. Providing an accepting, non-judgemental, genuine and supportive environment within the therapeutic relationship is said to facilitate this growth.
Psycho-therapeutic services include:
Inter-Personal Therapy (IPT) – IPT involves talking about and exploring your innermost thoughts, beliefs and feelings about a range of life issues. IPT allows you to address those personal and often very private concerns through non-judgemental and supportive discussion. IPT addresses interpersonal relationships, strains and difficulties and can support people going through transitions in their life, such as:
- Retirement
- Children leaving home
- Young adults leaving high school/university
- Grief and loss issues
- Depression
- Stress and anxiety
Cognitve Behaviour Therapy (CBT) - is a broad term covering a range of psychological interventions including assessing how we behave and how we think. CBT is a more structured approach to psychological therapies, and will involve looking at specific behaviours that you would like to change. Specific interventions may include:
- Behavioural interventions and modification strategies
- Activity scheduling
- Cognitive interventions and therapy
- Stress management and relaxation exercises
- Social skills training
- Parent training and
- Anger management
Child, adolescent and family services
Marianna provides psychological services to children from five years of age, as well as addressing family and parenting issues. Young adults also benefit from the supportive and understanding services that Marianna provides. She has delivered early intervention programs to groups of children within schools and also offers a one on one service. Psychological services can benefit children, adolescents and families who are experiencing:
Psychological intervention strategies are utilised in a child friendly and youth acceptable manner, including a range of educational resources and “play” activities designed to facilitate awareness and a deeper connection within.
Family therapy – These days, families are under a lot of pressure. Family therapy addresses the interpersonal relationships, dynamics and communication styles that can appear in families, sometimes in dysfunctional ways that can create stress and disharmony within the household. Family therapy is used to address these pressures and can support with communication issues to facilitate more open discussion and change the way people relate with each other, building more loving, open and trusting relationships.
- Anxiety/stress/depression
- Social skill issues
- Behavioural issues
- Anger and emotional regulation issues
- Sleep issues
- Self harming
- Learning difficulties and other disorders
Psychological intervention strategies are utilised in a child friendly and youth acceptable manner, including a range of educational resources and “play” activities designed to facilitate awareness and a deeper connection within.
Family therapy – These days, families are under a lot of pressure. Family therapy addresses the interpersonal relationships, dynamics and communication styles that can appear in families, sometimes in dysfunctional ways that can create stress and disharmony within the household. Family therapy is used to address these pressures and can support with communication issues to facilitate more open discussion and change the way people relate with each other, building more loving, open and trusting relationships.
Psycho-education and motivational interviewing
Psycho-education focuses on sharing information, research and experience about what affects mental health and well-being. It is an open discussion conducted in a supportive, person-centred way. The aim of psycho-education is to support the person to have a greater understanding of their condition. Providing people with information has the effects of increased understanding of a situation and reduced stress and worry. Psycho-education can make diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options clearer and support in the decision make process of what is best for you.
“…the rationale behind a psycho-educational approach is that, given a clear understanding of their condition and self-knowledge about their individual strengths, family resources and coping skills, clients are more relaxed and better equipped to deal with their problem(s), which contributes to their emotional wellbeing (Reyes, 2010). The core message is simply that education has a role in emotional and behavioural change. With an improved understanding of the cause and effect of the problem, psycho-education can broaden a client’s perception and interpretation of the problem; the additional insight positively influences the person’s emotions and behaviour. More positive emotions and behaviour, in turn, lead to an enhanced sense of self-efficacy. More solid self-efficacy leads to better self-control: important for many with serious illness at either physical or psychological levels, as clients often feel helpless and out of control (Reyes, 2010).
Motivational interviewing developed from Prochaska and DiClements “Stages of Change” theory, which describes a model to understand people’s willingness and readiness for change. Motivational interviewing addresses the conflicting emotions and thoughts that we often experience when trying to change and can support people that might be feeling “stuck”. Motivational interviewing is often utilised to support people to;
Prochaska J, DiClemente C. Towards a comprehensive model of change. In: Miller WR, Heather N, editors. Treating addictive behaviours: processes of change. New York: Pergamon, 1986
“…the rationale behind a psycho-educational approach is that, given a clear understanding of their condition and self-knowledge about their individual strengths, family resources and coping skills, clients are more relaxed and better equipped to deal with their problem(s), which contributes to their emotional wellbeing (Reyes, 2010). The core message is simply that education has a role in emotional and behavioural change. With an improved understanding of the cause and effect of the problem, psycho-education can broaden a client’s perception and interpretation of the problem; the additional insight positively influences the person’s emotions and behaviour. More positive emotions and behaviour, in turn, lead to an enhanced sense of self-efficacy. More solid self-efficacy leads to better self-control: important for many with serious illness at either physical or psychological levels, as clients often feel helpless and out of control (Reyes, 2010).
Motivational interviewing developed from Prochaska and DiClements “Stages of Change” theory, which describes a model to understand people’s willingness and readiness for change. Motivational interviewing addresses the conflicting emotions and thoughts that we often experience when trying to change and can support people that might be feeling “stuck”. Motivational interviewing is often utilised to support people to;
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Address drug and alcohol use
- Medication adherence
- Engagement in prevention or management programs for diabetes or cardiovascular health
- Management of substance abuse problems
- Management of problem gambling or sexual risk taking
- Pain management
- Stress management
Prochaska J, DiClemente C. Towards a comprehensive model of change. In: Miller WR, Heather N, editors. Treating addictive behaviours: processes of change. New York: Pergamon, 1986
