The need for more counselling services in Port Stephens has seen the Nelson Bay-based Yacaaba Centre double its staff numbers from two to four to keep up with the growing demand.
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What was once a dedicated women's refuge, the Donald Street community facility has expanded its services to cater for women, men, adolescents and families recovering from violence/abuse suffered due to mental illness, trauma, grief and loss, homelessness, depression or relationship breakdown/separation.
The centre now employs counsellors, with long-term employees Susan Ware and Gill Fletcher being joined in the past month - due to an increase in the number of referrals - by Louise Simpson and Ros Price, four days a week (Monday-Thursday).
The counsellors are trained in providing face-to-face, individual services and supporting individuals, couples and families, while maintaining an "open door policy" and vowing "not to turn anyone away".
In addition to the counselling support for abuse victims and mental health sufferers, there are also programs available to help with housing assistance, legal support, Workcover and therapy groups (off site).
The quartet who boast many years of professional experience in counselling say that both client numbers and the range of physical and mental abuse incidents are on the rise in Port Stephens.
"We see people from across the spectrum, many having a background in trauma, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment or mental health issues," said Ms Fletcher, a clinical counsellor and accredited mental health practitioner.
She supports people to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem, and believes that "we need to take a holistic view of our mental, physical and spiritual health to be the best we can be".
"There has also been a noticeable problem with poverty on the Tomaree peninsula and a marked increase in the number of children being diagnosed with conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression."
Ms Simpson arrived at the Yacaaba Centre a month ago, having previously worked as a counsellor with St Vincent de Paul and as a volunteer telephone crisis support counsellor with Lifeline.
"My experience in counselling clients takes in areas of domestic violence, suicide, relationships, grief and mental health, including complex trauma, depression and anxiety. Recently I have also worked with level three autistic youth," she said.
"Counselling can take many different forms and I have done further study in acceptance and commitment therapy which can be beneficial in my practice."
Ros Price, a registered clinical counsellor with the psychotherapy and counselling federation of Australia, comes to Yacaaba with more than 25 years' experience.
"At Yacaaba, I will be offering services to children, adolescents and families. I have training in creative and play based therapies, which can help youth express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts."
As a long-term member of the management team and volunteer, Sue Ware was employed to facilitate therapeutic groups in areas such as self esteem and assertiveness, bullying in schools, conflict resolution, managing children's behaviours, parenting and couples relationships.
"My client casework has been varied and extensive, with clients, both male and female, presenting with a complexity of issues."
Counsellors would never turn any away and their preference is for appointments.
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