Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon these days for people to feel directionless in their lives, hopeless in the face of complex issues in our society or even isolated in the supposed age of interconnectivity. Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney (H2HS) wants to fix this.
The local mental health service offers affordable counselling to guide people through difficult times in their lives in the form of individual or group sessions – including families and couples – at low or no cost. A range of highly qualified counsellors are readily available to provide coping strategies through life’s crises, such as depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide, or even to just assist people through a stressful period.
Olivia Saxon is one of the face-to-face Lifeline counsellors and has been with the organisation for over ten years. It was 15 years ago when Olivia was inspired to pursue her Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Since then, Olivia has helped countless clients with a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, bereavement, relationships, domestic violence, and trauma. She also works as a Group Facilitator and as Clinical Coordinator.
ITC sat down with Olivia to ask her why this service can help the North Shore community…
First off, asking for help can be a daunting task, especially for the first time. Any advice on how people should approach it?
If they can make that initial phone call, that’s the first step. The initial introductory call, from which a face-to-face or online appointment can be scheduled, is very gentle, helping clients feel supported and understood.
And it is far cheaper than your usual therapist?
Our service is very low-cost – $40 for a session. However, if the client is experiencing financial hardship, we can offer a concession rate that may include waiving the fee. Many people do not even know that our low-cost counselling service exists. All the counsellors are PACFA-accredited psychotherapists or intern psychologists.
What’s the process between calling up and asking for help and getting into counselling?
The first step is an introductory phone call, called an intake call, which lasts about 10 minutes. The intake number is 8287 1126. We start with some personal information, name, address, phone number, email, etc., then gently find out why they are seeking counselling and then offer options for potential support.
So, is there some variability when it comes to being designated a counsellor?
Once we understand the client’s needs and preferences, they are matched to the best-fit counsellor.
Speaking of variability, Lifeline H2HS is now offering its counselling services in Mandarin, right?
Yes, we do have a Mandarin-speaking counsellor available for clients who would prefer.
Lifeline offers both individual and group counselling. You’re a big advocate of the positive impacts of groups – why is that?
The group process enables participants to meet other people who are going through similar challenges. And what’s so beautiful about group work is that when participants start supporting and helping each other, they become like a family, and this allows them to feel safe and supported enough to share things that are difficult and painful. It’s always so amazing to see the changes that take place in the participants by the end of a group. Once a group program is complete, participants can join an ongoing group and continue to receive support.
But do you think a mix of both individual and group sessions is most effective?
We often recommend that group participants have personal counselling in addition to attending a group. This can provide a good balance of individual support alongside group sessions.
Every Lifeline counsellor has a different approach during their process. Can you tell me a little bit about the techniques you use to help others?
I use many different modalities, but I do like to encourage my clients to find some small things they can do to move forward and then help them pursue those goals. Individual counselling enables the client to be listened to without judgment and to be helped with coping strategies to make their life a little bit easier. Establishing this is where they are now, what’s in their control and what isn’t.
You’ve been a Lifeline counsellor for over ten years – Is there an increasing need for counselling within communities?
Definitely yes. I feel that not enough people reach out because they don’t really understand the benefits. Many might think they’re going to be told what to do or judged, but that’s not how it is at all. It’s somebody to listen to you without judgement, validate what you’re feeling, and help you navigate difficult times by offering coping strategies and psychoeducation, if necessary.
The service is appointment-only and serves individuals and couples (18 years and over) from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some after-hours appointments available.
Sessions are held in person at Lifeline H2HS’s Gordon and North Sydney offices, with parking and public transport nearby. Telehealth consultations can also be available.
For more information on Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney’s Counselling Services, available both in English and Mandarin, please visit: www.lifelineh2hsydney.org.au/get-support/counselling-services/
Reach out today:
Call: 02 8287 1126
Email: [email protected]
