Dear members.

Saturday 12th September is a date we should all have marked in our diary. The Counsellors Victoria AGM / ACA annual conference are being held on this day at Rydges hotel, Exhibition St, Melbourne. This is an excellent day for $150, with a potential 26 OPD points. Registration forms are in this bulletin and I am sure that you will agree that there are some fantastic papers and presentations to attend.

At the conference, there will be a Victorian Government member of Parliament as our keynote speaker on the day to address and update us on the mental health review recommendations and what the Federal Government is doing to address these recommendations. The recommendations directly affect us as counsellors and being there to hear this keynote address is something I am sure we will all make a priority as it is our in-road to the recognition and access to the Medicare rebates/ Better Access Initiative that we have fought for for so long.

I have written to Daniel Andrews regarding the Governments decision to create expert reference groups to discuss and decide these recommendations and have put Counsellors Victoria forward as an organisation wanting to be a part of this process.

Please familiarise yourself with the review recommendations, if you haven’t al-ready:

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/our-reports/review-of-mental-health-programmes-and-services.aspx

I recently attended a meeting of Medicare local initiatives with our Vice Presi-dent, Zanne Scott, which was a very interesting event. I was surprised to hear from a researcher into chronic kidney disease explaining that unless tested for it, a person does not know they have kidney failure until they are down to 10% of kidney use and are close to or actually requiring dialysis. He explained how his research pushed for GP random testing of their clients and through this revealed many more patients who were close to kidney failure, enabling those people to address the issue earlier than they may have otherwise been aware of and get help immediately. This created an influx of people requiring counselling and treatment for unknown kidney problems which the research had not prepared for in their decision to push for the GP’s random tests. I sat through this briefing thinking...”there are so many more groups like this that our members could be assisting.” I will pursue our members being connected to this chronic kidney disease group as I can see we would be a great help in assisting this newly diagnosed group to come to terms and feel supported in their diagnosis/ recovery.

Cont on…. page 2

President’s Report

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

President’s

Report

Editor’s Note

1

&

2

Exercise to

Beat depression

3

10 Quick Self

improvement

Tips

4

Bikram Yoga 5

Bully (2011)

DVD review

6

10 Quick Self

improvement

Tips

Cont...

7

ACA/CV Mini

Conference

8

9

&

10

Free App for

Counsellors

11

&

12

CV CBD

Meetings

CV Ferntree

Gully

Meetings

13

14

CV Meetings

— venue info

15

Just for a

laugh

16

What CV

offers you

Articles and

Advertising

17

18

B U S I N E S S N A M E

A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

CV

CV Newsletter

Cont from….. Page 1

This brings me to something I set as a goal when I became President – in-creasing membership and connecting to areas and groups where our members could find more clients, employment and benefits of being a member. I have had a meeting with Sally Goldner, CEO of Transgender Victoria regarding training and future work for our counsellors. Both are looking very positive. Several other talks are in place with groups in the community and updates on these are an added bonus to attending meetings at one of our locations, or will be included in this report in the bulletin each issue. If you are interested in being on the Counsellors Victoria Board during this exciting time, please put a nomination in for the AGM following the ACA conference on Saturday 12th September.

The Board and myself look forward to seeing you at the meetings in the coming months and in particular, your show of support for ACA, CV and your fellow presenters at the September conference.

In the beautiful words of Ben Lee (Australian singer-song writer)

“We’re all in this together” regards Michael

From the editor’s desk…

It has been a busy time for me with family, work, private practice, studies,

etc and I am sure it must have been like that for many of you... It is also a

time to remember to keep the frail, the sick and differently challenged in

our hearts and think beyond our circle.

Winter is a good time to slow down and reflect on our assets that we

cannot put a value on -such as family, friends., the charity work we do,

numerous connections we make in our lives, etc. It is a good time to

re-connect and spend time catching up.

One foe is too many and a hundred friends are too few.

- Native American Saying.

Sirini Kularatne-Samarapathi

Editor— Counsellors Victoria

Sasethna Counselling Services

0430 349 849

P A G E 3

Sent in by Yvonne Flanders

Sent in by Radha Rju

Hello everyone,

Hope many of you have renewed your professional membership, starting another financial year. Wish you all the best for the coming year. I would like to share a post that I read from my professional therapist Blog.

10 Quick Self-Improvement Tips

From Badge Blog; the Badge program is sort of like the Ying and Yang: on one side, you assess yourself. On the other, you self-improve based on the assessment. Once you have started seeing positive change within yourself, you assess again. The circle continues indefinitely.

Self-improvement can encompass so many different aspects of our lives. Specifically, our emphasis within this post will be on the presenter or public speaker’s overall advancement. Here are 10 fast tips that will help you on your speaking journey.

1. Asses Find a way to thoroughly evaluate your personal strengths and weaknesses so that you have a place to start your journey. What do you need to work on? What are you already capable of doing?

2. Create the Right Workspace It’s important to have a place where you can completely focus on the task at hand. If it means facing your desk towards a wall, getting rid of the internet, and working by pen and paper, then do it. Whatever it takes to be distraction-free

3. Start Early Get the bulk of what you want accomplished out of the way by the start of your day, if possible. Think of your self-improvement in the same way you think of brushing your teeth or eating breakfast.

4. Face Your Goals You will only be able to tackle one small piece of your largest goal at a time, so make sure you are prioritizing slow, steady work rather than making changes you can’t possibly keep up with.

5. Scheduled Breaks One way to avoid procrastination is to give yourself frequent (yet monitored) breaks in between the bulk of your work. Time your breaks so that you strictly start your work once they end rather than swirling in an endless cycle of distraction.

6. Curated Reading The best writers are also the best readers, and this is also true for other skill sets. Give yourself a goal of a book a month on the specific things you wish to improve, and extend your educational career just a little bit longer. Cont on….. Page 7

P A G E 5

Sent in by Stephanie Milburn

Bikram Yoga

Submitted by Stephanie Milburn. Master of Counselling student. Victoria University. Bikram yoga is a method of yoga that involves 26 stretches and strengthening poses with 2 breathing exercises, all performed in a room that is heated to 40 degrees. The hot temperature increases perspiration and the poses are scientifically designed to provide a total body workout. The use of a heated room, allows for deeper penetration to relieve the body’s resistance without causing injury. The heat can improve the cardiovascular system, increase heart rate, burn fat, improve the function of the nervous system and improve overall strength. Bikram Yoga has many different uses, such as revitalizing the mind, improving concentration, improving strength and coordination and building energy. It can be helpful for alleviating stress, weight loss, toning and strengthening muscles, or just to improve flexibility. Bikram Chowdhury is the internationally renowned yoga teacher who founded Bikram yoga. Chowdhury was a great athlete and even competed in the Olympics in 1964 but after suffering a weight lifting accident Bikram was severely crippled and was told by doctors that he might not recover. Bikram, with the guidance of his guru, created the 26 pose series, which restored his health. Bikram has since established himself as a world expert teacher and has opened many yoga studios in Los Angeles, treating athletes and celebrities. Although Bikram yoga can be challenging because of the heat (and smell), it’s the heat itself that can allow us to strengthen our will power through self-control and determination.

P A G E 6

Change is

inevitable but

personal

growth is a

choice

Bob Proctor

Sent in by Michael Woolsey

Bully

(2011)

DVD review by Michael Woolsey

Rated PG-13 Running time 98mins

Director Lee Hirsch does a superb job in this documentary on peer-to-peer bullying in schools across America. Five children who are victims of bullying are shown as the camera captures their daily lives, their heartfelt stories and the frustrations of their parents, friends and staff of the children’s respective schools. These children address the camera to explain how they deal with this bullying and for the most part seem to feel it is their own fault that it occurs. They cope in different ways with the bullying taking varying forms and intensities.

Tyler, Kelby, Ty, Ja’Meya and Alex exemplify strength and perseverance with each having their own ending by the close of the film: some more shocking than others.

The director points out that over 13 million American kids will be bullied at school, online, on the bus, at home, via mobile phones and on the streets of their towns. This makes it the most common form of violence young people will experience. This feature documentary film is the first of its kind to show the effects of bullying on victims, perpetrators and silent bystanders.

The film opens with the first day of school, which is a day filled with anxiety and dread for many young people and goes on to state that each day in American schools more than 160,000 children are absent because of fear of being bullied and that many districts tend to ignore this problem.

This is a character driven film with those with the most at stake baring their souls to show this often hidden problem. You will laugh, cry and worry along with the stars of the film......but you will be thinking of these courageous children and their upfront statements long after the credits roll.

As Director Lee Hirsch points out: The world we inhabit as adults begins on the playground.

P A G E 7

Sent in by Radha Raju

Cont from…. Page 4

7. Cultivate Inspiration Don’t hesitate to collect a mood board of different speeches, people, texts, and visuals that inspire you. Where do you want to end up at? A collection of inspiration can help motivate you to keep going.

8. Drop Low Priorities You can’t juggle everything within the limited hours of a day, so consider the different small activities that can wait while you devote time to your improvement. Let the dishes pile up!

9. Ask for Mentorship Whether it’s an editor, a friend who is willing to give you honest feedback, or someone you admire, don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone who may know a bit more than you in the field.

10. Assess Again After reaching a major goal or two, make sure to re-evaluate yourself using the same criteria that you used at the very beginning of your journey. What else needs to be improved? What other things could you start working on? Start back at the very beginning and get going again.

Looking for more inspiration? We have a lot more assessment and improvement resources on the Badge blog to help you out. Put down the takeout lunch and get started!

Hope you had liked it. Thanks

Radha Raju Accredited Counsellor& Supervisor, Educationalist, Complimentary Medicinal Therapist Empower3Counselling Strength & Solution focused counselling service Email: empower3counselling@gmail.com

P A G E 8

Change is

inevitable but

personal

growth is a

choice

Bob Proctor

P A G E 9

P A G E 1 0

P A G E 1 1

Sent in by Michael Woolsey

MoodGYM – Anxiety

By National Institute for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University

Smiley Rating

Description:

MoodGYM is a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based intervention designed to prevent or reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. MoodGYM aims to help you identify and overcome problem emotions and develop good coping skills. The program consists of five modules each taking 20- to 40-minutes to complete, which are completed in a prescribed order. These contain information, animated demonstrations, quizzes, and homework exercises. The modules teach you about your mood and how to change it. You are taught to identify "warpy" thoughts, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to cope with life events. The modules are completed at your own pace and you are given feed-back about your mood and what your results mean.

Service URL: http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au

Agency Responsible:

National Institute for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University.

Cont on…. Page 12

Free Apps for Counsellors

P A G E 1 2

Sent in by Michael Woolsey

Cont from…. Page 11

MoodGYM – Anxiety

Format: Website.

Intervention Type: Psychological – CBT.

Course Length: Moderate (2-5 modules). Comprises 5 modules

Support Option: Automated only.

Primary Category: Generalised anxiety disorder. And depression

Target Audiences: Adolescent and Adult.

Languages: Chinese, Dutch, English and Norwegian.

Fee: Free.

Contact Details: moodgym@anu.edu.au

Research Trials: 6

Research RCTs: 3

Outcome Summary:

There is good evidence from controlled trials and studies in real world settings that MoodGYM is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) in an adolescent school-based population found that participants who completed the MoodGYM program had significantly lower levels of anxiety than participants in a wait-list control condition (d = 0.15- 0.25). The effect of the program was still significant at 6-months follow-up. An RCT conducted with a university sample showed that in comparison to a control group, participants completing the MoodGYM program had significantly decreased scores on measures of anxiety, distress and frequency of automatic negative thoughts. Similarly, a more recent RCT with university students found participants in a MoodGYM group displayed significant improvements in both anxiety symptoms and CBT literacy relative to controls. Studies of public registrants to the MoodGYM website have also shown significant decreases in anxiety symptoms as participants progress through the program.

Free Apps for Counsellors

Details

Target Audience

Access

Research evidence

P A G E 1 3

Sent in by Yvonne Aldred

CV CBD MEETINGS

Saturday 8th August PRESENTATION - Yvonne Aldred Helping children to recover from trauma

Trauma is often a result of a child’s experiences of abuse and

neglect, children can experience the negative effects of trauma long

after the event in many cases long into their adult life. Helping

children to heal from the trauma of abuse and neglect means giving

the child back their childhood. All areas of development are

negatively affected and the child’s sense of safety and trust and

sense of self can be destroyed. Without specialist counselling

trauma can lead to crime, drug and alcohol addiction, violence,

depression, mental illness and even suicide.

If a counsellor can understand the development of the brain and the

effects of the trauma the process of healing can be facilitated. By

facilitating positive, safe relationships within the family a counsellor

can help the child and family to recover.

Supervision - Counsellors own case discussion in groups

***********************

Saturday 12th September PRESENTATION - ACA / CV conference and AGM

The ACA / CV conference will be held on the day of our normal

September meeting. Members are encouraged to attend this PD

event. This event is worth up to 26 OPD points

********************

Saturday 10th October PRESENTATION - To Be Determined Supervision - Counsellors own case discussion in groups

P A G E 1 4

Sent in by Yvonne Aldred

CV FERNTREE GULLY MEETINGS

Saturday 22nd August

PRESENTATION - Yvonne Aldred Helping children to recover from trauma

Trauma is often a result of a child’s experiences of abuse and neglect, children

can experience the negative effects of trauma long after the event in many

cases long into their adult life. Helping children to heal from the trauma of

abuse and neglect means giving the child back their childhood. All areas of

development are negatively affected and the child’s sense of safety and trust

and sense of self can be destroyed. Without specialist counselling trauma can

lead to crime, drug and alcohol addiction, violence, depression, mental illness

and even suicide.

If a counsellor can understand the development of the brain and the effects of

the trauma the process of healing can be facilitated. By facilitating positive,

safe relationships within the family a counsellor can help the child and family to

recover.

Supervision - Counsellors own case discussion in groups

****************************

Saturday 26th September

PRESENTATION - Karen Seinor

If you could do with more clients or a better bottom line Join Us as we explore

concepts and strategies for breaking through the money barrier and connecting

with the right clients, the ones who really need what you’ve got.

Karen Seinor is a Counsellor Coach and Hypnotherapist based in Albury on the

border of VIC and NSW. She has a background in Community Services and

among other things, has lived and worked in remote Aboriginal communities in

the Northern Territory, done a stint in Financial Counselling in regional NSW

and worked as an Alternative Therapist in the United States.

Supervision - Counsellors own case discussion in groups

****************************

Saturday 24th October

PRESENTATION - Lea Rose

Lea will present on: Effective complex grief counselling to support a person

living with a life threatening illness and their family members to minimise the

risk of prolonged grief disorder, through client based therapy.

When a family member is diagnosed with a life threatening illness grief and

loss becomes interwoven with the need to live a normal life. Often leaving the

person struggling emotionally alone racked with unexpressed grief and despair.

The person with unexpressed grief is at risk of prolonged grief disorder robbing

them of enjoyed precious time or the ability to recover if cure is an option. The

professional counsellor becomes a vital support person.

Supervision - Counsellors own case discussion in groups

P A G E 1 5

CV Meetings

Melbourne CBD Meeting

Meets second Saturday monthly (Feb to Nov) at:

Venue : Ross House - Room 3.1 Third Floor, First room 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Outer East (Ferntree Gully)

Meets fourth Saturday monthly (Feb to Nov) at:

Venue: Mountain District Learning Centre

13-15 The Avenue, Ferntree Gully

Agenda for Melbourne CBD and Ferntree Gully are as follows:

Registration & Networking 12.30 - 1.00pm

Forum - Networking 1.00 - 1.15pm

Presentation 1.15 - 2.15pm

Break 2.15 - 2.30pm

Supervision 2.30 - 3.30pm

Phone: 0402 251 835 or email: president@fvc.asn.au

****************************************************************************************

CV Albury/Wodonga Group

Meets second Monday monthly at:

Venue: Mirrambeena Community Centre

19 Martha Mews, Lavington, NSW

Time: 4.15 - 5.30pm

Further information, please contact:

John Borchert 0419 291 820 / (02) 6029 2591

Yvonne Aldred 0439 820 945

P A G E 1 6

Just for a laugh…..

P A G E 1 7

What CV Offers You

Support: Our organisation provides an opportunity to get out of the office

and to talk with others.

Connections: The organisation contains a wealth of experienced business

people who are looking to make the right connections with other businesses.

Education: Business people always want to learn more and the topics we

choose for these events have been directly contributed by the members

themselves.

Training: Acquiring new skills is critical for the success of any business. Our

training events are offered locally because we appreciate that relationships are

built by meeting real people face to face.

Social: The CV endeavor’s to balance association and individual needs, and

provide a forum to meet new friends through social events.

For further information on becoming a financial member visit the CV webpage at www.counsellorsvictoria.asn.au The CV needs your help! CV need speakers, for all meeting areas, topics need to be counselling related, If you know anyone who you think could be interested, or if you have heard an interesting speaker, or you would like do a presentation yourself, we are interested to hear about it. Contact: Michael Woolsey at mickrob@exemail.com.au or 0419 545 260

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

www.counsellorsvictoria.asn.au

P A G E 1 8

Articles and Advertising

Suitable relevant items and proposed adverts for CV Bulletin can be sent to the CV Secretary by mail to: CV Editor, PO Box 1088, Seaford, Vic, 3198 . All material is commonly subject to editorial discretion, approval and proofing. Advertising Rates Effective from November 2010 No preferred positions are offered for display advertising – all approved advertising will be placed as Run of Newsletter (and may be placed on a page with other ads). Costs for advertisements or classifieds do not vary depending on colour. The newsletter is an electronic format, and there is no loading on the use of colour. Full page $80 Half Page $40 - horizontal only Third Page $25 - either horizontal or vertical Classified $10 - for single column width x 10 lines of text. Payment Full payment is required prior to the deadline for contribution in full. Prior to making payment for advertising, contact CV by email to mickrob@exemail.com.au to confirm the space requirements. General Conditions

No advertising agency commissions are provided CV is not responsible for instructions or alterations unless confirmed in writing CV reserves the right to omit or decline to run any

advertisement, editorial or submission that it deems unsuitable for publication

Cancellations must be received within 7 days of the booking deadline otherwise the advertiser may be required to pay for the space booked Advertising Sizes Full Page Half Page Horizontal 196 x 260 cm (w x d) 196 x 125 cm (w x d) Third Page Horizontal Third Page Vertical 196 x 83 cm (w x d) 60 x 260 cm (w x d) Material Requirements The Bulletin is produced as a word document and saved to a locked PDF. All items for submission

must be sent in PC compatible format electronically to microb@exemail.com.au Advertisements should be sent as a PDF scaled to finished ad size and also as a graphic as a tiff or giff file

All editorial submissions must be supplied typed and spell checked. EDITORIAL NOTES: If you have anything you would like to share with your colleagues, a funny story, etc., we would love

to receive it. You can send it to mickrob@exemail.com.au DISCLAIMER: Opinions of contributors and advertisers in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the publisher. The Counsellors Victoria Inc. makes no representation or warranty that information contained in articles or advertisements are accurate, nor accepts liability or responsibility for any action arising out of information contained in this newsletter.