Professional Stress Management Counselling
Professional stress management counselling, online via telehealth.
That feeling of being overwhelmed, overburdened and overall stressed is a very common human response.
Stress is a physical and emotional response which occurs when we’re dealing with a situation, task or build-up of demands which we perceive as being difficult or important.
It is a state of tension or heightened arousal which is a physiological response to elevate oneself to deal with the tasks at hand.
While a little bit of stress can sometimes help create positive outcomes (such as a busy restaurant kitchen), stress that is persistent, unrelenting or far too intense can quickly snowball into something out of hand, known as burnout.
Unmanaged overwhelming stress can leave you feeling on edge, emotionally and physically drained, unable to switch off and relax.
Feeling this way is often times the gateway to other mental health issues such as paranoia, anxiety and depression.
Unmanaged stress can have very serious consequences for an individual’s personal health, school or workplace performance and relationships.
Issues managing stress are more common than you may think, according to statistics collected by The American Institute of Stress:
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77% of adults have experienced stress which has impacted their physical health
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33% of adults have reported feeling extreme levels of stress
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48% of adults have had trouble sleeping due to stress
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91% of Australians interviewed admitted to feeling stressed about one or more parts of their life.
Online stress management counselling delivered via telehealth is not a new concept and was already growing at a steady rate prior to 2020.
However, during the global pandemic two factors at play greatly accelerated the adoption of online stress management counselling:
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Forced social distancing which made e-health and online treatment the norm
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Heightened levels of uncertainty as a result of ongoing health concerns, record levels of job loss and unemployment dramatically increased levels of stress plus reduced some of our default ways to reduce stress.
At Online Psychologists Australia our team are well-trained in helping individuals manage their levels of stress, better frame from the causes of stress resulting in a healthier mind and greater capacity to deal with stressful situations.
Medicare rebated stress management counselling with a personally experienced Australian psychologist
One of the misconceptions with online stress counselling, when compared to face-to-face support, is that it’s not available under Medicare – this is not the case.
At Online Psychologists Australia our sessions are rebated as part of Medicare.
You’ll be individually matched with an expert psychologist that best meets your unique needs and preferences so your online stress management counselling can be as effective as possible.
What are the effects of unmanaged stress?
Stress is one of the biggest catalysts to physical health issues in the world.
Doctors unanimously agree that overwhelming, intense or unmitigated stress is the cause of a litany of health issues from migraines to a compromised immune system, high blood pressure causing an elevated risk of heart attacks.
Some of the other physiological issues which can be a result of unmanaged stress include:
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Decreased sleep or quality of sleep
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Increased blood pressure
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Increase risk of heart attack
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Issues with fertility
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Reduced sex drive
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Muscle tension
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Back or neck pain
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Increased blood sugar levels
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Erectile disfunction
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Disruption menstrual periods
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Decreased ability to concentrate or focus
In addition to the physiological issues caused by unmanaged stress, stress can cause a nearly permanent state of fight or flight, which may result in a host of mental health issues, including:
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Heightened risk of paranoia
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Increased levels of anxiety which can cause a Generalised Anxiety Disorder
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Increased risk of depression
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Increased risk of aggression or unmanaged anger
As a result, often stress can cause us to alter our behaviour, you may:
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Experience a decreased sex drive
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Withdraw from people or find yourself easily irritated
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Withdraw from activities you normally enjoy
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Have issues sleeping or relaxing
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Consume alcohol, smoke cigarettes or take drugs more than usual
The good thing about stress is that it can be managed or harnessed into productive energy, engaging in specialised stress counselling and management with a psychologist can be one of the very best things you can do for your professional and personal lives.
Many top sportspeople and business leaders engage with professional psychologists regularly to help them manage their stress, which result in higher performance and a more balanced, happier life.
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What are the common symptoms of depression we encounter?It is important to remember that we all experience symptoms of depression from time to time, and that may not necessarily mean you are depressed. Everybody suffers from depression in their own unique way and no two experiences are identical, however, there are a number of common symptoms we encounter, which are often summarised by feeling down, miserable, sad or hopeless – the loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities you may enjoy. Symptoms can include: Withdrawing from friends and family Restlessness Feeling perpetually tired and fatigued Inability to concentrate or focus on one task Issues with sleep Mood swings Loss or change of appetite Relying on alcohol or sedatives Feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, irritable and sad Thoughts of worthlessness or hopelessness
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How do we treat depression?All of our psychologists are highly trained professionals with a history of success when treating patients suffering from symptoms of depression. Our psychologists don’t prescribe a one-size fits all approach to treating depression, but rather employ a host of evidence-based treatments and therapies proven to help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Your dedicated and personally matched psychologists may use any number of the following techniques: Schema Focused Therapy Assertiveness Training Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Brief Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy Compassion Focused Therapy Behavioural Therapy Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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What are the benefits of seeking help?The upsides of seeking and receiving help for depression are immense. The experienced and professional team at Online Psychologists Australia have seen hundreds of patients experience benefits such as: Improved relationships and friendships Improved physical health Improved sleep and rest Improved feelings of happiness and a restoration of energy Feelings of a burden being lifted Sharper thinking and a better memory A healthier lifestyle A lower risk of future depression, as patients are often better equipped to deal with depressive periods
What can you expect from online stress management counselling?
Before you officially start your treatment – you’ll have a free 15-minute consultation so that we’re able to match you with a psychologist that best meets your unique needs, and your preferences.
Once you begin treatment, the psychologist treating you will take the time to understand you as an individual. You will find the conversation takes place in a completely safe, private and comforting manner – your highly skilled psychologist is there to help you, not to judge you.
Depending on your individual needs and circumstances, the psychologist treating you can draw on a range of evidence-based methodologies to help you recover from your stress issues.
Complete stress management won’t happen overnight, and more often than not, you will have some ‘homework’ or tasks to perform in-between sessions. These small tasks often involve being present and aware during day-to-day life and will help you make progress between sessions.
Get stress management counselling online today with a professional psychologist today
Reaching out and accessing support for stress management issues can be tough, however the benefits of doing can be life-changing.
Our professional, empathetic and understanding team of psychologists are ready to help you overcome your issues with stress.
At Online Psychologists Australia, we offer a free, no obligation 15-minute consultation where we’ll personally match you with a psychologist that best meets your unique needs.
All of our sessions are claimable with Medicare rebates.
Get the help you need today.
Andy, 28
"The privacy and comfort of having sessions online, but still face-to-face over Zoom made me feel so much more at ease. I was able to open-up much quicker and felt like I was making progress after just my first session."
What our clients are saying
Liz, 41
"Being able to book in appointments that work around my schedule has been incredible. Speaking to Rob has had the most positive impact on my mental wellbeing given the isolation I experienced in 2020."
Amita, 22
"The fact I was able to get medicare rebate on my sessions made the whole process so much easier. I've already recommended Online Psychologists Australia to a few friends that have been struggling lately.
If you're having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If you’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, there are many organisations that can help you 24 hours, 7 days a week. They include:
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Lifeline - 13 11 14
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Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
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Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
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MensLine Australia (counselling service for men) - 1300 78 99 78
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Kids Helpline (for young people up to 25 years) - 1800 55 1800
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Open Arms (for veterans, ex-serving personnel and their families) - 1800 011 046