Local families with children greatly helped by free counselling sessions
Mental health month
Every household or family gets its own share of problems, but seeking support is not always as easy or affordable. Thanks to the Port Douglas Community Service Network families with children can call on free counselling sessions.
In the light of ‘National Mental Health Month’ Newsport shines a spotlight on the special ‘Child & Parent Support Program’ that is being offered in our Shire.
The whole month of October is dedicated to advocate for and raise awareness of Australian mental health. By running the ‘Child & Parent Support Program’, two local Port Douglas women are heavily contributing to this.
Erin Easton is child and support worker at the Port Douglas Community Service Network and together with Manon van der Lee from FNQ Family Therapy she runs the counselling sessions.
Ms Easton said they identified a huge demand and need for the service, particularly during the height of the Covid pandemic.
“The counselling service started in November 2020,” she told Newsport. “It was originally set up for families who access the ‘Child & Parent Support Program’.
“Due to great demand the service has since extended to the wider community of local families with children between 0-12 years of age.
“The counselling sessions are provided in a safe and family friendly environment. Children, parents, couples and whole families have been coming to counselling for the last 2 years, with over 72 sessions delivered in 2021.”
Looking at the positives in your life
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”.
Ms Easton said that as we look after our physical health, it is equally important to look after our mental health.
“Getting help from a professional counsellor can help you work through your thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and build on your strengths.”
More parenting courses
Besides counselling, Manon van der Lee further provides the parenting courses ‘Circle of Security’ and ‘1-2-3 Magic & Emotion Coaching’.
“These courses are heavily subsidised by the Child & Parent Support Program, making it extremely affordable for local families,” Ms Easton said.
“Next year in early 2023 we will be trialling Circle of Security training online to make it more accessible for families who wish to participate and may have time and transportation barriers."
Anonymous Testimonials
"Manon is exceptional at what she does. You can walk into her office knowing you’re in a non judgemental zone as she makes you feel comfy from the moment you walk in. My hubby was so nervous to see her for the first time as he had never had therapy before, his main concern was he wouldn’t know what to say or feel comfortable. As soon as he walked in the door he felt relaxed and able to express his feelings and get things off his chest in a way which he never has before.”
"The circle of security is a structured and well paced international parenting program. Manon's expert guidance is balanced, and her empathy, along with her engaging conversations allow a comfortable environment to explore and understand the fundamentals of what is going on in our children's lives. The understanding and knowledge I have learnt has benefited our family immensely, and it will do so for many years to come. I cannot recommend the circle of security highly enough to all parents.”
Do not hesitate to call Erin or Manon when you are in need of sessions: 07 4099 5518, the first 6 sessions are free of charge.
Thank you!
Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.
Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.
* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.
