Reliance Psychology Services

09/09/2021

Today is R U OK day!

With an ongoing global pandemic, and long lockdowns, the threats to our health, economy and impact on our relationships caused by COVID-19 are unprecedented.

For most of us, we have been riding an emotional roller coaster. We have been feeling anxious, stressed, sad, angry, confused, and frustrated. And it’s hard not knowing either we will be up one minute, or down the next.

Here’s our little reminder to be kind to yourself, and today, on R U OK day, reach out to your friends and family, and check in on them during these crazy times.

And if someone checks in with you, really think, am I going okay? before you respond with the socially acceptable “yea I’m fine”. If you’re frustrated with ongoing lockdowns, let them know. If you’re stressed managing working from home and being a teacher for your kids, let them know. If you’re feeling down because you can’t go to the gym, or socialise with friends, or do the things that normally make you feel better, let them know. We are all in this together, and talking about how we are feeling, and venting about these stresses will help, even if the situation is out of our control.

So, what do we do if someone says no?

Listen, without judgement, or trying to “fix” the problems. Be curious, and validate their feelings.
Ask if they need immediate help (call helplines listed below if needed)
See if they need support seeking professional help (make an appointment with a GP to get a referral to a psychologist - with a GP Mental Health Care Plan you can access Medicare rebates for 10-20 sessions a year!)
If they don’t want to access professional help just yet, check in with them regularly - and while COVID lockdowns make this tricky - you can still organise to meet up and go for a walk, or have a video call night!

If you, or someone you know needs support, the following helplines are available 24/7:

Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline (for young people aged 5 - 25) 1800 55 1800
Mens Line Australia 1300 78 99 78
Su***de Call Back Service 1300 659 467

If you, or someone you know is at immediate risk to themselves, please call Triple 0.

Michela Verwey
Clinical Psychologist

20/03/2021

Michela has been equally as busy perfecting and expending our child services just in time for international womens week. What a star!

We will now be offering cognitive/developmental assessments as part of our service at Reliance Psychology Services.
Our psychologists are trained to complete comprehensive, evidence-based assessments of learning and behaviour, utilising gold-standard psychometric measures (e.g., WISC-V, ADOS-2, ABAS-3, Conners 3).
Cognitive assessments are used to identify Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, specific learning difficulties/disorders (e.g., dyslexia), areas of cognitive strengths/weaknesses, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and to assess for giftedness.
An assessment provides understanding of areas of strengths and weakness, diagnosis (if appropriate), and recommendations of strategies for parents, schools, and other health professionals to best support the patient moving forward.
A copy of the report will also be provided to relevant health professionals and educators.

Michela Verwey

20/03/2021

The team have been super busy over the COVID period, but not too busy to ramp up our service provision!
Tom will now be providing Sports Psychology Services.

Our Sports and Performance Psychology service seeks to work alongside clients to reach their full potential in their chosen domain. Clients can expect to explore their relative strengths and weaknesses in a supportive and confidential context. Education and feedback is provided around how our brains influence performance; allowing athletes to better understand how to gain mastery of their brain on the competition floor. Using a variety of evidence-based techniques, athletes are then taught how to identify and recognize the emotional and motivational traps that impair ability and performance. Treatment includes practical tools for managing low mood, anxiety, shame, anger or other detrimental emotions that lower motivation, attention, and concentration. In addition, athletes are provided with a framework for how to cultivate specific skill acquisition and mastery; build endurance and strength; manage pressure and expectations; and grow leadership skills; ensuring that they are able to continue achieving and progressing in their domain. For more information please contact our team to learn more.

Tom Ford
Clinical Psychologist

Reliance Psychology Services
Ph: (02) 4304 1307

Ground Floor, Riverside Office Tower
69 Central Coast HWY, WEST GOSFORD NSW 2250
Fax: (02) 4311 2641

23/03/2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19.) Reliance Psychology Position Statement

To my staff, colleagues, our patients and your families,
In 2020, the world is facing several challenges in the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

While a health alert of this magnitude has not been previously issued in my professional career, we must formulate a plan to manage the impact to the very best of our ability. This plan will change as the situation develops, and our policies and procedures document will be updated regularly as new information and procedures evolve.

First and foremost, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of infection control to my staff, colleagues and patients, while still providing our essential community-based front line health care services. We remain open in a critical capacity to provide access to our health services for existing patients as well as new patients. Our professional body has today emphasised the importance of our roles not only in continuity of care but as qualified practitioners in assessing and treating musculoskeletal injuries and issues, with the capacity to reduce the demand on hospital ED’s and general practitioners on an already over loaded system. As such we will be working closely with our partnered Reliance GP super clinic to work through such presentations as a team.

I will not place staff, colleagues or patients at undue risk of contracting coronavirus. We as a company, as a group of people and community, need to work as a team and look out for each other. We need to demonstrate the basic human social functions of compassion, empathy, understanding and support.

As health professionals, we obtain informed consent from our patients, prior to delivering our services. During this time, some patients may choose to delay their appointments for non-urgent matters. This is their decision and we will support this. Some patients may choose to use our tele-health facilities for their appointments. This is their decision and we will support this. Some patients may choose to wear a facemask and gloves during their appointment. This is their decision and we will support this. Some staff may choose to PPE with patients. This is their decision and we will support this.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association is our professional association. The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency and the Department of Health are our governing bodies. In a situation such as this, we follow the advice, policies and procedures outlined by these organisations. Information our new policies and procedures document is sourced from these organisations and applied to our clinic and home visits where applicable.

As such we will be increasing our scope and frequency of cleaning over and above recommendations. We will be asking all visitors to wash their hands and apply hand sanitiser prior to their appointments. We also ask that any patients who have travelled overseas within 14 days or whom have any cold or flu symptoms delay their appointment or use teleconferencing where clinically appropriate.

My staff and I will continue to provide a high level, trustworthy health care service within our clinic through this time. We ask that you maintain open and honest communication with us throughout this process as we will with you.

If you have any questions about our service during these times please feel free to contact us at any time.

Kim Findlay
Director
Reliance Psychology Services

31/07/2019

R U OK? Come and talk to one of our professional team today!

By taking the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ around Australia, we hope to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life.

03/06/2019

Interesting but scary read! We need to ask young men that vital question, "Are You OK?" AND follow up with getting then the help they need.

Groundbreaking new research shows Australia’s male su***de epidemic is worse than previously thought, with at-risk behaviour among blokes up to three times higher than current estimates indicate.

16/12/2018

Reliance Psychology will be closed from Friday 21st December and reopening on Monday 7th January. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holidays.

Should you need emergency assistance during these times, please refer to the services listed below.

Central Coast Mental Health Line 24hr– 1800 011 511
Lifeline 24hr – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Su***de Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Domestic Violence Crisis service (women) – 1800 656 463
Mens Line Australia – 1300 78 99 78
Coast Shelter – 4325 3540

10/12/2018

At Reliance Health we aren't a 'fast medicine' clinic and we aren't your bulk-billed clinic. We are your local doctor and we never skimp on quality.

We want to be that someone who knows you and your family history well, so that we may be able to pick up on little things that someone else might miss.

We know that if you come to see us regularly you will receive great care and often we have additional services onsite so that your continuity of care is eased.

Come visit us today to see how we view your health differently!

Contact us here http://bit.ly/2rjh2Nw

26/11/2018

As we enter the holiday season, remember to take time for the activities that keep you happy & healthy. This might include a walk on the beach, getting a massage, watching your favourite movie or simply just taking a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

Send a message to learn more

12/11/2018

– BY PETER MCEVOY PROFESSOR – Most of us would admit to feeling shy from time to time, or anxious about public speaking: the larger the crowd the greater the terror....Read more

04/11/2018

Are you interested in joining a thriving, integrative psychology clinic on the Central Coast? We are looking for a part or full time Clinical Psychologist to join our team. Click on the ad below for more information.

Great opportunity for a Psychologist to join our West Gosford practice, work alongside engaged health care professionals & progress their career.

04/11/2018

Over and over we are told that exercise is important, but all too often the focus is on losing weight instead of the many other benefits exercise can bring, such as improved mental health. This article explores how and why exercise should be part of your tool box in working on a healthier mind.

We often think about “health” in terms of our bodies, and too often forget about our minds. Let's take a look at why you should exercise for mental health!