Hand in Hand Counselling Services

Bernadette’s Definition of Counselling is:

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Bernadette likes to call herself a "Personal Empowerment Specialist". So what is a personal empowerment specialist, it is someone who ideally focuses on empowering individuals to tap into a deeper level of awareness allowing change to occur with a profound level of understanding. Bernadette has found that many people feel disempowered as a result of life experiences, unhealthy relationships and the pressures of life itself. Bernadette believes that empowering people and evoking an inner awareness, memories, feelings and images using meditation, breathing, visualisation, symbolic work and body sensations brings them one step closer to realising themselves. When one realises themselves, they are a witness to the true self.


Why Choose Counselling

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1. Have you ever felt you are losing control of your life or self?
   
2. Have you ever felt down in the dumps and didn't know where to turn?
   
3. Does your marriage/relationship feel like it isn't working anymore?
   
4. Are you feeling depressed or anxious about events that are current in your life?

If you have answered "Yes" to any of the above questions then counselling can help you work through these issues.

Counselling can be a journey of self discovery and a great resource to help those who are suffering internally and struggling to find direction in their life. Sometimes the journey of life feels as though you are getting nowhere. Let me give you the good news, you are going somewhere, you just need to get back on track. So let me help you get back on track and align you with the joy, love and peace you deserve.



Generalist Counselling

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Counselling can be a life changing experience when one is ready for change, growth and insight. Generalist counselling supports a vareity of issues such as domestic violence, trauma, grief, spirituality issues, self esteem, relationships problems, family issues, divorce, separation, stress, feeling lost and just feeling unhappy and discontent with life.


What is Sexual Health Counselling?

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Sexual Health Counselling is a specialized form of counselling for adults and couples who are experiencing sexual concerns or difficulties or for those who want to understand sexuality in more detail.

Talking about sex can be difficult for some people; however Sexual Health Counsellors are trained to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for couples and individuals to talk about their sexual issues.

Sexual Health Counselling can be solution focused, where the therapist will help the client identify what the problem/concerns are and then work collaboratively to set goals for change.

Fees for Counselling A standard counselling session is one hour and 30 minutes at a cost of $110.00. This is payable at the end of each session by cheque or cash. Qualifications/Membership Masters of Health Science (Sexual Health) The University of Sydney Diploma in Counselling Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Lifeline Telephone Counsellor (non practicing) Reiki Masters Barbara Cook and Margaret Thomas Memberships (ACA) Australian Counselling Association (Professional Member) (ASSERT) Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists (Professional Member)

Meditation Classes

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A weekly meditation class for "women only" is available on Monday evenings from 7pm. Our focus is on guided visualisation and breath meditations. The class runs for 1 hour and 15 mins. Classes are held in the Macarthur area only.

Please call regarding any enquiries

Meditation Technique Practiced

• Guided Visualisation
• Music Meditation
• Relaxation
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Silent Meditation
• Spirit Guide Meditation
• Crystal Meditation
• Inner Peace Meditation
• Healing Meditation
• and lastly learn to breathe

Why meditate?

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1. It reduces stress and promotes calmness
   
2. It decreases muscle tension and pain
   
3. It creates inner peace and happiness
   
4. It reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms
   
5. It increases motivation and confidence
   
6. It achieves a deeper level of relaxation
   
7. It increases self awareness and personal growth
   
8. It helps ground us and feel connected to our life
   
9. Promotes our health and well being
   

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   In silence
   
   I observe
   
   The true me
   
   Listen to the whispers
   
   Of your inner voice
   
   And trust “the inner being”
   
   You’re AWARENESS

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   Reiki Healing

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   Reiki is also available - Reiki is a holistic therapy that addresses the body, mind and spirit, going beyond the symptoms to treat the cause of the disease. It helps to maintain balance in our own health and that of others. The Reiki practitioner acts as a channel through which the Universal Life Energy can flow. Reiki is a wonderful technique for stress reduction and relaxation.
   
   The cost for a 1 hour Reiki Treatment is $70.00
   
   
   About Bernadette
   

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   Bernadette counsels in private practice and spent 5 years working in Women’s Health. She has completed a Masters Degree in Health Science (Sexual Health) with The University of Sydney. She received a Diploma in Counselling with the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and has worked in counselling ever since.
   
   Bernadette runs meditation classes and has completed a Masters in Reiki and qualifies as a Reiki practitioner and teacher. She started teaching meditation in 2007 at a women’s health centre and is now teaching classes privately. She started teaching Reiki with her co-facilitator Margaret Thomas in early 2009 and they have run several successful workshops together.