Inspiring Strengths

South East Suburbs, Melbourne, VIC

Clinical Supervision & Counselling to Inspire Change with Janice Florent

Counselling

Autumn leaves changing colors against a gray sky.

Counselling to Help with Making Changes for Better Health & Wellbeing

Why do I struggle with life changes & making changes?

Have you ever heard yourself say, “I’m hopeless and it’s my fault and it would be embarrassing to talk about my problems.” And then there’s, “Every time I try, it doesn’t work.” Or how about, "I'm scared about change and I feel stuck." And also, "Everything has changed and I am so lost."

Sometimes facing our struggles and considering change feels painful and overwhelming and maybe we are filled with self-criticism. Maybe we know we need to shift or change something but aren’t sure what to do or how to begin? Maybe we feel completely frozen or confused or worried about making the wrong choice or decision.

Sometimes others might be suggesting or advising or pushing change and we don't want to be rushed. The pressure and expectations can create more stress and worry.

All of these feelings are a normal part of the change process and it doesn't mean there is something wrong with us or our struggles! We want to consider change on our own terms and pace. It's not about a complete overhaul, but rather considering the smallest steps that make sense right now.

Let's take that time to explore change and find inspiration for new ways of being.

What is it I'm wanting to change?

I can help you with:

The emotional impact of chronic disease or other health concerns
Feeling stuck about your future direction
Communication & relationship struggles (I don't offer couples or family therapy)
Preventing or healing from burnout
Depression and feelings of low self-worth
Anxiety, stress and worry
Addiction worries

How will Strengths-Based counselling help me to understand my struggles with change and consider making changes?

Firstly, let me stress that a strengths-based approach is NOT about searching for 'silver linings' or expecting to be positive all the time. It is about being true to our feelings and experiences as authentically as we can. Counselling gives you the space and time to feel, to slow down and consider how our experience of what has changed is impacting us. That also includes not knowing or being unsure. We might feel a whole range of emotions, including grief of what feels lost, sadness, worry, shame, guilt, anxiety, anger, confusion and more.

Secondly, a strengths-based approach helps us to explore what's important to you. You will be listened to and valued for the unique person you are. We become a team to gently rediscover your skills and strengths and dreams. We can explore why you might want change; how it will make a difference for you; what gets in the way and what helps; and why you might be feeling stuck or scared.

We can also try to better understand our inner critic so that we are less harsh on ourselves. Then we can work on building our inner mentor: that part of ourselves that can do, can try, can be brave, can be inspired, can self-forgive, and can try again.

We can be solution-focused and look at what has worked in the past that might be helpful now. We can also consider what you don't want to do, or need. And we can be creative about trying out new things or ways to be or to cope. Then we can unpack, review or reflect upon what worked or didn't work and why, without judgement but rather with curiosity and compassion.

Duck swimming near red autumn leaves on calm water.

Counselling for Carers

Being a Carer can be tough

We all have times when we struggle, feel depressed or anxious, or worried about the future. As a carer maybe we are feeling sadness or grief about what we have lost in our lives and relationships, or anticipating the loss that may come. Maybe we don't recognise who we are anymore. Maybe we feel guilt and shame for our feelings. Maybe we feel stuck and stressed and don't know where to turn.

To others we might seem to be coping and maybe we are. Sometimes though, we might be paddling frantically to deal with all of our competing priorities and responsibilities.

How will counselling help me to cope better with my stress and worries as a carer?

Reaching out for support is not only helpful, it's courageous and a sign of strength. Whatever you are going through with life’s challenges, changes, burdens, or feeling stuck, counselling can bring relief, peace and hope.

Again, using a compassion and strengths-based approach, together we create a team to share, unburden and grow. Your voice will be heard. Your concerns, feelings and thoughts will be honoured.

We can take the time with compassion:

To understand your feelings and how they are affecting you.
To rework your priorities and make changes one step at a time.
To enhance your values, skills, and strengths towards a new or different way forward.
To develop ways of coping with stress.
To explore new possibilities to look after you better.
To rediscover you.

How I work as a Counsellor

My Approach to Counselling

How do we start?

We start with a brief intake phone call so that you can let me know what you might be struggling with and what you might like to explore in counselling. During that call, we can also decide if my service is right for you.

Once we have agreed to work together, our first session will focus on:

Building a safe. new counselling relationship
Getting to know you and your current worries better
Asking a little about your history to understand you better
Exploring your hopes for counselling and what we might work on

What happens after that?

I will listen. I will be empathic and curious and will value all that you bring.

Together we will explore and focus on what is important to you.

We can decide session by session what happens next including:

How many sessions might be helpful
How counselling is helping so far
Anything we need to change, including your goals, direction or my approach
How we will finish or take breaks.

What evidence-based and evidence-informed counselling modalities do I use?

I have an eclectic approach and use ways of listening or strategies from different therapies depending on what we are exploring at any given session, including:

Solution Focused Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Compassion Focused Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Attachment Theory
Systems Theory

A few points about my counselling practice

My Client Group

I work with adults and older adults aged 26 years and over. There is no upper age limit. You are never too old to benefit from counselling!
I cannot support issues with cognitive decline or dementia.
I do not offer child, parent, family or couples counselling

Due to its set up, my Practice is unable to respond to crises.

In the event of an emergency, please contact 000
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
Or reach out to your GP.

Online Sessions

Currently I only offer online counselling.
There are no session limits. We can negotiate together what you feel you need.

Private Health Insurance and WorkSafe

Rebates may be available through selected private health funds, including Medibank Private, HCF, BUPA, AHM and ARHG (subject to individual policy conditions).

I am recognised by Worksafe as a provider of counselling services and adhere to the WorkSafe Clinical Framework.

My practice does not accept NDIS, TAC, Family Court, or other legal-related cases. My service is not covered by the Medicare Rebate or a Mental Health Care Plan.