People with Disabilities & their Carers

Almost 2.6 million Australians provide care for family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged.  Approximately 500,000 of these are primary carers - the people who provide the most care.  (ABS, 2004) Many carers find caring a positive experience. They get satisfaction from learning new skills in their caring role and their love and commitment brings them closer together with the person they care for. They feel relief that they are providing the best possible care, and caring gives them a sense of purpose.

However, caring can be very tough on carers. The stress of caring, social isolation and loneliness, changes in relationships and a sense of loss are common. You may feel sad, depressed or worried and anxious. Getting easily upset or frustrated, or feeling mentally or physically exhausted, stressed, guilty, or a sense of grief and loss, are natural and common feelings expressed by carers. Caring can be an emotional roller coaster for many.

The most helpful emotional support is talking to people who are empathetic and non judgmental, and who recognise and understand your role as a carer. It may not be easy, or at times, appropriate, to talk to family or friends about these feelings and issues. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist can be very useful at these times. It you would like to talk to us further please contact us.

To discuss how we might assist you please contact Veronica or Barry

 Working with Disabilities

Veronica has considerable experience in working with disabilities. Veronica is registered with the Australian Psychological Society's (APS) Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Identified Practitioners list and does individual and group work around this condition . See Veronica's page for further information on her experience and qualifications in working with people who have disabilities.