Counselling support – what is it?

Free counselling support is available for people affected by the earthquake. You might want to know what to expect, to decide if it will be useful for you.

The focus is on helping people cope with what’s happening now. It is a very practical approach based on what you need. Some of the common areas people have looked at are:

·         Ways to calm yourself if you feel worried or afraid.

·         Thinking through your next steps.

·         What helps life to feel as normal as it can be at the moment.

·         Ways to help your kids cope.

·         Ways to cope with stress and feel less irritable.

·         Reassurance that feeling worried and stressed is to be expected in these circumstances. It doesn’t have to stop you dealing with the situation.

Some of the contacts are quite short - often they are 10 or 15 minute conversations. Some are the more traditional 50 minute session.

You can make an appointment for face to face counselling, or you can use the telephone support line.

A lot of people are learning some new skills that will be useful in other situations as well. Other people find a friendly reminder and a bit of encouragement helpful.

Some people need support right now. For others it may be helpful further down the track. So the support service will stay in place for some time.

If you want some practical counselling support:

• Ring Relationship Services Whakawhanaungatanga on 03 366 8804 or 0800 RELATE (0800 735 283)

For tips on coping emotionally after the Earthquake click here

For tips on helping your kids to cope with their feelings after the earthquake click here